Alumni Spotlight ULM Alum: Dr. John Davis
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GRADUATE OF NEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL IN 1986, JOHN A. Davis, M.D. knew he wanted to serve in the medical field. His leaning toward medicine is the reason he chose ULM, beacause of the university’s reputable pre-medicine and pre-dentistry programs were well-known throughout the state. The training and education he received as an undergraduate at ULM prepared John exceptionally well. The deans at LSU knew ULM students were ready for the challenges of medical school, and John feels grateful for his years at this institution. The challenging undergraduate curriculum, taught by devoted and caring professors helped stimulate student success. Beginning his journey in his hometown and eventually moving back to serve his hometown community was an unplanned privilege for Dr. John Davis. Dr. William Norris taught histology and embryology at ULM from 1965-1990. During John’s tenure, he remembers Norris being tough, yet fair. He covered dense material in incredible detail and was easy to listen to. John served as president of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), an honor fraternity for pre-med and pre-dental students, created by Norris. At a time when job shadowing was nonexistent, the medical professionals brought in by the fraternity showed future graduates around their offices and would talk to them about the reality of their futures in medicine. With one brother as a dentist, G. Michael Davis, D.D.S. and another as a doctor, Paul “Corky” Davis, M.D. also ULM alumni, John wasn’t quite sure which path he wanted to take, but his experience at ULM solidified his choice of medicine. Dr. Beverly Ricks taught human physiology, and was able to simplify difficult concepts. The courses taught by Norris and Ricks were the foundation of medical school, and John recalls his first year at LSU being primarily review thanks to the extensive preparation of ULM’s undergraduate program. Along with AED, John was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, a “selective honor society for all disciplines,” and Mortar Board. He played intramural football, basketball and softball with the Baptist Student Union (BSU) on campus. Athletic in high school, this love of activity and competition continued throughout medical school, residency and even into his career where John played with a church softball team. His involvement on campus, paired with a rigorous academic schedule, taught John to handle pressure, a skill definitely valuable during medical school and residency. He graduated ULM in 1990, then LSU Medical School in Shreveport in 1994, and completed his residency in radiology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas in 1998. 14 JANUARY 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
Although he was uncertain where his future might take him after training, when John learned of the opportunity to move back to his hometown, he jumped at the chance to become a member of Radiology Associates and has been working at St. Francis Medical Center ever since. His group also covers Monroe Surgical Hospital and Affinity Health Group. He is amazed at how much pathology this community and region has for its size, so his career is both challenging and fulfilling as a physician. With the extensive nature of specialists in Monroe, John is honored to work in this medical community. Serving the people in his hometown is both a pleasure and a blessing. His parents George and Barbara Davis still live locally. And he married his wife of twenty years, Dr. Kristi Davis, D.D.S. shortly before moving home. Kristi almost immediately began working as an associate professor in the dental hygiene department at ULM and is also an associate with Dr. Howard John, D.D.S. in Monroe. Kristi is originally from Texarkana, and the couple has two boys. Grant is 17 and attends Neville High School, and Garrett is 12 and goes to Grace Episcopal School. Dr. Davis acknowledges the impact ULM has had on his own life and the community he serves. Having an esteemed four-year institution that graduates many of our local healthcare professionals including: pharmacists, nurses, future doctors and dentists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, dental hygienists and medical technologists directly influences the size and scope of our medical community. And directly related to his field, ULM graduates outstanding Radiologic Technologists that Dr. Davis is proud to work with every day. We need more physicians with an aging population, and John is excited about the new Doctor of Osteopathy program coming to ULM. The broad institution of higher learning benefits Monroe and the surrounding areas, improving quality of life for its residents and investing in its future. The ULM Alumni Association reaches, connects and celebrates alumni and friends to build lifelong relationships, and commit to the university’s missions of academic freedom, scholarship, diversity, excellence, integrity and service. We represent alumni who honor the traditions of our university and who share a sense of achievement and pride. We create a network of professionals, establish scholarships and advocate for our University through community engagement. Members of the Alumni Association support countless initiatives, and annual memberships are just $35. To learn more or to become a member, please visit our new alumni network at ulm.edu/alumni.