State Rep. Butch Parrish, R-Swainsboro, has been named the Medical College of Georgia Healthcare Champion of the Year, recognizing his leadership in strengthening Georgia’s physician workforce and expanding access to care across the state.

Parrish, who represents Georgia’s 158th House District and serves as chairman of the House Rules Committee and the House Special Committee on Healthcare, was recognized during the MCG Statewide Faculty Development Conference on May 28-30 in Jekyll Island.

The award highlights Parrish’s longstanding support for medical education, graduate medical training and research initiatives that address Georgia’s most pressing healthcare needs. His efforts have included championing the expansion of residency programs in high-demand specialties such as rural surgery and child and adolescent psychiatry, helping to improve access to care in rural and underserved communities. Parrish also supported the development of MCG’s four-year Savannah campus, which has expanded opportunities for medical education across the state and contributed to the college’s growth.

In addition, he backed the creation of the Peach State Scholarship Match program, which is building a pipeline of future physicians committed to practicing in Georgia. His leadership has extended to research and infrastructure as well, including support for $99.8 million in state funding for the Translational Research Building at MCG. The facility is expected to enhance research capacity, strengthen physician recruitment and accelerate medical discoveries that improve patient care.

This isn’t the first time Parrish has been recognized by MCG. In 2023, he was named the college’s State Legislator of the Year for his support of residency expansion and physician training programs.

“Chairman Parrish understands that investing in medical education, research, and physician training is ultimately an investment in the health of every Georgian,” said David Hess, MD, dean of MCG. “On behalf of the Medical College of Georgia, thank you for your steadfast leadership, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to improving health care in our great state.”

The Medical College of Georgia Healthcare Champion of the Year Award is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing health care, medical education and patient outcomes in Georgia. Parrish has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since 1985.