Former Valdosta pediatrician to lead Tift Regional residency program
Published 1:59 pm Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Submitted photo: Dr. Kimberly Megow, TRMC’s new director of Graduate Medical Education
TIFTON— Tift Regional Medical Center has officially announced the appointment of Kimberly Megow, MD, MBA, DIPLOMATE ABP, FAAP, FACHE, as the new director of graduate medical education, a role critical to enhancing the hospital’s medical training programs.
Dr. Megow will spearhead the development of TRMC’s new internal medicine and OB/GYN residency programs, aimed at bolstering the medical workforce in the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Megow to our team,” expressed Christopher Dorman, president/CEO of TRMC and Southwell. “With the launch of these residency training initiatives planned for 2026, her expertise and leadership will be pivotal in ensuring the success and sustainability of these programs.”
Dr. Megow earned her medical degree from the esteemed Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, where she also completed her pediatric residency training. In addition to her medical qualifications, she holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Boasting over 33 years of clinical experience, Dr. Megow began her medical career as a practicing pediatrician in Valdosta, before taking on leadership roles within medical staff and administrative positions at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta and HCA in Kansas City, Missouri, and Corpus Christi, Texas.
“I am delighted to join the TRMC team,” Dr. Megow stated enthusiastically. “The introduction of these internal medicine and OB/GYN residency programs will not only enhance the quality of care we provide but also play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top physicians while ensuring comprehensive patient coverage for our hospital.”
A residency program is a comprehensive, full-time supervised clinical training program tailored for new doctors, or residents. This program is designed to help them develop the necessary skills and experience to practice medicine independently, ultimately benefiting the healthcare landscape.
Dorman emphasized that the new residency programs are in alignment with TRMC’s commitment to a culture of continuous learning and come with a myriad of benefits for both the hospital and the wider community. “Residency programs will bring highly trained physicians into our community, increasing the availability of specialized care in underserved rural areas, while expanding access,” he stated. “Our patients will have increased access to comprehensive services, minimizing the inconvenience and costs associated with traveling outside of our communities for healthcare.”
Dorman also highlighted that in addition to employing physicians, residency programs would create further job opportunities for support staff, administrators, and faculty members, ultimately contributing positively to the local economy.
“All these efforts are integral to uplifting the economic landscape of the region,” he noted.
Dr. Megow pointed out that rural areas frequently contend with significant physician shortages, particularly in specialties like internal medicine and OB/GYN. She suggested that residency programs are essential in addressing this pressing issue by training new doctors who are equipped to serve rural populations effectively. Residents exposed to rural healthcare settings gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges these populations face, including socioeconomic influences and specific health risks, fostering more culturally competent care.
Furthermore, Dr. Megow added that residency program graduates typically establish their practices near their training institutions or in adjacent communities, providing a significant benefit. “Residency program graduates who practice near their training ground have established knowledge and pragmatic use of local and regional healthcare resources,” she explained. “With residents working closely with attending physicians and patients, there is a profound opportunity for stronger continuity of care as residents become integrated into the local healthcare fabric.”
In addition to the upcoming residency training programs, TRMC has announced a collaboration with PCOM in Moultrie to facilitate clinical rotations for medical students, further enhancing educational opportunities within the community.
“TRMC has already established clinical rotations for students from other medical schools, but creating this formalized partnership with PCOM is particularly significant due to their proximity and commitment to advancing healthcare in South Georgia,” Dorman remarked. “This collaboration represents a mutually beneficial community partnership that will serve us all well.”
**Interview with Dr. Kimberly Megow: New Director of Graduate Medical Education at Tift Regional Medical Center**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Megow. Congratulations on your new role as the director of graduate medical education at Tift Regional Medical Center. Can you share a bit about what motivated you to take on this position?
**Dr. Megow:** Thank you for having me! I am genuinely excited about this new chapter. My motivation stems from a passion for medical education and a commitment to improving healthcare access in our region. I believe that developing residency programs in internal medicine and OB/GYN will not only enhance the quality of care we provide but also attract and retain skilled physicians to our community.
**Editor:** How do you envision the new residency programs impacting the local community and healthcare landscape?
**Dr. Megow:** The introduction of these residency programs will have a significant impact. By training new doctors close to home, we can ensure they develop deep ties to the community. This will improve access to specialized care in underserved areas and minimize the need for residents to travel for medical services. Additionally, these programs will create job opportunities not just for physicians, but for support staff and faculty, which will have a positive ripple effect on the local economy.
**Editor:** You’ve had a wealth of experience in pediatrics and various leadership roles. How will your background shape your approach to overseeing these new programs?
**Dr. Megow:** My experience as a pediatrician and in administrative roles has given me a broad perspective on the challenges and needs within healthcare. I plan to leverage my clinical background and leadership skills to foster a culture of learning and collaboration among residents and faculty. My goal is to ensure that these programs are not only rigorous and comprehensive but also supportive and nurturing of the next generation of healthcare providers.
**Editor:** What are some of the immediate steps you plan to take as you start this new role?
**Dr. Megow:** The first step is to collaborate closely with our team to outline the framework for the residency programs, ensuring they align with our hospital’s mission and community needs. We will also actively seek input from current medical professionals and stakeholders to refine our approach. Of course, launching these programs involves significant planning, and we are looking towards a 2026 launch, so there’s a lot of groundwork to be laid.
**Editor:** what message would you like to convey to the community regarding Tift Regional Medical Center’s future?
**Dr. Megow:** I want the community to know that we are committed to enhancing healthcare access and quality in our region. The residency programs we are developing are just one part of our broader vision to uplift our local healthcare landscape. We are excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to growing together with our community.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Megow, for sharing your insights and vision. We look forward to seeing the positive changes at Tift Regional Medical Center!
**Dr. Megow:** Thank you! It was my pleasure.
