Mercer University School of Medicine Dean Jean R. Sumner, M.D., MACP, announced that Helen King, M.D., FIDSA, has been appointed as associate dean for student affairs on the Macon campus, effective June 15. A respected physician and leader in infectious diseases and internal medicine, Dr. King brings a deep commitment to medical education, student mentorship and patient care to her new role.
“Dr. Helen King is an outstanding physician and person,” said Dean Sumner. “She reflects the best values of the profession of medicine and is incredibly talented. We are honored to have her back home.”
Dr. King earned her medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in 2011. She completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in infectious diseases at the University of California San Diego. Inspired by her mentors Dr. Jeffrey Stephens and Dr. Harold Katner, Dr. King has dedicated much of her career to helping prevent and treat HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“The mentorship that I received provided that springboard for me to seek out the career I was hoping for,” said Dr. King. “I hope that I can help guide our students as they go from the first day of medical school — with all the uncertainty — to find the specialty that’s right for them, then match into a residency program that’s going to support that career growth.”
Dr. King has served on several committees focused on infectious disease research and has authored numerous medical publications. Most recently, she led community efforts in Dallas, Texas, focused on reducing HIV and STI rates through education, prevention and better access to care. Dr. King will also see patients at The Hope Center and Mercer Medicine’s clinic in downtown Macon. A Georgia native, Dr. King is excited to return to Mercer and middle Georgia.
“I have really strong connections with some of my best friends in the world that were my classmates,” she said. “Mercer fostered an environment where we came together and supported each other throughout medical school and now beyond into our careers.”
The Office of Student Affairs oversees events, support services, academic resources and student life activities at the School of Medicine. In this role, Dr. King will work with Dr. Alice House, senior associate dean for student affairs, as well as Dr. Katey Hughes and Dr. Jane Kirkpatrick, associate deans for students affairs in Columbus and Savannah, respectively.
“In this role, I hope that I can provide students the same support that I had here. I came in with a lot of uncertainty, and by the end of medical school, I was a confident and capable physician who was ready for the next step, thanks to the support, mentorship and guidance that I received at Mercer.”
Mentorship inside and outside the classroom inspired Dr. King to pursue a career where she could make a real difference for her patients and community.
“One of the most special parts of my medical school training was working with Dr. Sumner during my population health rotation, before she became dean. Watching her advocate for patients when no one else was speaking up showed me that if I saw an unmet need, I could be the one to speak up and make a difference,” she added.
Outside of work, Dr. King enjoys baking with her daughter, a weekly tradition that often results in treats shared with friends, family and colleagues. She also enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her husband, Eddie, and their two children.
