So my name is Claude Bernard, and this is my Augusta University story. So I was born in Cameroon, West Africa, where I lived for the first 18 years of my life before moving to the United States. When I was born, my parents were so poor that they had to sneak us out of the hospital because the bills were too high. So when my mom told me this story, I've always had this desire in me to one day become a doctor, so I can help other people. The US Army opened up this program, where you can become a US citizen. When I figured if I become a combat medic, that will help me with some of the skills I need for medical school, I'll also be fulfilling my obligation to service. So the Medical College of Georgia, the 3+ program is a pathway where you can complete medical school in three years. And the whole goal of the program is to get physicians out in the workforce in Georgia, sooner than later, because of the medical need in the rural areas in Georgia. Yes, finishing medical school in three years is amazing. And having a medical school paid for-- It's amazing. Based on my experience in this area. So you really need to have that passion to help in rural areas. If a medical student knows what they want to go into, I mean know there is this need in rural areas, why not just put them through this specific path, where you set them up for success, expose them to this training early, and in three years--They go to residency and they are out in these areas helping out-- It just makes sense. Because of this program, I am able to achieve my goal of becoming a physician and living a life of service to others.
