MACON – Dr. Jean R. Sumner, dean of Mercer University School of Medicine, recently announced the appointment of Dr. Patrice N. Walker as assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion for the School's Macon and Columbus campuses. She joins Dr. Bonzo Reddick, who serves in this role on the Savannah campus.
“Mercer University School of Medicine values diversity in our student body, faculty and staff. We are committed to the goal of producing physicians who come from diverse backgrounds, races and experiences to serve the people of Georgia,” said Dr. Sumner “The mission of the School of Medicine is to educate doctors and other health professionals to care for underserved and rural populations in this state.”
Dr. Walker began her journey in medicine as a native of Monroe County. She graduated from Mary Persons High School and then attended Georgia Institute of Technology, earning a degree in applied biology. Inspired by the mission of the School of Medicine, she returned to Middle Georgia to earn her medical degree from Mercer and complete her residency training at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. Dr. Walker is now a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and is employed by the Navicent Health Physician Group.
Teaching has always been a passion for Dr. Walker. After working in the private sector for a number of years, she has become an educator of resident physicians and medical students. This was accomplished through her appointment as associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Mercer, as well as taking on the role of clerkship director for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Navicent Health. She is a two-time recipient of the National Faculty Award presented by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology for promoting high standards of residency education.
Additionally, Dr. Walker was voted director of OB/GYN medical staff at Navicent Health for the 2016-2017 term. She also serves on the board of directors for the Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia, a nonprofit organization that aids individuals and families who are victims of domestic violence.
Dr. Walker is active in her church, where she sings in the choir, and she also enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband, daughter and stepson.
“Dr. Walker is an accomplished physician with a wide range of expertise,” said Dr. Sumner. “Her guidance in this important area will be invaluable.”
