Thad Wilkins

Professor

Academic Appointment(s)

Bio

Dr. Thad Wilkins is a Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, where he has been a member since 2002. A seasoned physician‑executive, he also serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center, providing leadership for utilization review, patient throughput, clinical operations, and patient‑experience strategies across the health system. With more than twenty‑two years of clinical practice, academic leadership, and operational experience, Dr. Wilkins is recognized for advancing high‑value care, strengthening interprofessional collaboration, and shaping learning environments that support the development of students, residents, fellows, and emerging healthcare leaders.

Dr. Wilkins serves on the Board of Directors of the Medical Association of Georgia, contributing to statewide clinical leadership, policy discussions, and advocacy efforts. His career reflects a sustained commitment to values‑driven leadership, educational innovation, and improving patient outcomes through evidence‑based practice and systems‑level improvement.

He received his undergraduate degree from Francis Marion University and earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Wilkins completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Eglin Air Force Base Hospital, where he also served in multiple academic and clinical leadership roles early in his career. He subsequently completed a Faculty Development Fellowship in Family Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, further strengthening his expertise in academic leadership and curriculum development. He later earned his Master of Business Administration from Columbus State University, enhancing his capabilities in healthcare administration, strategy, and organizational performance.

Dr. Wilkins has an extensive record of scholarship, presentations, and professional service and remains committed to fostering excellence in patient care, medical education, and health‑system leadership.