Mississippi Family Physician Spring 2021

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Dr. James W. Griffin Jr., MAFP President 2020-21

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Dr. Jack C. Evans, Family Physician of the Year 2020

Quality Healthcare for Over 40 Years

Brandon Byram Canton Clinton Flora Flowood Jackson Laurel Madison Pearl Richland Ridgeland Tupelo Vicksburg Yazoo City

601.898.7527 • recruiter@mms-ms.com 2

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James W. Griffin, MD PRESIDENT Carlos Latorre, MD, FAAFP PRESIDENT-ELECT Paul M. Pavlov, MD VICE PRESIDENT Stephen C. Hammack, MD, FAAFP SECRETARY Bradley J. Suggs, MD, FAAFP TREASURER William M. Grantham, MD IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Katherine T. Patterson, MD, FAAFP AAFP DELEGATE John R. Mitchell, MD, FAAFP AAFP DELEGATE P. Brent Smith, MD, MSC, FAAFP ALTERNATE DELEGATE Jennifer D. Gholson, MD ALTERNATE DELEGATE DIRECTORS Angela Jones, MD - District 1 Chrystal A. Sumrall, MD, FAAFP - District 2 James W. Ervin, MD, FAAFP - District 3 Scott C. Martin, MD - District 4 John P. Vanderloo, MD, FAAFP - District 5 Erik Lessman, MD - District 6 T. Bruce Longest, MD - District 7 Lakeisha R. Chism, MD - District 8 Anna Marie Hailey-Sharp, MD - At-Large Jeremy B. Wells, MD - At-Large J. Craig Bullock, MD - Resident Member Weston Eldridge - Student Member Shreena Dhawan, MD - Alt. Resident Member Lane Williamson - Alt. Student Member STAFF Beth Embry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR beth@msafp.org Kristen Kern PUBLIC AWARENESS DIRECTOR kristen@msafp.org Jewell Buckley SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR jewell@msafp.org

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IN THIS ISSUE ACADEMY Board of Directors 2020-21................................................................................................................................ 4 Academy 2020-21 Leadership Elected .............................................................................................................. 5 The Voice of Family Medicine: Dr. James W. Griffin Jr. Elected President ............................................ 6-7 Family Physicians Recognized as Community Leaders .................................................................................. 8 Embry Celebrates 20 Years With MAFP ......................................................................................................... 8 New Members List 2020 .................................................................................................................................... 9 Executive Director’s Report for 2020 ............................................................................................................. 10 Physician Becomes Community Leader During Pandemic .......................................................................... 11 FlashBack in Family Medicine ......................................................................................................................... 11 MAFP Members Persevered During COVID-19 .......................................................................................... 12 ADVOCACY Capitol Day 2020: Strong Legislation ............................................................................................................. 13 FamDocPAC Successes; PAC Donors ............................................................................................................ 14 Docs of the Day ................................................................................................................................................. 15 Family Docs Help Craft Regulations That Put Hospice Patients First ........................................................ 15 Advocacy: Family Medicine Strong ................................................................................................................ 16 NCCL Delegates for 2021 Attend Virtually ................................................................................................... 16 WORKFORCE MAFP Hosts Family Medicine Student Events ............................................................................................. 18 Student Ambassadors Go to Destin ................................................................................................................ 19 Student, Resident Board Members ................................................................................................................. 19 Welcome to the 2020 New Residents, and 2021 New Residents .......................................................... 20-22 New Family Medicine Residencies; Existing Programs ................................................................................ 22 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ‘All Hands on Deck’ Annual Meeting 2020 .............................................................................................. 24-25 Spring Conference Attendees Enjoy Social Event at MAFP HQ ................................................................. 26 KSA Boot Camp Hosted With Alabama AFP ................................................................................................ 27 Biloxi Proved Great Host for Fall Conference ......................................................................................... 28-29 PUBLIC AWARENESS Tar Wars Goes Virtual With WCUCOM, Miss Mississippi ...................................................................... 29 Dr. Jack Evans Named Family Physician of the Year 2020 .................................................................... 30-31 Dr. Alton Cobb Honored with Humanitarian Award 2020 ......................................................................... 32 Dr. Sarah Barowka Earns New Physician of the Year 2020 ......................................................................... 32 Four Physicians Recognized as New Fellows................................................................................................. 33 Family Doc Becomes COVID Patient ....................................................................................................... 34-35 Ode de Corona................................................................................................................................................... 35 Dr. Brian Friloux Recognized With Military Award ................................................................................... 36 Dr. Melissa Stephens Elected Foundation President .................................................................................... 36 Dr. Craig Bullock Awarded Dewitt G. Crawford, MD, Scholarship........................................................... 36 Split the Pot, Auction, Raffle Raise $13,000 .................................................................................................. 37 Price Awarded David G. Hall, MD, Scholarship............................................................................................ 37 New Fund Raisers for Family Medicine ......................................................................................................... 38 Foundation Board 2020-21 .............................................................................................................................. 38 In Memory of Physicians We’ve Lost ............................................................................................................. 39

Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians 755 Avignon Drive, Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157  p 601-853-3302  f 601-853-3002  www.msafp.org The Mississippi Family Physician has a circulation of 1,300 Mississippi physicians, residents and medical students. Manuscripts are encouraged for publication. The Editorial Board reserves the right to accept or reject any articles or advertising matter. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements are solely those of the authors or sponsors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians. To submit an article, please e-mail Kristen@msafp.org or fax to 601-853-3002.

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MAFP Board of Directors 2020-21

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PRESIDENT James W. Griffin, MD New Augusta

PRESIDENT-ELECT Carlos A. Latorre, MD Vicksburg

VICE PRESIDENT Paul M. Pavlov, MD Biloxi

SECRETARY Stephen C. Hammack, MD Madison

TREASURER Bradley Suggs, MD Brandon

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT William M. Grantham, MD Brandon

AAFP DELEGATE Katie Patterson, MD Indianola

AAFP DELEGATE John R. Mitchell, MD Pontotoc

ALTERNATE DELEGATE P. Brent Smith, MD Cleveland

ALTERNATE DELEGATE Jennifer D. Gholson, MD Summit

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 1 Angela Jones, MD Poplarville

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 2 Chrystal A. Sumrall, MD Laurel

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 3 James W. Ervin, MD Crystal Springs

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 4 Scott C. Martin, MD Clinton

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 5 John Vanderloo, MD Jackson

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 6 Erik Lessman, MD Indianola

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 7 T. Bruce Longest, Jr., MD Bruce

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 8 Lakeisha R. Chism, MD Verona

DIRECTOR AT LARGE Anna Marie Hailey-Sharp, MD Preston

DIRECTOR AT LARGE Jeremy B. Wells, MD Hattiesburg

RESIDENT MEMBER J. Craig Bullock, MD Jackson

STUDENT MEMBER Weston Eldridge Jackson

RESIDENT ALTERNATE Falan McKnight, MD Tupelo

STUDENT ALTERNATE Lane Williamson Jackson

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Academy 2020-21 Leadership Elected

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ACADEMY

MAFP’s leadership for 2020-21 (pictured, Cleveland Trustees (pictured, page 39) elected new facing page) was elected by the membership Alternate: Jennifer D. Gholson, MD, officers to serve 1-year terms, including: at the Annual Business Session in 2020.

