Atrium Health Navicent’s Dr. Patrice Walker Named to National “75 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know” in 2022 List
Walker was appointed as Atrium Health Navicent’s first black, female chief medical officer in 2019
Becker’s Hospital Review has named Atrium Health Navicent Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrice Walker to the publication’s “75 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know” in 2022 list. The national list highlights the work black leaders and executives are doing in communities across the U.S.
Walker was appointed as Atrium Health Navicent’s first black, female chief medical officer in 2019.
“Dr. Walker is an integral member of the Atrium Health Navicent executive team. In addition to ensuring the best care for our patients, she is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion amongst our medical staff and administration,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “Congratulations to Patrice and thanks to Becker’s Hospital Review for this well-earned recognition.”
A native of Monroe County, Walker earned a degree in applied biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology before returning to central Georgia to earn her medical degree from Mercer University. She completed her residency at Atrium Health Navicent, then known as the Medical Center of Central Georgia.
A board-certified OB-GYN, Walker had a passion for teaching, which led to her appointment as an associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercer University. 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, Walker served as Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Mercer University School of Medicine’s Macon and Columbus campuses. During her tenure she increased the cultural competency of students and faculty while creating opportunities for ongoing conversation and initiatives about diversity, equity and inclusion.
As chief medical officer for Atrium Health Navicent, Walker continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion and contributes to the education and professional development of staff, medical students and residents.
Becker's Hospital Review is a source of news and information for health care decision-makers. In addition to a print magazine, Becker’s Hospital Review publishes an e-newsletter with 1 million subscribers and has 3.5 million monthly visitors on their website.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.