PCOM South Georgia has launched its Medical Rural Outreach Van, or MedROVer, a 40-foot, fully equipped mobile clinic designed to deliver health education and wellness resources directly to communities throughout the region. The RV-like vehicle, recently seen parked in the college’s Moultrie lot, aims to address significant healthcare access challenges in Southwest Georgia.
The MedROVer will serve as a mobile community resource, with PCOM South Georgia faculty, staff, and students providing various health screenings, educational programs, and wellness initiatives. Services include blood pressure readings and education on critical topics such as hypertension, diabetes, mental health, and nutrition. If a health concern is detected during a visit, faculty members can assist community residents in connecting with local healthcare providers.
Dillon Presley, assistant director of campus operations at PCOM South Georgia, emphasized the pressing need for such initiatives. Presley stated that the majority of counties in Georgia do not have a physician, with Southwest Georgia facing a particular critical need. He added that transportation has been identified as a significant obstacle to accessing healthcare in the region, making the MedROVer’s mobile approach crucial to getting health care in our region.
The mobile unit is owned by Southwell in Tifton, which has leased it to PCOM South Georgia for a period of three years. Previously, the clinic was utilized by Southwell to provide healthcare services to underserved communities, administer COVID-19 vaccinations, and support other community health programs. Christopher Dorman, president and chief executive officer of Southwell, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. Dorman noted that collaborating with PCOM allows the unit to continue its community service while simultaneously supporting the education and training of future physicians. He highlighted the excitement that this mobile clinic will expand PCOM’s outreach, offer valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students, and connect more individuals with healthcare services.
The MedROVer is designed to serve up to four patients concurrently, featuring three patient rooms and a dedicated waiting area. Each outreach mission will be staffed by 8 to 10 student volunteers working alongside a faculty member, offering practical experience for future medical professionals.
Lissa P. Murphy, clinical sciences chair, director of healthcare services, and associate professor of emergency medicine at PCOM South Georgia, underscored the educational benefits for students. Dr. Murphy explained that the MedROVer provides an opportunity to expose students to diverse populations they might not otherwise encounter. She noted that over 60% of PCOM South Georgia students are from Georgia, and more than half intend to enter primary care. This experience, Dr. Murphy said, allows them to practice patient-focused care early in their training.
On September 1, a group of nearly a dozen student volunteers boarded the MedROVer for an initial training session, which also included a “Know Your Numbers” program. Misha Ul-Islam (DO ’29), president of the new PCOM South Georgia HEARTS student organization, explained that HEARTS aims to enhance health literacy and wellness through education, outreach, and connecting people to available community resources. Ul-Islam, who has volunteered at free health clinics for seven years, expressed a desire to see the organization expand its community contributions in the future.
For community members, the MedROVer will be open to the public every Tuesday during September and October. It will be located in the PCOM South Georgia parking lot in Moultrie, with services available from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
