Augusta, GA

Wellstar MCG helps bridge gap in Ga. health care

Published

1 year ago

December 28, 2024

Wellstar MCG helps bridge gap in Ga. health care

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been over a year since Wellstar Health System and Augusta University Health System merged.

Since then, they have seen an increase in medical students.

Augusta University says MCG’s class size is one of the top five in the country with more than 300 students in each class.

We spoke with a doctor about how this growth is helping Georgians.

The Medical College of Georgia is the 13th oldest medical school in the country.

After years of maturing, the college’s current first year class is projected to be the fifth largest in the country.

MCG officials say the growth is positive for pipelining more medical professionals in Georgia.

From the lab to communities, Wellstar MCG is making headway into the future of investing in Georgia’s medical workforce.

Dr. Natasha Savage with the Medical College of Georgia says her journey through the medical field has come full circle, now being able to educate the next generation.

“I’m a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia. I know how much our faculty cares about our residents, about our students and about our patients,” said Savage.

She says expanding specialty programs is what’s keeping MCG competitive in critical areas of healthcare like their newest program, maternal-fetal medicine.

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“That is a three-year fellowship under the state under the program of OB/GYN and is fully supported by the state. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists help ensure that we have great care for our moms and their children,” she said.

MCG says they’re not slowing down because the need to grow the medical pipeline is more important than ever.

“Whether that be pediatricians or OB/GYNs or pathologists, etc. There’s many areas of the state of Georgia that have no OB/GYN or no psychiatrist and so we’re really working to fill that void,” said Savage.

Savage says MCG retains about 50% of its students each year, which is a positive sign for the future landscape of Georgia healthcare.

“We hope to maintain them, keep them here and continue to improve healthcare through optimal teaching, research and excellence in care,” she said.

According to the Georgia Department of Community Health, more than 140 counties in Georgia are medically underserved.

With a high retention rate, officials hope to continue to bridge that gap in healthcare.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

5 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

17 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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