Mercer's support has been so secure that no insider seriously questioned whether or not it would eventually get its funding. But Barnes' tactic suggests that some people may have forgotten how important it is to have the governor on board. Mercer's claim to public funding goes back about 20 years. The entire medical program at Mercer is geared toward ensuring that its graduates stay in Georgia and work in the more unattractive, less lucrative areas of the state. This is no small task.
Medical students are just as interested in earning a comfortable living as anyone else.
The lure of a specialized practice is tremendous. However, Mercer isn't supposed to be turning out doctors who live in Buckhead. Barnes said he wants to see a funding formula in place by next January. It will take into account, as it should, some objective measure of Mercer's contribution to the welfare of Georgia residents. Medical school dean Doug Skelton wasted no time in saying he approves and will seek even greater funding next year.