MACON – Dr. Jean R. Sumner, dean of Mercer University School of Medicine, recently announced the appointment of Dr. Keisha R. Callins as chair and assistant professor in the Department of Community Medicine, effective Jan. 16.
Dr. Callins, a women's health expert and public health professional at the Mirian Worthy Women's Health Center, previously served as assistant medical director for Albany Area Primary Health Care in Albany, Georgia.
Dr. Callins earned her Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of Virginia and Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After earning her MPH, she worked as a clinical research coordinator with the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center at UAB.
Dr. Callins was awarded a National Health Service Corps scholarship and earned her Doctor of Medicine from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed graduate medical training at the Morehouse OB/GYN Residency Program at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where she served as chief resident.
Dr. Callins has served on several appointed committees, both with Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and Albany Area Primary Health Care. She has been involved with civic organizations such as the Dougherty County Rotary Club, Sertoma and the Albany Junior League, and served on the board of the Liberty House, a domestic violence shelter.
She is the author of a monthly women's health column in the Albany Herald, titled “Health Beat.” Her recent awards include Southwest Georgia's “40 Under 40,” iHeart Media's “Shero” and the Dr. George A. Johnston Sr. Community Service Award.
Dr. Callins was nominated in 2014 by Gov. Nathan Deal to serve on the Georgia Composite Medical Board, is a graduate of Leadership Georgia's Class of 2015 and is a member of several local, state and national organizations. She has presented lectures both locally and nationally, including a congressional briefing on maternal mortality in September 2016.
Dr. Callins is passionate about women's health issues, community engagement and actively teaching and mentoring students. Her interests include cooking, traveling and gardening. She is married to attorney Joel Callins, and they are the proud parents of a son and a daughter.
“Dr. Callins brings to Mercer a wealth of knowledge and experience as we continue to strive for a healthier Georgia,” said Dr. Sumner. “She is well known for her leadership in women's health and health disparities. She is a legend in the area of Georgia where she has practiced and is recognized both for her excellent clinical care and service to the community and state.”
