Background

Dr. Mike Bailey came to Macon in 1975 as a pioneer in the field of invasive cardiology. He was the first invasive cardiologist in Macon and Middle Ga, and the only American Board of Cardiology Certified cardiologist for a number of years. He chose to practice in Macon because it offered him the opportunity to lead the development and opening of the area’s first cardiac catheterization lab. In this lab he performed the first cardiac catheterization in Central Georgia in 1976.

Dr. Bailey obtained his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1964, and his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1968. His internship and one year of his Internal Medicine residency were completed at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Bailey then interrupted his medical training to serve in the US Army Medical Corp on active duty during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Major. After his military service, Dr. Bailey completed his Internal Medicine residency and his Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Alabama in Birmingham because they were leaders in the fields of invasive cardiology and cardiovascular surgery.

Dr. Bailey received his Board Certification in Internal Medicine in 1974, and Cardiovascular Disease Certification in 1975. He was appointed as a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology in 1987. He was the founder of Georgia Cardiology Associates, and in this role he attracted a number of talented cardiologists to our area. In total, he practiced cardiology in Macon for 31 years.

Toward the end of his career, Dr. Bailey was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He accepted his illness with courage and fortitude but also with a keen interest in Parkinson’s research.  He was instrumental in bringing several new Parkinson’s treatment programs to the area for the benefit of others.

Dr. Bailey has been an active member of Vineville Methodist Church and the Webb Sunday School Class for over 40 years. He is a philanthropist with ties to several charitable organizations.

When Dr. Bailey began his practice, cardiac catheterization was a cutting-edge procedure that had yet to gain widespread acceptance except in academic medical centers. Dr. Bailey was always attuned to medical technology, its advancement, and how he could use it to improve the quality of care he gave to his patients.

In awarding this scholarship, Dr. Bailey would like to inspire a similar pioneering spirit in the advancement of innovative healthcare methodology to future physicians.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be rising fourth year medical school students from the state of Georgia who are pursuing an M.D. degree at Mercer University’s School of Medicine on the Macon Campus.
• Applicants must plan to complete an Internal Medicine Residency.
• The ideal recipient of the Dr. Michael Bailey Scholarship is a student who is hardworking, compassionate and deserving.
• Preference may be given to a Boy Scout who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout or a Girl Scout who received the Gold Award, those with community service activities, and/or first generation college students.

Additional Short Answer Questions and Attachments

You will complete the Dr. Michael Bailey Scholarship Application. As part of that application, in addition to providing information about yourself, your previous education, and your performance in medical school, you will need to complete the following information:

• A short answer response describing why you chose to attend Medical School and why you selected Mercer University for your medical education.
• A short answer response describing what motivates you to practice Internal Medicine.
• Provide the name and email address of two Mercer faculty members that you have worked with during your
  Medical School tenure.
• A resume listing your work, school and community activities, athletics, awards, offices held, and other relevant experience.
• The first page of your FAFSA Student Aid Report that shows your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) value.
• A final transcript from your undergraduate institution.
• Your most recent unofficial transcript from Mercer University’s School of Medicine.

Awards

Number of awards: One

Scholarship Amount: $25,000