Mercer University School of Medicine Dean Jean R. Sumner, M.D., MACP, announced that Matthew N. Varn, M.D., FACP, has been appointed associate dean of the School of Medicine’s Valdosta campus, effective July 1.
A respected physician, educator and Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) alumnus, Dr. Varn brings extensive experience in medical education, clinical leadership and physician training to the role.
“Dr. Varn is an outstanding physician, leader and person. We are delighted he has accepted this role,” said Dr. Sumner. “This campus will be exceptional. Under his leadership, our students will have a wonderful experience. Dr. Varn is unwaveringly committed to our mission, values and the service we provide to rural parts of this state.”
Dr. Varn currently serves as core faculty for SGMC Health’s Internal Medicine Residency Program, a partnership with MUSM, where he is actively involved in resident education, mentorship and graduate medical education leadership. In addition to teaching residents, he chairs the Continuing Medical Education Committee, the GME Research Advisory Committee and the Age-Friendly Health Systems Initiative Committee. Through these roles, along with his service on the Medical Executive Committee and numerous institutional and graduate medical education bodies, he helps advance physician education, research, clinical excellence and leadership across the health system. He also serves as assistant professor of medicine at MUSM.
“What excites me most about the associate dean role is the opportunity to help shape the future of healthcare in South Georgia. By strengthening our educational programs, expanding research opportunities and fostering strong partnerships with our clinical community, we can prepare outstanding physicians who are committed to serving Georgia’s patients and communities.”
Prior to his work in graduate medical education, Dr. Varn practiced internal medicine in both outpatient and inpatient settings before transitioning to full-time hospital medicine. This breadth of clinical experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare challenges facing the South Georgia region.
A native of Hahira, Dr. Varn earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Valdosta State University before receiving his Doctor of Medicine from Mercer University School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency through the Mercer University School of Medicine/Atrium Health Navicent Internal Medicine Residency Program, where he served as chief resident.
“Mercer gave me much more than a medical education. It instilled a commitment to serving the communities of Georgia and showed me the importance of building meaningful relationships with patients, colleagues and mentors,” said Dr. Varn. “The experiences and mentorship I received as a Mercer medical student laid the foundation for my career as a physician, educator and leader, and I am honored to now have the opportunity to help train the next generation of MUSM physicians.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Varn has been recognized for his dedication to teaching and patient care. He has received numerous honors and is a member of the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He also serves as faculty advisor for the Valdosta chapter of the Mercer Student Organization for the Advancement of Research and Service.
Dr. Varn succeeds Dr. Joseph Hayes as associate dean of the Valdosta campus.
