Dr. Vinod Thourani is the Bernie Marcus Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Piedmont Healthcare and the Marcus Heart and Vascular and Valve Center of the Piedmont Heart Institute (PHI) in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the Surgical Director of the PHI Structural Center of Excellence.

RJ Brooks directs the day-to-day functions of Lake Country Medical Group. RJ coordinates with a care team to provide patients with a smooth, hassle-free experience. RJ has over 10 years of experience in durable medical equipment. His passion is facilitating an environment where patients can enjoy excellent health care with convenience and comfort.

Carson is a senior at the University of Georgia who is majoring in Biomedical Physiology. He has been an intern at LCMG and a part of LCRHI for 1.5 years. His future plans are to attend medical school.

Heather Scott is a Certified Medical Assistant with more than 10 years of experience in the healthcare field. For the past three years, she has been a vital part of Lake Country Medical Group, where she currently serves as the Lead Medical Assistant. Known for her deep passion for patient care and her commitment to creating a supportive, organized clinical environment, Heather plays a key role in daily operations and staff coordination.

Martin is a Junior at the University of Georgia majoring in Biomedical Physiology and Health Promotion with emphasis in Behavioral Medicine. He has been an intern and member of LCRHI for 2 years. His future plans are to attend medical school.

Neo is a Junior at the University of Georiga. He is majoring in Exercise Science with a emphasis on Nutrition.

Pooja is a junior at the University of Georgia majoring in Biology & Spanish Interdisciplinary Studies. She has been with UGA RHI for 2 years. Her future plans include applying to medical school.

Elle Eisele is a third-year Biomedical Physiology major on the pre-medicine track at the University of Georgia. She was first introduced to rural healthcare through Lake Country Medical Group’s nonprofit club at UGA, where she quickly developed an interest in helping close the gap between urban and rural health access. Through attending screening clinics, volunteer events, and club meetings, her passion for rural health has continued to grow. Elle now serves as the leader of the Athens Academy Ambassador Program, mentoring students as they explore careers in healthcare. This is her second semester as an intern with Lake Country Medical Group, where she is eager to continue building her experience and deepening her involvement with both the clinic and the nonprofit organization.

Eli is a senior at the University of Georiga majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Biology. He has been a member of UGA RHI for 2 years. His future plans include applying to medical school.

Josiah is a Senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Health Promotion. He has been an intern and member of LCRHI for 2.5 years. His future plans include applying to medical school.

Henry is a Senior at the University of Georiga majoring in Biomedical Physiology. He has been a member of LCRHI for a year and an intern for 1 semester. His future plans are to apply to medical school.

Lucy is a Junior at Georgia College & State University majoring in Biology. She has been an intern and member of LCRHI for a year now. Her future plans are to pursue a career as a PA.

Amanda is a student at the University of Georiga. She has been with UGA RHI for 1 year. Her future plans include applying to medical school.

Mallory is a recent graduate from Georgia College & State University. She majored in Exercise Science. She has been with the clinic and non profit for 1.5 years and is currently applying to nursing school to become a Nurse Practioner.

Mallory is a recent graduate from Georgia College & State University. She majored in Exercise Science. She has been with the clinic and non profit for 1.5 years and is currently applying to nursing school to become a Nurse Practioner.

Asmee is a Junior at the University of Georgia. She is majoring in Psychology. This is Asmee’s first year with the non profit board but has been a member of UGA RHI for 2 years. Her future career plans are to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist.

Etienne Choquart started his time with the Lake Country Medical Group through the nonprofit, under which he currently leads the Rural Health Initiative club at UGA. Through the nonprofit and clinic, he is working to pioneer research efforts in vision health in rural and underserved communities. Etienne is currently in his 3rd year at the University of Georgia, studying Biomedical Physiology with plans to attend medical school after graduation.

Lucy is a Junior at Georgia College & State University majoring in Biology. She has been an intern and member of LCRHI for a year now. Her future plans are to pursue a career as a PA.

My name is Shelby Marullo, and I am a senior at Lake Oconee Academy. My favorite thing about the ambassadors program is the experience I have gained from applying healthcare concepts directly to my own community. My Ambassador taught me that healthcare is a journey of continuous learning, showing me that mistakes are just steps toward mastery and that true excellence comes through practice. Looking ahead, my future goals are to pursue a career in healthcare and continue advocating for those who cannot easily obtain quality care.

My name is Christina Chronos, and I am a member of the Class of 2027 at Athens Academy. One of my favorite things about this program is the opportunity to learn new medical skills and then put what I’ve learned into practice alongside all of my friends. I also enjoy seeing my friends who are new to medicine gain knowledge and confidence as they are introduced to the field. Being part of the Ambassador Program has helped me become much more experienced and confident in the basic fundamentals of medicine, and it has strengthened my passion for healthcare. After graduation, I hope to attend either the University of Miami or the University of Georgia to pursue my education and work toward becoming a Physician Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner.