(From left) Mercer University School of Medicine Dean Jean Sumner, M.D., MACP; former Gov. Nathan Deal; Brenda Deal; Mercer University President Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D. Photo by John Knight
The challenges facing rural healthcare and the people dedicated to addressing them were spotlighted Aug. 19 during the community screening of “Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story” at the Macon Film Festival.
“Georgia Rising” explores the complex struggles of rural healthcare across the state and shares the stories of those who have dedicated their life’s work to caring for people and developing innovative, proactive solutions for underserved communities.
Georgia Public Broadcasting will air the documentary Aug. 24 at 9 p.m.
Funded by Mercer University School of Medicine’s Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center, “Georgia Rising” follows rural medical providers and their creative approaches to delivering care.
Georgia legislators, Mercer University leadership, rural health advocates, medical students and others interested in rural healthcare filled Macon’s historic Douglass Theatre.
Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, who is featured in the film, opened the screening by emphasizing the importance of access to healthcare across Georgia, where the vast majority of the state’s 159 counties are rural.
“One of the things that this film depicts is an issue that is important to all of us, and that is the importance of healthcare and the importance of distributing healthcare to as many of the citizens of our state as possible,” he said.
Following the screening, providers featured in the film took a deep dive into not only the obvious challenges in rural healthcare, such as transportation, income, insurance and a lack of physicians, but also the systems, initiatives and collective community support that strengthen access and contribute to the overall well-being of rural people.
Panelists discussed the ingenuity it takes to keep hospitals open and for physicians to find ways to connect patients to the care they need. They emphasized that the relational side of medicine is a critical component of patient care — pharmacies, medical practices, schools and community service organizations must work together to create avenues to care through resources and health education.
Audience members praised the documentary for its portrayal of rural healthcare and the broader role healthcare institutions play in sustaining their communities.
One viewer called the film “a powerful reminder that investing in rural healthcare can change the very nature of people’s lives.”
“A healthcare facility brings more than just medical care. It brings hope, connection, opportunity and a renewed sense of community,” the viewer said. “Education can grow, and families and communities can thrive.”
Another viewer called the documentary “a must-watch for all medical students, physicians and patients alike.”
While metropolitan areas have a wide range of healthcare services and resources, rural communities often struggle to access primary care, much less specialty care for critical illnesses and diseases.
Although barriers to care are significant, the documentary offers a broader perspective on rural medicine — one that acknowledges these realities while highlighting the service, commitment and resilience found in rural communities. It shows the people behind rural healthcare and inspires others to see rural medicine not only as a challenge to overcome but as a calling worth celebrating.
“The heart of rural healthcare has always been its people. Too often, the narrative focuses on statistics about what is lacking,” said Glenda Grant, executive director of the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center. “‘Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story’ was created because rural healthcare deserves to be known for more than its obstacles.”
Grant said that behind every clinic, hospital, ambulance and community program are the people who possess the determination and drive it takes to change lives.
“This documentary is about honoring those individuals whose compassion and ingenuity make quality care possible. Rural communities aren’t simply surviving — they’re leading, innovating and rising,” she said.
Featured in “Georgia Rising”
Gov. Deal, who was raised in Washington County, has always advocated for rural healthcare and medical education. During his tenure as governor, he championed efforts to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce and access in rural communities. A four-year scholarship bearing his name at Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) provides full tuition for students who commit to living and practicing in medically underserved rural counties.
The documentary also features MUSM Dean Jean R. Sumner, M.D., MACP, a third-generation Georgia physician who has spent her career, first as a nurse and then as a physician, working in and advocating for rural communities.
“Rural Georgians are resilient and productive. They deserve quality primary healthcare services provided by well-trained physicians and other healthcare professionals. Rural hospitals save lives and bring new life into the world every day,”Sumner said.
Mercer School of Medicine has been unwaveringly dedicated and successful in educating Georgia physicians who are committed to serving rural areas. Practicing medicine in these areas requires exceptional skill and judgment, Sumner said.
“This film will help the viewer understand why rural physicians are critically important,” she said.
“Georgia Rising” also features Angela Handley, CEO of Clinch Memorial Hospital in Homerville; Justin Peterson, M.D., a MUSM graduate and OB-GYN serving Coffee County and surrounding areas; MUSM professor and preceptor Keisha Callins, M.D., an OB-GYN serving Jones and Twiggs counties; and Garret Streat, Pharm.D., a pharmacist, MUSM medical student and Nathan Deal Scholar.
“Georgia Rising: A Rural Health Story” was produced and directed by accomplished filmmaker and documentarian Tabitha Walker of Big Hair Productions. Emmy and Telly Award-winner Larry D. Brumley served as executive producer.
Author: Amanda A. Livingston
