Dr. Ellen Courson was named the Preceptor of the Year by medical students of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) who spent their third year clinical rotations at South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC).
Dr. Courson is board-certified by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and operates a private practice, Valdosta Women’s Health Center.
Dr. Jarod Bailey, SGMC Director of Student Medical Education for VCOM, presented Dr. Courson with her award last week. She was chosen among the 33 credentialed preceptors at SGMC, receiving a perfect 5.0 rating.
Dr. Bailey said, “Dr. Courson is a blessing to this hospital, this community, and to the student medical education program.”
One student shared that his rotation with Dr. Courson influenced his decision to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology.
“As a physician there is no greater compliment than someone doing a rotation with you and saying they picked the rest of their life’s path based on their one rotation with you. That says it all,” said SGMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Dawson.
Dr. Courson graciously accepted the award stating that when she graduated from Medical School she took the Hippocratic oath which includes teaching future doctors. “I’ve always taken that to heart. I am very honored,” said Dr. Courson.
Dr. Courson has trained over 150 medical students throughout her career.
VCOM medical students live in Valdosta and spend four-week rotations with SGMC affiliated physicians in the specialties of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Through this rotation, they gain real world medical experience and insight into the various specialties to better determine which one is right for them.
Studies show that physicians tend to practice near their training sites. VCOM students spend an academic year in Valdosta and blend into the culture of SGMC. The ultimate goal being that they decide to stay and practice medicine in the area and fill a physician need.
For more information on VCOM, contact SGMC’s site director at 229-433-4131.