Summit Family Medicine, Summit President: Melissa Stephens, MD, FAAFP, William Carey Univ. College of Osteopathic Academy Officers New District Directors Medicine, Hattiesburg MAFP’s top officers for 2020-21 elected District Directors elected in July 2020 at Vice President: Patrick D. Whipple, MD, at the Annual Meeting in July 2020 to serve the Annual Meeting to serve 2-year terms: MEA Medical Clinic, Canton 1-year terms include: District 4: Scott C. Martin, MD, Secretary/Treasurer: Jonathan Buchanan, President: James W. Griffin Jr., MD, FAACWS, Merit Health Clinton Family MD, FAAFP, Baptist Medical Clinic, Hattiesburg Family Health Ctr., Hattiesburg Medicine, Clinton Carthage President-Elect: Carlos A. Latorre, MD, District 6: Erik P. Lessman, MD, South At the Business Session in July 2020, FAAFP, VA Medical Center, Vicksburg Sunflower Medical Center, Indianola members elected new Foundation Trustees Vice President: Paul M. Pavlov, MD, District 8: Lakeisha R. Chism, MD, to serve 3-year terms as follows: North Bay Family Medical, Biloxi Verona Medical Clinic, Verona Member At Large: Rickey Chance, DO, Secretary: Stephen C. Hammack, MD, Member At Large: Jeremy B. Wells, MD, Memorial Physician Clinic at Medical Park, FAAFP, St. Dominic, Madison Hattiesburg Clinic, Hattiesburg Biloxi Treasurer: Bradley J. Suggs, MD, FAAFP, Member At Large: Barbara Goodman, Remaining District Directors MEA Medical Clinic, Brandon MD, Primary Care Associates, Meridian District Directors elected in July 2019 and Immediate Past President: William M. Member at Large: Cierra Green, MD, serving terms that end in 2021 are: Grantham, MD, MEA Medical Clinic, District 1: Angela Jones, MD, The Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Clinton Initiative, Hattiesburg Poplarville Clinic, Poplarville Other physicians on the Foundation Delegates, Alternates District 3: James Ervin, MD, Family Board: Sarah Barowka, MD, Picayune; In addition to the officers, rounding out Medical Clinic, Crystal Springs the MAFP Executive Committee are the District 5: John Vanderloo, MD, William M. Grantham, MD, Clinton; Thais Tonore Walden, MD, Madison; Kelly S. 2020-21 AAFP Delegates and Alternate Vanderloo Family Medicine, Jackson Delegates who serve 2-year terms: District 7: Bruce Longest, Jr., MD, Bruce Tullos, MD, Laurel.

Details about resident and student members Delegate: John R. Mitchell, MD, FAAFP, Family Medical Center, Bruce on both boards can be found on page 23.

Office of MS Physician Workforce, Member at Large: Anna Marie HaileyPontotoc Sharp, MD, Rush Health, Preston Interested in serving on the Board?

Delegate: Katie Patterson, MD, FAAFP, Foundation Officers, Trustees Indianola Family Medical, Indianola Email beth@msafp.org During the Annual Meeting in July 2020, Alternate: P. Brent Smith, MD, FAAFP, members of the MAFP Foundation Board of

The Voice of Family Medicine

ACADEMY

Dr. James W. Griffin Jr. Elected MAFP President James W. Griffin, MD, of Hattiesburg was elected MAFP President at the Annual Meeting in July 2020. He is employed at Hattiesburg Family Health Center and previously served as president-elect, vice president, secretary and board member. Dr. Griffin is the first African-American to serve in this role with the Academy.

“I love family medicine, and I consider it a calling rather than job,” Dr. Griffin said. “I am honored and humbled to be not only elected but inducted as the next president of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians and the first African-American to enjoy this role. I have loved this organization from the first meeting I attended as a resident years ago.”

Dr. Griffin is a board-certified family physician who practices at Hattiesburg Family Health Center, part of the Southeast Mis-

sissippi Rural Health Initiative (SeMRHI).

He served as chief medical officer for SeMRHI from 2012- April 2020, and he has worked for the organization for ten years.

During his time as an officer and as president of MAFP, the Academy has taken advantage of Dr. Griffin’s natural, easy-on-the ear voice to promote family medicine. His distinctive tone has provided the words for three MAFP public service announcements produced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also allowed MAFP to use his age and health conditions to promote COVID vaccine acceptance in a print ad on social media.

Dr. Griffin graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, with a degree in biology and then went on to receive his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed a 4-year internship and residency where he

Above: Dr. James Griffin, left, accepts the MAFP leadership gavel from Dr. Bill Grantham at the MAFP Annual Meeting in July 2020.

