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Thad Wilkins

Professor

Thad Wilkins

Professor

Academic Appointment(s)

Medical College of Georgia
Department of Family Medicine

Bio

Dr. Thad Wilkins is a Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia at Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­, 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.

  • JWILKINS@augusta.edu
  • (706) 721-7348
  • (706) 721-7264
  • BI 2063

Education

  • MD, Medicine Medical University of South Ca, 1995

  • BS, Bio, General Francis Marion University, 1991

Certifications

  • American Board of Family Medicine 1998

  • Physician License SC Board of Medical Examiners, 2020

  • Physician license GA Board of Medical Examiners, 2002

  • DEA Dept of Justice, 2014

  • PHY GA Board of Medical Examiners, 2002

  • DEAL Dept of Justice, 2014

Awards & Honors

  • Fellow American Academy of Family Practice 2012

  • Resident Exemplary Teacher Award 2009

Teaching Interests

Dr. Wilkins’ teaching interests span clinical gastroenterology, evidence‑based medicine, and primary care procedures, with particular emphasis on helping learners build strong diagnostic and procedural skills in areas such as endoscopy, colorectal cancer screening, hepatology, and functional gastrointestinal disorders. His longstanding work in curriculum development, faculty development, and residency education reflects a deep commitment to training future physicians in critical appraisal, clinical decision‑making, and high‑value, patient‑centered care. He is also dedicated to teaching the principles of quality improvement, health‑system operations, and population health, particularly as they relate to reducing disparities and improving outcomes for diverse and vulnerable patient populations.

Scholarship

Selected Recent Publications

  • Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism With a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team., 2021
    Journal Article, Academic Journal
  • Chronic Liver Disease, 2015
    Other
  • Diagnosis and management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children, 2015
    Journal Article, Academic Journal
  • Effectiveness of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Irritable Bowel Syndrome., 2015
    Journal Article, Academic Journal
  • Colorectal cancer risk information presented by a nonphysician assistant does not increase screening rates, 2014
    Journal Article, Academic Journal

Research Interests

Dr. Wilkins’ research and clinical interests center on gastrointestinal disorders, hepatology, colorectal cancer screening, and evidence‑based approaches to diagnostic and procedural care in primary care settings. His work spans a broad range of GI conditions—from irritable bowel syndrome and fatty liver disease to upper gastrointestinal bleeding and endoscopic training—reflecting a sustained commitment to improving diagnostic accuracy, procedural safety, and patient outcomes. He also investigates population‑level health issues, including disparities in colorectal cancer screening, chronic disease burden in vulnerable communities, and the operational impact of care models such as Hospital at Home. Across his scholarship, Dr. Wilkins emphasizes high‑value care, clinical quality, and system‑level improvement.

Professional Service

  • American Association of Primary Care Endoscopy 2015 - Present

    Role: Other
  • The Journal of American Board of Family Medicine 2005 - Present

    Role: Reviewer
  • Annals of Family Medicine 2004 - Present

    Role: Reviewer
  • Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, Congress of Delegates 2012 - 2013

    Role: Other