Patrice Walker, MD
On September 1, 2019 Dr. Walker assumed the role of Chief Medical Officer at Atrium Health Navicent. As the first African American and female in this role she is poised to affect change in the organization and surrounding community in a unique way.
On September 1, 2019, Dr. Walker assumed the role of Chief Medical Officer at Atrium Health Navicent. As the first African American and female in this role she works to ensure the best care for patients while seeking to improve communication between medical staff and administration.
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 University and complete her residency training at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, then known as the Medical Center of Central Georgia.
A board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Walker practiced in the private sector and with Atrium Health Navicent Medical Group prior to transitioning to full-time hospital administration. She sat on several committees and served as the Medical Director of the OBGYN Medical Staff for the 2016-2018 term.
Teaching has always been a passion for Dr. Walker. As an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2014 and Clerkship Director for the Department of OBGYN at Mercer University between 2016 and 2018, she has educated resident physicians and medical students. She is a three-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.
From January 2017 to October 2018, Dr. Walker held the position of Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Mercer University School of Medicine for the Macon and Columbus campuses. During her tenure she was able to increase the cultural competency of students and faculty while creating the opportunity for ongoing conversation and initiatives about diversity, equity and inclusion.
As Chief Medical Officer for Atrium Health Navicent, Dr. Walker continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion and contributes to the education and professional development of staff, medical students and residents.
Dr. Walker was recognized in 2022 by Becker's Hospital Review as one of the publication's “75 Black Hospital Leaders to Know.”
In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband, daughter and stepson.