Dr. David Hess has been named interim dean for Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia and executive vice president of Medical Affairs and Integration. Both appointments are effective Jan. 17, upon the departure of Dr. Peter F. Buckley, who was named dean at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in November.

Hess, a stroke specialist and researcher, has served as chair of the MCG Department of Neurology since 2001.

“David has proven himself to be an exceptional leader, scholar and clinician,” said President Brooks A. Keel. “His knowledge of academic medicine, coupled with an understanding of the Medical College of Georgia’s statewide clinical service mission, makes him uniquely qualified to lead during this time of transition. He is widely respected by MCG’s faculty, staff and students. Provost Caughman and I are grateful for his leadership and look forward to working more closely with him in the months ahead.”

Hess is a 1983 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed a neurology residency and cerebrovascular fellowship at MCG before joining the faculty. He is board-certified in internal medicine, neurology and vascular neurology.

In 2006, he co-founded REACH Health Inc., a company that packaged the need for rapid stroke care with the emerging capabilities of the internet to provide that care remotely. The company received a 2012 Georgia Bio Community Award for its significant contributions to Georgia’s life sciences industry.

“I am honored, humbled and privileged to work with a group of people I admire and to serve an institution I truly love,” Hess said. “We are fortunate to have the public trust to teach and mentor medical students, discover new treatments for diseases and improve the health of our community and state. I look forward to what we can deliver together as a team.”

Hess has been named one of America’s Top Doctors for the past 15 years and is the recipient of MCG’s Outstanding Faculty and Exemplary Teaching awards.

A national search will commence in January to identify a permanent replacement.