Dr. John M. Hodges
In 1993, funds were bequeathed to the Kennestone Regional Foundation, now the WellStar Foundation, from the estate of Mrs. Mary Hodges Turner for the purpose of endowing the Dr. John M. Hodges Scholarship trust fund. This gift was in honor of Mrs. Turner’s brother, Dr. John M. Hodges, a long-time surgeon at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide educational opportunities for qualified applicants in any area of medical education, including but not limited to mental health, social services, nursing services, community health, home nursing care, rehabilitation, and others. Dr. Hodges, along with Dr. Spencer Mullins, started what is now known as WellStar Medical Group Surgical Associates of Marietta in 1959.
Impact
The Dr. John M. Hodges Scholarship is awarded to multiple applicants every year who are enrolled or accepted in any area of medical training, including nursing and allied health, and are current WellStar employees who have been employed by WellStar for at least one year. This scholarship aims to increase the local supply of healthcare professionals by offering financial assistance to qualified persons pursuing a degree in a healthcare related field. The scholarship impacts the recipient by providing funding to help offset the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, educational equipment and other costs related to the applicant’s academic pursuit.