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THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

served as chief resident in obstetrics and gynecology at Medical College of Ohio at Toledo, and then practiced as an OBGYN in Indianapolis in the early part of his career. After deciding to become a family phy-

sician, Dr. Griffin completed a 3-year internship and residency in family medicine at the North Mississippi Family Medicine Residency Center (NMFMRC) in Tupelo, MS. He stayed on with NMFMRC as an assistant

professor before moving to the Pine Belt to begin a family medicine career. Over the years since, Dr. Griffin has worked at clinics in Purvis, New Augusta, and Hattiesburg.

ACADEMY

At top: Dr. Griffin and his partner Jo-Anna Lopez at MAFP Annual Meeting. Above: Dr. Griffin examines a patient at the Hattiesburg Family Health Center. Right: Dr. Griffin allowed his likeness and health conditions to be used promoting vaccine acceptance during the pandemic.

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

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Family Physicians Recognized as Community Leaders

ACADEMY

Chris Boston, MD, of Flowood received the Mississippi State Medical Association’s Community Service Award for 2020.

Brad Crosswhite, MD, FAAFP, of Tupelo, was named Reader’s Choice for Family Physician by the Northeast Miss. Daily Journal in August 2020. Billy Walton, DO, of Tupelo, was named a finalist for the same award.

In November 2020, the Vicksburg Post named family physician Carlos Latorre, MD, FAAFP, and internal medicine physician Dr. Dan Edney as their Men of the Year. “I will receive this on behalf of all the healthcare workers who are out there every day here in Vicksburg, in Warren County and in our state,” Latorre said.

Randy Easterling, MD, of Vicksburg was appointed in August 2020 by the Mississippi State Medical Association to serve on the American Medical Association-created Cannabis Task Force.

You sometimes hear that family physicians “do it all,” and that couldn’t be more true than in Sunflower County. In February 2021, family physician Hannah Ray, MD, of Indianola was voted Best Physician and Best OBGYN in the Indianola Enterprise Tocsin newspaper’s “Best of the Best in Sunflower County,” and family physician Katie Patterson, MD, FAAFP, of Indianola was voted Best Pediatrician.

James Lee Valentine, DO, of Meridian was honored in October 2020 by the American Osteopathic Association with its Distinguished Service Certificate award, its highest honor.

The certificate recognizes outstanding accomplishments in the advancement of the science and art of osteopathic medicine, education, philanthropy and other fields of public service.

Calvin Washington, MD, received the Physician Communication Champion award in March 2021 from Forrest General Hospital as part of their Doctors C.A.R.E. awards presented on National Doctors’ Day.

Anniversary Pins Presented to Annual Meeting Attendees

MAFP has special anniversary pins recognizing years of membership. These pins were personally presented in July 2020 to members who attended the MAFP Annual Meeting (photo, this page).

40 Year Anniversary to: Donald Conerly, MD 35 Year Anniversary to: Susan Blanchard, MD, Robert Lee Giffin, MD, FAAFP; and Kurt Johnson, MD 25 Year Anniversary to: Erica Noyes, MD 20 Year Anniversary to: Jennifer Bryan, MD and Stephen Hammack, MD, FAAFP 15 Year Anniversary to: Scott Martin, MD, and Carrie Nash, DO

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Crosswhite

Boston

Ray

Latorre

Easterling

Valentine

Walton

Patterson

Washington

From left, Drs. Hammack, Blanchard, Giffin, Johnson, and Martin received their anniversary pins (story, this page).

Embry Celebrates 20 Years With MAFP Back in 2000, when Beth Embry was hired as MAFP executive director, she was a married mother of two toddlers working full-time at another state association. She made the leap to executive leadership, taking the reins of an Academy that needed a strong leader. Twenty years later, she is the parent of two college students and one soon-to-be high school graduate, and she has the experience of leading the MAFP for the last two decades.

During that time, she has overseen the Academy’s purchase of and move to a new headquarters building, the introduction of the Live Healthy license tag as a fund raiser, the increased financial security of the academy through investment of funds, and the creation of a political action committee.Embry is never short of ideas - whether it’s a new fund raiser, a new public awareness item, a plank in an advocacy platform, or an idea for an education event. She personally handles one full-time and one part-time staff member in addition to a contract lobbyist.

