About
David Hess serves as Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, Dean of the Medical College of Georgia (MCG), and holds the Presidential Distinguished Chair in Neurology at Augusta University. He maintains dual academic appointments as Professor in both the Department of Neurology and Department of Medicine within MCG.
His educational background includes an MD from the University of Maryland-Baltimore (1983) and a BA in Humanities from Johns Hopkins University (1979). Board certifications span Internal Medicine (ABIM 1986), Neurology (ABPN 1990), Vascular Neurology (ABPNVN 2008), and Georgia State licensure (1986).
- Stroke pathophysiology and therapeutics
- Cerebrovascular protection mechanisms
- Cannabinoid neuropharmacology
- Circadian influences on neurological outcomes
- Neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative conditions
- Remote ischemic conditioning applications
His recent 15 publications (2024-2025) reveal dominant research trajectories in stroke neuroprotection (65%), cannabinoid therapeutics (20%), and circadian neuroscience (15%), with strong emphasis on translational preclinical-to-clinical frameworks through networks like SPAN. Key methodological themes include multicenter trial design, sex/comorbidity stratification, and biomarker validation.
- 2015 Distinguished Research Award (Georgia Health Sciences University)
- Exemplary Medical Student Teaching Award (2014)
- Multiple Outstanding Faculty Awards (2012)
- Exemplary Teaching Award (2012)
Hess maintains active editorial roles as Reviewer and Editorial Board Member since 2015 while leading major initiatives including the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) and RESIST clinical trial. His service integrates clinical neurology leadership with translational research infrastructure development, particularly in vascular cognitive impairment and novel neuroprotective strategies. Current work focuses on chronotherapeutic approaches and repurposed drug candidates for stroke recovery.
