Kelli Braun, MD, a Medical College of Georgia alum who has led the medical school’s admissions efforts for the last decade, has been named MCG’s next vice dean for academic affairs, effective Aug. 1.

She succeeds Michael Brands, PhD, who has served as vice dean since 2022 and overseen growth at MCG, including the opening of the medical school’s third four-year campus in Savannah, helping meet the increasing need for physicians in Georgia. He supported the continued growth and success of regional campuses and has helped strengthen the educational experience across MCG’s statewide footprint. He also worked to further integrate research into the 3+ curriculum, ensuring that MCG students get the research experiences they want and need.

As vice dean, Braun will oversee MCG’s academic enterprise, providing strategic direction for medical education programs, admissions, curriculum, student affairs, faculty development and regional campuses. She will serve as the college’s liaison to the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, lead accreditation and quality improvement efforts and work with university and health system leaders to advance innovation and academic excellence across Georgia.

Braun earned her medical degree from MCG in 2004. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology in Augusta and joined the faculty in 2008. Braun was appointed interim associate dean for admissions in 2016 and was named to the role permanently in 2017.

“Her leadership extends well beyond admissions. Over her 18 years on faculty, she has contributed to undergraduate and graduate medical education, simulation, accreditation, and faculty development,” said David Hess, MD, MCG dean. “She is known for her ability to identify opportunities for improvement, bring people together, and build thoughtful, sustainable solutions that strengthen our academic mission and expand pathways for students from underserved communities.”

Braun recently completed the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program, a national leadership program preparing women for senior roles in academic health centers.

“She has often said that MCG has shaped every stage of her professional journey,” Hess said. “She brings extensive experience, a collaborative approach, and a clear vision for how we can and will continue advancing our mission across Georgia.”

In 2015, Braun was the recipient of the National Faculty Teaching Award from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists/Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology. And in 2023, she was named an American Medical Women’s Association Inspire Awardee, recognizing her contributions to medical education, leadership and mentorship.

At MCG, she has been honored multiple times with the Exemplary Teaching Award in Undergraduate Medical Education and received the MCG Professionalism Award in 2024.