Drs. Lee Giffin and Susan Chiarito of Vicksburg - both past MAFP presidents - recognized Embry’s 20th anniversary at the Annual Meeting in 2020. During the Business Session, Embry was called to the front and presented with a financial gift and a t-shirt quilt featuring shirts from several past MAFP events (pictured here).

Embry and her husband, Roy, live in Madison. Their children include Ally, 22, Anne Daniel, 21, and Rob, 18.

Above, Dr. Susan Chiarito, right, claps for Embry as she was honored at the Business Session . Right: Embry with Dr. Chiarito and Dr. Lee Giffin (at podium).

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

New Members 2020 MAFP saw 203 new active, resident and student members joining between January and December of 2020:

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Nathaniel Thomas Sparks, MD, Mooreville Casey Christopher Stanford, MD, Hattiesburg Bailey Strope, MD, Meridian Jordan Thomas, MD, Greenville Tete Ukpong, MD, Flowood Erika Sekarak Wachs, DO, Pearl Eric Wilkerson, II, MD, Greenville James C Wilson, MD, Flowood Cassandra Wood, DO, Hattiesburg Chin-Qune Oliver Yeung Lai Wah, MD, Jackson

University of Mississippi School of Medicine Students Ivanna Adams-Nelson Graham Ahlrich Tiffany Anderson Allison Ariatti Caleb Aultmon Camille Azar Conner Bancroft Anna Lauren Bicker Connor Bluntson Cambria Boone Allena Boyd Benjamin Brainerd Alexis Elizabeth Brantley Katelyn Brock Christopher Bui Hannah Buie Emily Burkes Haley Caldwell Lauren Carney Taylor Chapin Raksha Chatakondi Anna Chatanginer Emily Cobb Brittany Corder Margaret Cosnahan Taylor Cupit Anna Dickson Rachelle Drygalla Lauren Kelly Dyess Dallas Ederer Kymberlee Evans Anika Faruque David Fleming Akeelein Forrest Caroline Garraway Georgia Gibson

Kimberly A Gilmore Kallie E Sheridan Jessica Grady Lorenzo J Spencer Dalton Hall Kinsley Stuart Jenna Hall Ian Taylor Elizabeth Hamilton Jana Taylor Manish Harrigill Mary Grace Taylor Mary Helen Haygood Lauren Thomas Sydney Hays Bethany Tillman Jordan Healy Sarah Tramel Sarah Hillhouse Emily Turner Keauna Hilton Candice Paige Walker Addie Hitt Katie Weeks Stephen Holt Thomas Grant Wichman Emberly Katelyn Jackson Emory Wills William Joseph Kaluschc Anna Wilson Morgan Kelly Chandler Winstead Dion Kevin Brycen Witcher Timothy King Aren Worrell Ernest Moses Lam Gabriella Regina Yray David Mitch Lang Decker Phuong Le Seth Lawrence Lenoir Ross University School Libby Li of Medicine Taylor Brooke Long Anwuli Anazia, Brandon Kayla Lovitt Josh Luke Emily Mansour William Carey Duncan Maxwell University COM Jordan Mayes Students Jessica McClain Navkiran Aujla Hannah McCowan Thomas James Baker Amye McDonald Sarah Catherine Brown Asha Meilstrup Stanley John Dziaba Ahmed Mohamed Angella Gyamfi Anna Peyton Montesi David Dean Johnson Edwin Taylor Moore Dustin Landgrave Jeremy Morgan Rebecca Markway Lee Dangtue Dan Nguyen Ke (Kevin) Ma Somtochukwu Ngwudike Jalpa Patel Chandler Noel Travis William Rice Kate Nye Noel Daniel Staursky Chris Nutter Taylor Patterson Elelia Phillips Windsor University Ali Pike School of Medicine Melissa Pippin Shelby White, Summit Isabella Pittman Lauren Pitts D J.C. Pride Carley Quillin Joey Reed Gabriella Reyes Brock Richardson Courtney Ross Rachel Royston Support family medicine by Erica Rubio getting a Live Healthy tag Erin Rushing for your car! $24 of each Laural Ryals purchase goes to the Sunna Savani MAFP Foundation. Ask for it at Andrew Bailey Seals your local tax collector’s office.

