Dr. Carswell Leis and Dr. Sandra Scott Leis graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine during the Mercer University Commencement Ceremony held Friday, May 8, 2026, in Macon.
Among more than 2,200 Mercer University graduates this spring, Carswell and Sandra were two of only three Mercer University graduates selected to receive the prestigious James T. McAfee, Jr. Endowed Vision and Leadership Scholarship. Each recipient was awarded a $10,000 scholarship. The scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and service among students across Mercer University. Recently married on April 10 in Savannah, the couple will begin Internal Medicine residencies in July at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Carswell Leis, a native of Douglas and a graduate of Coffee High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences magna cum laude from the University of Georgia. During his time at Mercer University School of Medicine-Savannah, he served in leadership roles on the Student Council and Honor Council and represented students as a Medical Association of Georgia delegate. He also participated in a quality improvement research project at Memorial Health University Medical Center focused on improving care for geriatric patients.
Sandra Scott Leis, originally from Midway, and a graduate of Liberty County High School earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Exercise and Sport Science cum laude from the University of Georgia, where she was also a competitive swimmer for the Georgia Bulldogs. At Mercer, she served as a peer tutor, chaired the ambassador program, and served on the admissions committee. She was selected as a Landings Women’s Golf Association Cancer Summer Research Scholar and is a member of both the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Sandra also received honors for Outstanding Student in Internal Medicine and Outstanding Student in Population Health.
Together, Carswell and Sandra earned Mercer’s Distinction in Service to the Community recognition through the creation and implementation of “Bear Down for Dinner,” a volunteer initiative developed in partnership with Kids Café of America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia.
Inspired by witnessing food insecurity among classmates and children in rural communities, the couple organized Mercer medical student volunteers to package and distribute nutritious meals for children in need across Chatham County and nine surrounding counties. They also created educational nutrition materials for families to encourage healthy habits and wellness. Their efforts helped provide thousands of meals to children throughout the school year and summer months.
The James T. McAfee, Jr. Endowed Vision and Leadership Scholarship was established in 2005 to honor the legacy of James T. McAfee, Jr., a nationally recognized healthcare leader, Mercer University trustee, and philanthropist known for his leadership in healthcare and higher education.
Carswell and Sandra’s accomplishments reflect a strong commitment to leadership, academic excellence, compassionate care, and community service as they begin the next chapter of their medical careers.
