The foundation for MCG’s Southwest Campus was laid decades ago as clinical sites were established in multiple locations. The student experiences at these sites led to the formal development of MCG’s first clinical campus, with all clerkships available and multiple elective opportunities offered.
The first students arrived in 2010, graduated in 2012. Since then a total of 12 graduating classes have successfully gone on to train in a broad number of specialties, here in Georgia and across the nation. Some have returned to practice here and continue to support MCG’s education mission through teaching. A great example of that is Dr. Koosh Desai, who was a SW Campus student. He graduated from MCG in 2016 and returned here three years later to practice medicine and serve as Assistant Campus Dean, responsible for our curriculum development and execution.
The real strength of the campus lies with the small army of volunteer Clinical Faculty-- full time practicing physicians who choose to teach for the love of teaching. Our hospital affiliate partners welcome our students into their spaces and provide the support necessary to deliver a robust clinical experience. Additionally, the SW Campus has developed clinical affiliations with destination residencies in three locations. These residencies offer SW Campus students the ability to have clerkship and elective experiences in residencies that can be potential destination, whether they are on the traditional or accelerated path.
The SW Campus Suite is located in dedicate education space directly between the main
clinical site and the amazing student housing that is available to MCG medical students
and UGA Pharmacy students. Immediately adjacent to the campus suite is HealthWorks,
a terrific wellness center with workout facilities, CrossFit gym, a lighted game field
and walking track. Access to HealthWorks is free for MCG students.
Living and learning on the Southwest Campus is made easier by the proximity and affordability of housing in Albany. Additionally the campus suite is located halfway between Phoebe’s Flaggstone Apartments and the main hospital campus. Students can also choose local housing that is also close to campus, safe and affordable.
Adding a nice touch, Phoebe’s Healthworks Gym and Wellness Center is next door to the campus suite and offers year round workout facilities and they offer individual and group fitness activities.
Unique offerings for SW Campus students include:
Students who attend the Southwest Campus also complete clinical rotations at sites throughout Southwest Georgia, including Tifton, Cordele, Valdosta, Albany, Bainbridge, LaGrange, Americus, Thomasville, Colquitt, Senoia, and Columbus.
Southwest Campus
Doug Patten, MD
SW Regional Dean
Koosh Desai, MD
SW Assistant Regional Dean