Praise Seo

ACADEMY

Veronica Ruth Tassin, DO, Hattiesburg Eric Wade Tillotson, MD, Tupelo Ivy Chantal Wicks, MD, Jackson Austin Douglas Worley, Active Members DO, Greenvale Abdu Mohamed Abdallah Michael John Kwon-Qune Ahmed, MD, Flowood Yeung-Lai-Wah, MD, Jennifer Ashley, DO, Jackson Ridgeland Timothy Brett Zepponi, DO, Brock Nathaniel Banks, MD, Greenville Hattiesburg Cameron Don Bonds, MD, Iuka Resident Members John Reid Browning, Sr, Hafsah Ahmed, MD, MD, MS, Booneville Madison Joshua B Calcote, DO, John Francis Bradley, DO, Tupelo Flowood Rosita Elaine CarrereAnthony Jay Carter, MD, Dawson, MD, Slidell MS, Greenville Robin Conley, DO, Meghan Lynn Case, MD, Gardendale Utica Jacob Nathan Cox, DO, Tiffany Chapman, DO, Tupelo Meridian Dimitrios J Dimitriades, Ethan Collier, MD, Tupelo MD, Gulfport Ridgeland Clay Dabbs, DO, Donald Robert Doran, Tupelo MBBS, FAAFP, Saucier Karine DeSouza, MD, Cynthia Colson Garrett, Jackson MD, Madison William Phillip Fortenberry, Sarah Marie Hudson, DO, Jr, MD, Hattiesburg Hattiesburg Garrett Fratesi, DO, Tupelo Chinedu George Ifejiagwa, Raaj Ghosal, DO, Tupelo MD, Flowood Ben Giuffria, MD, Jackson Jason C Lindsey, DO, Rohith Guduru Venkata, Hattiesburg MD, MBBS, Greenville Melanie Elaine Lindsey, Taylor Hairston, DO, MD, Hattiesburg Hattiesburg Lilian Elena Massihi, MD, Daniel Han, MD, Flowood Jackson Jessica Joy Jenkins, MD, Mitchell Craig Moffett, DO, Greenville Tupelo Shawntiah Noel Jones, MD, William Lee Stephens Byram Morgan, MD, Houston Jisun Kang, DO, Meridian Danielle Marie Parker, MD, Kaleb T King, MD, Edmond Meridian Abubakar Malik, DO, Charles Douglas Pearson, Greenville MD, Ridgeland Susie Mao, DO, Meridian Michelle Diane Pike-Hough, Michael McLarty, MD, MD, Meridian Jackson Ashley B Pullen, MD, Jose Rodolfo Menendez, Madison DO, Meridian Chelsea Kaitlin Rick, DO, Dhruval Patel, MD, Nashville Greenville Leslie Ann Rutkowski, DO, Joseph Brooks Pratt, MD, Meridian Tupelo Melissa Elizabeth Sanders, Jeremy Keon Prince, DO, DO, Clinton Tupelo Joshua Lee Spake, DO, Urooj Shahid, DO, Meridian Hattiesburg

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Executive Director’s Report for 2020 Beth Embry / Executive Director

ACADEMY

Family Medicine Strong. Each of our members has lived up to that term during 2020.

You have been challenged to learn new things, solve problems to the best of your ability while advocating for your patients and communities.

As the new wave of cases increased, we were in awe of your commitment and prayed for your stamina. We are hopeful for change in 2021.

Stay strong, Family Medicine.

Even with the constant changes since March, your MAFP staff has worked together to keep members engaged by implementing creative changes in safe environments. Our goal was to continue to serve you as we always have. The MAFP office remained open during COVID-19 with our staff always taking safety precautions. Here is a review of the work your MAFP leaders, staff and members have done.

