Mercer, Memorial open 4-year medical school

Macon's Mercer University and Savannah's Memorial Health announced a major expansion expected to increase the number of doctors in Georgia on Wednesday. Mercer and Memorial are creating a full 4-year medical school in Savannah.

The university and hospital currently teach students here through a 2-year residency program.

Mercer President William Underwood says, expanding basic science and clinical programs in Savannah will double the number of doctors his school can graduate.

"We will eventually have 60 graduates a year from the Macon campus and another 60 graduates a year from the campus here in Savannah," he said. "I think it is one of the most significant initiatives in health care education over the last 25 years."

State lawmakers not only are touting the school's impact on the state's doctor shortage, but also on the economy. They say, having more doctors and teachers here makes the 5-million-dollar annual taxpayer contribution to the school money well spent.