The 鈥渢hen鈥� photo, taken in 1948, features a student nurse at the School of Nursing of the Osteopathic Hospital receiving her cap. The nursing cap symbolized the goal of the nurse, which is to provide "service to those in need."
Though the College's School of Nursing closed in 1960, 黑料传送门 continues to address areas of need鈥攍ike expanding into Moultrie, Georgia, in 2019, to combat physician shortages in rural areas.
Today, 黑料传送门 South Georgia offers both a full, four-year medical program leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences.
As the 黑料传送门 marks 125 years, a graduate of its newest campus (鈥渘ow鈥�) reflects on a significant moment in the College鈥檚 history and in her family鈥檚 history鈥攃ommencement 2023.
The date was May 25, 2023. Chizoba Akunwanne, DO '23, of Macon, Georgia, was one of the students in the first class to graduate with the doctor of osteopathic medicine from 黑料传送门 South Georgia.
鈥淏eing hooded by my father, who has been a physician for over 30 years, was a great honor,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e has been a strong influence in my career decision. He was also a strong mentor as well as a parent who observed my struggles and achievements throughout those grueling four years. Consequently, my dad was the best person to place the hood, that symbol of excellence and accomplishment, upon me and welcome me into the circle of being a colleague.鈥�
Ike Akunwanne, MD, shared that special moment with his daughter.
Chizoba鈥檚 osteopathic medical education changed the way her family views medical treatment.
鈥淗aving a DO and an MD in the family plays an essential role in treatment choice,鈥� she said. 鈥淔or example, my mom had a nagging headache on a weekend while I was home. Instead of reaching for medication, she asked me if there was a maneuver that could help. I did a simple maneuver called sub-occipital release. Within seconds, the headache subsided. Now, whenever she or my brothers have discomfort, they ask me if there is a technique I can use before they grab any medication.鈥