ACADEMY - Maintaining a sustainable association through engaged membership and leadership • MAFP received 1st place for highest retention rate of active membership and 100% of resident membership • MAFP Executive Director presented membership campaign on AAFP webinar to other state chapters • MAFP created website page with resources and sent out 32 Covid-focused communications March - June • MAFP sent letter to Dobbs/Governor about slowing the spread – April 1 • MAFP sent letter to MS Congressmen re: telemedicine visit payments – April 7 • MAFP created PSA Video highlighting COVID’s affect on African American communities – April 17 • MAFP created PSA Video and posters for reopening clinics – April 30 • MAFP sent letter to Governor and legislators re: reimbursement and grants for primary care - May 13 • MAFP created PSA reminder of safety precautions during holidays – November • MAFP sent letter to Governor requesting a statewide mask mandate – November 24 • MAFP staff researched, created, and implemented safety protocols for meetings • MAFP staff introduced two new Foundation fundraisers raising over $11,000 • MAFP staff contacted members 12 times regarding outstanding dues through text, email, postcards • 2020-21 Online MAFP Directory offered in December • Recognized members for membership anniversaries at MAFP Luncheon • Updated member contact information with a focus on FAX numbers • Conducted member survey in May with over 160 responses to determine needs of members during COVID-19 • Held staff strategic planning meeting

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ADVOCACY - Serving as the unified voice of family physicians in Mississippi • Applied and received AAFP Foundation grant for advocacy efforts during COVID • Dr. Dustin Gentry served on MBML Hospice Ad Hoc Committee • Drs. Bill Grantham and Dustin Gentry testified regarding hospice • Dr. Dustin Gentry testified at legislature regarding Medicaid • Advocacy Committee worked through hundreds of bills during session • MAFP held successful Capitol Day on January 30, featuring Lt. Governor as our speaker • FamDocPAC board set goal of $25,000.

Raised $16,124 including monthly donors • MAFP met with Pharmacy Board to share a vaccine notification letter from pharmacy to physicians • 4 MAFP members attended the Virtual AAFP Congress of Delegates • Issued 5 statements, 4 letters to the Governor, 9 letters to Legislators and Congressmen, 2 letters to MSDH officials, and 1 letter to a private entity on behalf of family physicians WORKFORCE - Expanding the family physician workforce to meet patient and community needs • MAFP President Dr. James Griffin and MAFP staff participated in Virtual UMMC Residency Fair • MAFP President Dr. James Griffin and MAFP staff participated in virtual FMIG meeting for UMMC • Hosted Rural Scholars for drive-by Christmas party, staff handed out MAFP swag and took pics with Santa • Presented MAFP opportunities to Family Medicine Residents, to Forrest General on Jan. 9 and EC HealthNet on Dec. 30 • 4 medical students served as Academy Ambassador at MAFP Annual Meeting • Foundation sponsored 2 residents to attend Annual Meeting • Selected 4 residents and 4 students to MAFP and Foundation Boards • Hosted William Carey students monthly for testing at MAFP headquarters • Sent congratulatory packets with free registration for Annual Meeting to graduating residents at 4 MS residencies • Foundation sponsored 3 medical students to attend MAFP Fall Conference

Available for $50 from MAFP Foundation E-mail beth@msafp.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Providing education through a variety of delivery mechanisms • Redesigned MAFP Annual Meeting and MAFP Fall Conference to meet safety precautions and held live, safe meetings • Created new levels of sponsorship to include exhibitors who could not attend • NEW – Introduced “KSA Boot Camp” • NEW – Alabama AFP joined MAFP to offer KSA to their membership • Three MAFP Past Presidents served as KSA presenters – great evaluations!

