There will be a doctor in the house when the 2025 fall graduates from the Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) cross the stage to receive their diplomas.
Dr. Deep J. Shah of Johns Creek, vice chair-elect of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, has been named the keynote speaker for both of Georgia Gwinnett College’s fall ceremonies, which are being held in GGC’s Convocation Center at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, December 12.
Dr. Shah says: “It is truly an honor to be invited to address the Class of 2025, and a monumental occasion I am looking forward to it. Commencement marks a powerful moment of possibility, and I am excited to celebrate this milestone with the graduates and their families.”
Dr. Shah is an active member of the northeast Atlanta community, a practicing primary care physician and an owner/operator of Gwinnett Clinic, an independent medical practice based in Lawrenceville. An authority on health care delivery and health finance, Dr. Shah has published perspectives in The New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association. He has been named a Top Doctor by both Georgia Trend and Castle Connolly for each of the last several years.
In addition to his work at Gwinnett Clinic, he advocates for patients and physicians at the state and federal levels. In 2021, Governor Brian P. Kemp appointed him to serve on the board of Augusta University Health System (now Wellstar MCG Health). In 2022, Dr. Shah was named a Director of Touchmark National Bank, an FDIC-insured Minority Deposit Institution in Alpharetta that focuses on locally owned small businesses. He was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2024.
A native Georgian, Dr. Shah graduated with highest honors from the University of Georgia as a Foundation Fellow. He won Truman and Rhodes scholarships to study at Oxford University, where he earned a master’s degree in social policy. Dr. Shah earned his medical degree from Harvard University and trained in internal medicine at Emory University.
Jackson EMC Crew members win statewide distinction
A potentially tragic incident turned into a story of heroism and hope, thanks to the quick thinking, extensive training and courageous actions of a group of Jackson EMC employees. Their extraordinary efforts were recognized with the prestigious Lifesaving Award by Georgia EMC during the state association’s recent annual meeting in Savannah.
On April 16, a Jackson EMC crew based in Gwinnett County consisting of Paul Everett, Kyler Hosch, Jacob Miller, Andrew Quint and Micheal Simmons, witnessed a severe two-car accident. One of the vehicles overturned and came to rest on its roof. Inside the overturned car were an elderly man and woman, both trapped upside down in their seatbelts. The woman was conscious and screaming for help, while the man was unconscious, adding urgency to the rescue.
Acting swiftly and with precision, the Jackson EMC crew carefully removed the woman from the vehicle, ensuring her safety before turning their attention to the unconscious man. After cutting the seatbelts, they extricated him while taking great care to avoid exacerbating potential spinal injuries. Once outside the vehicle, they confirmed the man had a pulse and was breathing. They monitored both victims until emergency responders arrived shortly thereafter. Their actions undoubtedly prevented further harm and may have saved lives.
In addition to receiving the Lifesaving Award, Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services earlier recognized the crew’s bravery with the Meritorious Civilian Award, further highlighting their selflessness and commitment to helping others in critical moments.
Stephen Poole, director of safety and training at Jackson EMC, says: “The Jackson EMC crew’s response to this emergency truly embodies the values we uphold as an organization. Their quick thinking, courage, and commitment to the safety and well-being of our community make us incredibly proud. They represent the very best of what it means to serve.”
