August 3, 2007
Albany -- James Davis is a 21-year-old senior studying pre-med at Georgia Southern University. "I watched a general surgery and I loved it," said Davis. "My next thought is I just messed up because now I have 20 more years of schooling to go through."
He always knew he wanted to be a doctor and never strayed from his dream, even at the expense of his relationship. "He studies day in and day out," said his girlfriend, Amanda Trice. "We don't get to spend as much time together, but I am very proud of him."
James and nine other dedicated students spent four weeks this summer in the Pathway to Med School Program at Phoebe Putney Hospital.
They shadowed doctors and resident students and spent a lot of time doing research. "We pulled over 200 charts. After the introductory week, we only had about three weeks to do the actual research," said Davis.
But the work paid off and family and staff can see the difference. "Confidence, she is more confident and feels that she is ready for the medical school application process," said Pathway student Jessica Thomas' parents, Jerry and Lisa Thomas.
Now these students are ready for the next step. "The field of medicine is not something you choose. It chooses you, and I feel that this is true. I know that this is my calling," said Davis.
The program also focused on practicing in rural areas so that hopefully these future doctors will bring their skills back to Southwest Georgia.
This is the third year Phoebe has hosted the Pathway to Medicine program. So far all the graduates have gotten into medical school.
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