Dear Editor,
On November 24th, the Augusta Press featured a guest column from lawmakers Rep. Mark Newton, Rep. Gary Richardson, and Sen. Max Burns, expressing strong support for the proposed new MCG research building. I attended the pre-legislative breakfast where USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue emphasized the local delegation’s role in funding this project and the necessity of community backing for capital initiatives.
Translational research, which bridges laboratory discoveries to clinical applications, is essential for MCG’s growth. The new building will enhance physician training, foster groundbreaking research, and improve clinical care, attracting patients globally. MCG needs modern facilities to recruit top-tier researchers.
The Georgia Cancer Center’s launch aimed to lead in cancer care and translational research. The M. Bert Storey Research Building connects researchers with patients, symbolizing MCG’s commitment to direct patient benefits.
I noted some comments on the lawmakers’ column. Recruiting elite physician-scientists benefits all state research institutions as part of a collaborative ecosystem. The Georgia Research Alliance supports this by funding key researchers and most recently helped bring to MCG a notable immunology duo from the La Jolla Institute who have already expanded their team.
Chancellor Perdue’s remark about our region being the “epicenter of healthcare” reflects a proud legacy; AU/MCG has trained healthcare professionals for 156 of Georgia’s 159 counties. Despite challenges like hospital consolidations and closures, MCG is positioned to significantly increase the healthcare workforce with a record incoming class. We need research to help attract and retain these graduates in Georgia.
My family and I are excited about MCG’s expanding role in transformative research, clinical care, and physician education for Georgia and beyond.
Dr. Charles Green Jr.
Chair-MCG Foundation
