Sumter Regional Hospital and its affiliate Sumter Regional Medical Group Inc. are pleased to announce that local OB-GYN physicians Jocelyn Rogers M.D. and Rebecca Craig M.D. have joined forces and opened a new practice at 205 Rees St.

The two women met about six years ago when they both were medical residents at the Tulane University School of Medicine. They explained Friday during an interview at their new office that they have been best friends every since.

“I try not to tell too many people that,” Rogers said with a smile as she picked at her friend. The two doctors said, in their case, there are no issues with being in medical practice and business together with a friend.

“We hardly ever disagree, but when we do, when can always resolve the issue and move on,” said Craig. They both said they love being physicians and helping people, but being a doctor isn’t as glamorous and prestigious as some might think.

They said the profession takes a lot of hard work, persistence, dedication and stamina. They both said it is all about putting the patient first. Rogers was asked about her opinion of Americus and its citizens, “This (Americus) is me. I feel at home here.”

Craig said the people of Americus are very warm and pleasant, and Americus feels very comfortable, serene and safe compared to larger cities.

She pointed out that this is the first that the Sumter Regional Medical Group Inc. has ever had an OB-GYN practice in its group. The doctors said being under the auspices of the Sumter Regional Medical Group Inc. allow them to concentrate more on medicine and treating the patient than the administrative side of operating a medical practice. For more information about the new practice of Dr. Rogers and Dr. Craig, including future appointments, please call (229) 928-4144.