SGMC Health and Mercer University Celebrate First Hooding Ceremony at Valdosta Campus

Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) and SGMC Health marked a historic milestone on May 5 with the first-ever Doctor of Medicine Hooding Ceremony held at the Valdosta Campus.

The ceremony recognized the Class of 2026 as they formally transitioned from medical students to physicians - an important step in their professional journey and a reflection of their dedication to serving communities across Georgia.

"This ceremony marks an important step in becoming a physician," said Jean Sumner, MD, MACP, Dean of MUSM. "As Mercer graduates, these physicians have committed to serving rural underserved communities throughout our state. That responsibility is a privilege and one that is critically needed."

The hooding ceremony, rooted in centuries-old academic tradition dating back to early European universities, symbolizes the mastery of a chosen field. For medical graduates, the hood represents both academic achievement and a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

The inaugural Valdosta Campus ceremony highlights the continued growth of Mercer's partnership with SGMC Health and its expanding role in training physicians locally. Graduates have completed their clinical education in collaboration with SGMC Health physicians, staff, and regional clinical partners-gaining hands-on experience in a community-based healthcare setting.

The ceremony featured an address from Jared Sanders, MD, a South Georgia native, surgeon, and member of the SGMC Health medical staff. A MUSM alumnus, Dr. Sanders emphasized the importance of collaboration, leadership, and a commitment to patient care - values that define both the institution and the graduates entering the field.

Graduates honored during the ceremony included recognition for academic excellence, leadership, service to the community, and compassion in patient care. Highlights included the Physician's Physician Award, presented to Brendan Mahoney, who will be continuing his education at SGMC Health through its Transitional Year residency program, and multiple Outstanding Student Awards recognizing excellence across clinical and academic disciplines.

Fifteen graduates were individually hooded during the ceremony by faculty members Brian Griner, MD, and Anthony Johnson, MD, who were selected by the students - an honor reflecting mentorship and the impact of clinical educators throughout their training.

The ceremony also recognized the contributions of faculty, staff and clinical partners, including SGMC Health, for their essential role in preparing the next generation of physicians.

"This milestone reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to improving health outcomes across South Georgia," said Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Pankaj Agrawal, MD. "Training doctors locally strengthens access to care and helps ensure communities have the physicians they need."

The event also showcased the continued evolution of the partnership between MUSM and SGMC Health. Since its launch in 2020, the collaboration has expanded to include three residency programs, a two-year clinical campus, and a simulation lab - strengthening physician training in South Georgia. With additional programs underway, the partnership continues to grow in ways that support workforce development and access to care across the region.

To learn more, visit sgmc.org.

About Mercer University School of Medicine (Macon, Savannah and Columbus)

Mercer University's School of Medicine was established in 1982 to educate physicians and health professionals to meet the primary care and health care needs of rural medically underserved areas of Georgia. Today, more than 60 percent of graduates currently practice in the state of Georgia, and of those, more than 80 percent are practicing in rural or medically underserved areas of Georgia. Mercer medical students benefit from a problem-based medical education program that provides early patient care experiences. Such an academic environment fosters the early development of clinical problem-solving and instills in each student an awareness of the place of the basic medical sciences in medical practice. The School opened additional four-year M.D. campuses in Savannah in 2008 and in Columbus in 2021, and a clinical campus in Valdosta in 2024. Following their second year, students participate in core clinical clerkships at the School's primary teaching hospitals: Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center and Piedmont Macon Medical Center in Macon; Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah; Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital and St. Francis Hospital in Columbus; and SGMC Health in Valdosta. The School also offers master's degrees in preclinical sciences and family therapy and Ph.D.s in biomedical sciences and rural health sciences.

About SGMC Health

SGMC Health is the most comprehensive health system serving South Georgia and North Florida, with four hospitals across Lowndes, Berrien, and Lanier counties. The system also operates ambulance services, a cancer center, hospice, retirement and skilled nursing facilities, imaging centers, and urgent care locations. Through strategic partnerships, facility expansions, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, SGMC Health continues to fulfill its mission: to improve the lives of all it serves.