The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) will honor Georgia Rep. Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin) with its Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year Award, recognizing his tireless efforts and significant contributions towards improving health care in the state of Georgia. The event to bestow his award will be held in Dublin before local family physicians and Representative Hatchett’s colleagues.
“I want to thank the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians for their partnership and dedication to advancing family medicine in all communities across our state, especially rural Georgia,” said Chairman Hatchett. “This award reminds me that our accomplishments under the Gold Dome are only possible because of the Georgians who lend their expertise to create effective legislation with provable outcomes.”
“Rep. Hatchett’s outstanding dedication to advancing health care policies has made a positive impact on countless Georgians,” says GAFP President Sharon Rabinovitz, M.D.
Rep. Hatchett, as the House Appropriations Committee Chairman, played a pivotal role during the 2023 legislative session. He made notable strides in pushing for increased Medicaid payments to health care providers and showed stalwart support for bolstering primary care provision in rural and underserved communities.
“His efforts in championing rural health care have been instrumental in bringing vital medical services to those who need them most,” says Dr. Rabinovitz.
Rep. Hatchett’s illustrious political career, marked by his current role as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, speaks volumes about his dedication to Georgia. He has served on the Economic Development & Tourism, Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, Health, and Rules committees, and held several leadership positions.
With education and professional experience in business, Rep. Hatchett has always remained active in his community, keen on making a difference. He was born and raised in Dublin, Georgia and graduated from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with an Economic Emphasis. After working with Delta Air Lines, Inc. for six years in Atlanta, Rep. Hatchett returned home to start a family with his wife Kim. It was there he owned and operated several successful businesses.
He presently works as the director of mission enhancement with Mercer University’s School of Medicine. He is a member of the Dublin Rotary Club and has served on the boards of the Dublin/Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, the Heart of Georgia United Way, as well as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Laurens County. He currently sits on the advisory board of the Citizens Bank of Laurens County.
Dr. Rabinovitz concludes that, “Rep. Hatchett’s unwavering dedication to enhancing health care outcomes for Georgia’s families underscores why he is most deserving of this recognition. His impact on our state’s health care system is tremendous and transformative.”