G. Michael Shoffner, M.D. Scholarship Fund
Background
Dr. Shoffner’s journey to medicine was one of purpose, perseverance, and passion. At the age of 37, after an already distinguished healthcare career, he made the bold decision to attend medical school—driven by a profound desire to contribute more deeply to the well-being of others and to the medical community he so greatly admired.
A native of Virginia, Dr. Shoffner began his academic path at William & Mary. He went on to serve three years in the U.S. Navy before earning a degree in physical therapy from the Medical College of Virginia. He practiced physical therapy in Danville, Virginia, for three years, then moved to Macon, Georgia, where he served as an electromyographer for five years. It was during this time that his calling to medicine became clear.
Dr. Shoffner attended the Medical College of Georgia, where he graduated first in his class. In addition to his academic excellence, he was awarded the Physician’s Physician award—voted by his peers as the doctor they would most want as their own. This rare distinction, seldom bestowed on the top graduate, reflected his extraordinary combination of intellect, compassion, and character.
He completed his residency in neurology at the Medical College of Georgia and returned to Macon to practice at Neurology Associates, where he served patients with skill, empathy, and dedication. He was a member of the Bibb County Medical Society, American Academy of Neurology
Dr. Shoffner was known and cherished for his gentle patience, sincere warmth, and unwavering kindness. His quick wit, ever-present smile, and broad range of interests—from sailing to woodworking—left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Whether as a physician, colleague, friend, or mentor, he offered not only knowledge and care but genuine human connection.
The scholarship established in Dr. Shoffner’s name honors his remarkable life and enduring legacy. It serves as a tribute to his belief in lifelong learning, his commitment to service, and his unwavering belief in the potential of others to make a meaningful difference.
Purpose
The intent of the scholarship is to provide a non-traditional medical school student financial support to further their medical education.
Eligibility Criteria
- This scholarship is for non-traditional medical school students working toward an M.D. or D.O. degree in a medical school in the state of Georgia.
- Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited medical school located in the state of Georgia. (Currently Augusta University in Augusta or Athens, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Mercer University in Macon or Savannah or the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Georgia Campus in Kennesaw, GA.)
- Applicants must be at least 25 years of age
- Applicants must have lived and/or worked in Central Georgia for a minimum period of 3 years at some point before applying to Medical School. The Central Georgia area is defined as the following counties: Bibb, Baldwin, Butts, Coffee, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Monroe, Peach, Spalding, Taylor, Twiggs, Upson, and Wilkinson.
Additional Short Answer Questions and Attachments
You will complete the G. Michael Shoffner, M.D. Scholarship Application. As part of that application, in addition to providing information about yourself, your previous education and medical school you will need to complete the following information:
- A short answer response describing how long you have lived or worked in Central Georgia and what your commitment to the Central Georgia community is.
- A short answer response describing your career path since college graduation and why you’re choosing to go to medical school now. Why have you selected the field of medicine after working in a professional career, and what motivates you to learn more about the field of medicine?
- A short essay to include anything that you want the selection committee to know about you that has not been disclosed in another section of the application. Have you experienced any hardships, challenges, or obstacles that have influenced your educational pursuits?
- A resume listing your work, school and community activities, athletics, awards, offices held, and other relevant experience.
- Your most recent undergraduate college transcript.
Awards
Amount of Award: Typically $500 – $1,000 per year
Number of Awards: Typically one per year
Prior recipients may re-apply and be reconsidered each year for a future award.