Georgia doctor named ‘Ultimate Men’s Health Guy’

Men’s Health magazine selected a Georgia doctor as the ultimate man.

Dr. Jedidiah Ballard, an assistant professor of emergency medicine for the Medical College of Georgia, was named “Ultimate Men’s Health Guy,” which was announced on the NBC Today show Thursday morning.

The criteria was overall health and fitness, as well as service to community and others. He was one of 700 entrants.

You can read his full story, which tells about his time as a battalion surgeon with the Rangers in Afghanistan and much more, on Men’s Health’s website.

According to a release from Augusta University, Ballard said his phone has been “blowing up” with texts, Facebook posts, and calls of congratulations from many well-wishers. His celebration time will be short, since he flies right back to Augusta for a full day on Friday, teaching students in the afternoon and followed by a late shift in the ER.

This story was originally published October 6, 2016 at 4:13 PM with the headline "Georgia doctor named ‘Ultimate Men’s Health Guy’."