The Inaugural MED Gala: A Night to Remember, A Mission to Protect

On June 7, 2025, the city of Columbus, Georgia, witnessed something extraordinary: the first-ever MED Gala, presented by Physicians Working Together to mark its 10th anniversary.

This evening was a bold step forward in reimagining what it means to support physicians, uplift future doctors, and build a healthcare system that works for everyone.

Hosted by the one and only Felicia Hamilton, the night opened with a powerful welcome from Dr. Kimberly F. Jackson, founder of Physicians Working Together. She spoke with conviction about why she launched the organization: to create a space where doctors could feel seen, heard, and empowered to speak truth to power. What started as an outlet became a movement.

Over the past decade, PWT has hosted healthcare town halls, led advocacy efforts in Washington, and promoted national awareness through initiatives like National Physicians Week, an idea conceived by Dr. Jackson herself. In 2019, recognizing the toll the system had taken on veteran doctors, she shifted her focus to support future physicians, launching the Medical Student Scholarship Contest, which honors students not for their grades, but for their heart, service, and humanity.

Dr. Kimberly F. Jackson - The Official MED Gala Chair, Jennifer Norton Simpson - The Official MED Gala Co-Chair and Creator

I had the opportunity to speak about why the Official MED Gala, was never just about dressing up or gathering for a night out. It was a cornerstone moment and a haiku to expand our pipeline from medical student scholarships into meaningful, long-term partnerships with colleges, school districts, and future donors.

I thought that it would be an impactful way to bring our community together and reflect on what Physicians Working Together has done, and where we’re headed next. It ended with true call to action for anyone ready to invest in the future of medicine.

That future is centered around our newest initiative: The MedBridge Initiative. This program is our long-term answer to a national crisis connecting high-achieving students in STEM fields with real mentorship from medical students and physicians. PWT wants to catch students early, while they’re still dreaming, and show them what’s possible. Because if they don’t see it, they may never pursue it. And that leaves all of us without care, without doctors, and without a future that’s healthy.

We desire to work with Columbus State University, Mercer University, and local high schools to build that pipeline, but our mission doesn’t stop there. The goal is to scale this nationally. MedBridge will connect grade school to medical school, rural towns to training institutions, and talent to opportunity.

Jennifer Norton Simpson - Chief Marketing Officer/Creator and Co-Chair of The MED Gala

Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, physician, veteran, and reality TV star of Married to Medicine, delivered a heartfelt message at the 2025 MED Gala that reminded everyone in the room: being a doctor doesn’t mean being invincible. Below, Dr. Contessa shares words of wisdom, vulnerability, and purpose with the next generation of healers. This wasn’t just another speech. It was a call to action.

Dr. Contessa Metcalfe - Keynote Speaker and Honoree

The presence of students at the Gala brought a special energy to the evening. One of the most unforgettable moments came from Charles Baker, 2021 scholarship recipient. His words reminded us why investing in people not just programs changes everything. His message was grounded, personal, and reflective of the kind of physician we all hope to one day meet.

“When you give, you're not just writing a check, you're writing a story of possibility, of hope, of resilience. And you're creating lifelong transformation. ”

- Charles Baker

Charles Baker - 2021 PWT Future Physicians Scholarship Contest

Briana Osei, one of last year’s scholarship recipients, didn’t just show up, she performed. And then she passed the mic (literally) to this year’s winner, LaBryson Greene. Click to watch Briana's submission. 2024 PWT Future Physicians Scholarship Recipient - Briana Osei

Bryce is a fourth-year medical student at Mercer University School of Medicine. With a passion for psychiatry, mentorship, and serving underserved populations, He is exactly the kind of leader the MedBridge Initiative is designed to support.

LaBryson Greene - 2025 PWT Future Physicians Scholarship Contest Winner

2025 PWT Future Physicians Scholarship Winner - LaBryson Greene

From the inspiring speakers to the elegant decor, live music, and gourmet dinner, every detail of the MED Gala was intentional. Special thanks to DJ Chip, who brought the energy and hosted our unforgettable Blue Carpet Experience, adding style and shine to the night.

We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors, whose generosity helped make this event a reality: JPL Family Medicine, Inspire and Empower with Dr. J, Bridgeway Diagnostics, Art2Lectual Creative Consulting, LLC – the creative force behind the brand and experience, Visionaire Visuals, iHeart Media, and a very special acknowledgment goes to GLO Green Dezigns, who took the vision and brought it to life flawlessly. From the stunning blue carpet to the elegantly dressed tables and intricate centerpieces, every detail reflected excellence.

A Final Word: Who Will Be Your Doctor Tomorrow?

We want you to sit with that question. Because if we’re not creating a path for students to become doctors, if we’re not building the bridge, then we’re failing to prepare for the care we’ll all eventually need. When that moment comes, who will you call?

The MedBridge Initiative is how we fight back against a shrinking physician workforce, especially in rural communities. It’s how we help students see a path where there once wasn’t one. And it’s how we protect our future, not just as patients, but as people who believe in community care.

Be part of the movement. Donate, partner, or learn more today! Click here.

Together, we are building something that will outlast us all.