Message from the
Program Director

Thank you so much for your interest in the Ph.D. in Rural Health Sciences at Mercer University School of Medicine.

At Mercer University, our School of Medicine was established in 1982 with a clear mission: to meet the health needs of rural Georgia. Initially, we focused on training primary care physicians, but we have since expanded into graduate programs to further our impact.

The Ph.D. in Rural Health Sciences Program is specifically designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for research careers centered around improving the health of rural areas. With approximately 20% of Americans residing in these regions, our program adopts a multidisciplinary approach to address the major issues faced by rural populations. We strive to find ways and techniques that consider the economic and social realities of different situations.

One of the things that sets our program apart is our small class sizes and diverse faculty backgrounds. We believe in providing hands-on experiences for our students to complement our research-based focus. We actively encourage critical and creative thinking, and we firmly believe in the scientific method and fostering an open marketplace of ideas. We want our students to make a real difference in the world.

We warmly invite you to join us in making a positive impact in rural communities. Take some time to explore our comprehensive program website for more detailed information, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. We are here to help and support you every step of the way!