Scottish expert to discuss rural health, physician shortage and collaborative solutions

Dr. Emma Watson, deputy medical director of the National Health Service Highland in Scotland, will present to Augusta University at 11 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium on the Health Sciences Campus.

This event is part of the Augusta University Institute of Public and Preventive Health’s Public Health Seminar Series and is supported by the Office of the Provost.

Watson’s presentation, “Rural Health: Leveraging the Scottish Experience in Educational Design and Delivery and Generating New Knowledge Models Through Collaboration,” will discuss Scotland’s rural public health efforts, which can offer solutions for Georgia.

The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of between 46,900 and 121,900 physicians by 2032 in the U.S., including primary care. So although primary care physicians are in short supply everywhere, the lack of providers in rural settings is more acute. Georgia’s physician workforce problem is one of the worst in the nation, ranking 41st in physician workforce per capita.

“In fact, we have nine counties that don’t have a single physician,” said Dr. David Hess, dean of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.

At the presentation, boxed lunches will be available to those who RSVP. Attendees can also join virtually via Microsoft Teams. Register online or call 706-721-4065 for more information.

View the event on the Augusta University events calendar or download the event flyer. Learn more about rural health in Georgia.