• Recognized 4 MAFP members for earning Fellow degree • 45 attendees and 12 exhibits for fall conference • Annual Meeting: 111 attendance; 90 live attendees and 21 virtual attendees; 31 exhibits • 1 Tobacco Cessation Lunch and Learn Program – Jan. 8 PUBLIC AWARENESS - Improving public awareness of the roles and position of family physicians • Bi-weekly newsletter sent to 700 people with 35% open rate • Received 15 applications from 10 high schools for David G. Hall Scholarship • Offered Family Medicine Strong T-shirts • Offered MAFP Live Healthy masks • Worked with Miss Mississippi and medical students to create Tar Wars video to present virtually to elementary schools • 2 Tar Wars presentations made to more than 37 medical students; reached 596 4th and 5th graders • Press releases: Family Physician of Year; New MAFP Officers and Board Members; New Foundation Officers and Board Members; New Fellows; New Physician of the Year; Humanitarian Award; Military Service Award • Awarded Family Physician of Year, New Family Physician of Year, Humanitarian and Military awards • Included Live Healthy car tags promotion in bike and run registration packets Developed idea for Family Medicine Strong Watercolor print • Social Media: Facebook followers 1,227, Instagram followers 323, Twitter followers 669. Members-only Facebook group increased to 124 • Updated annual meeting app • Our PSA video about African Americans being affected by COVID reached 17,000 people on FB • Our Facebook story about Picayune Church rallying to sew masks for doctors reached 25,600 people • Dr. Bill Grantham MAFP President, visited with Supertalk radio to discuss family physicians’ readiness to see patients

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Physician Becomes Community Leader During Pandemic Emily B. Landrum, MD / Starkville

clinic’s website and post updates with the most basic “facts.” The more things began to unfold in those first few weeks, the more I felt a responsibility to respond to the mistruths that were being promulgated so widely.

MSMA reached out to a group of physicians to have a grassroots effort at doing just this. On March 20, 2020, I posted my first quick video trying to reassure patients to stay calm and stay home. That video got 1,600 views and 43 shares and since then, I’ve posted about 50 videos and have a public figure professional page entitled Emily Landrum, M.D. with 525 followers. I kept wondering when my videos wouldn’t be needed, but I don’t think that day is coming for a while. I’ve started to incorporate other helpful advice to give people a bit of a reprieve from COVID but always include some encouragement to continue to be safe.

A unique aspect about my pandemic experience has been the opposition to mask mandates.

As the pandemic surged over the summer, we had growing evidence that masks were helping curb the numbers, but there were many antimask fallacies and opinions that crept into my community. I was frustrated. I felt defeated after so many months of seeing people suffer, I could-

n’t understand why a mask was such a big deal, so I took my concerns to my city government. I wrote a letter to our Mayor and Board of Alderman strongly urging them to maintain a mask mandate for the safety of our citizens. To my surprise I was met with a letter signed by a number of other physicians in my community opposing the mandate. I spoke at the meeting and thankfully the mandate passed. Patients, friends and colleagues reached out to me thanking me for sharing helpful information and standing up for our community.

I tried to keep the momentum for masks going by partnering with Hi Y’all!, a local business, to make “Wear a Mask Y’all!” t-shirts. We used the profits from these shirts to raise over $1,200 for the Mississippi State Department Health.

In addition to my Facebook presence I’ve done several news interviews and newspaper articles. All of this has ultimately helped me find the groove in my practice I never thought I would have. I have made connections in my community, and I think the patients who follow me feel like they can talk to me more openly. They can view me as a trusted source of information and know that I’m going to do my best to tell them what they need to know in a way they can understand.

It’s been a wild year and I don’t know where my future will be in the social media world, but for now it’s a place where I can reach more members of my community than jut those who come into my exam room. If it helps just one person feel more at ease about their health and wellbeing, then it’s worth it.

in Family Medicine Flashback to previous issues of the Mississippi Family Physician:

GME Projects Excess Physicians

- holding the number of physician assistants and you may need to add another outside line. and nurse-midwives in training to current How calls are taken: When a patient calls my levels.” office and wants to speak to me, the receptionist takes their name and number and tells them I will The Telephone in a return their call. Occasionally we will get a call Solo Family Practice that will not give their name and I refuse to reIn the September 1981 issue, Dr. Ralph Brock turn these calls.

(MAFP president 1977-78) wrote and contributed an The receptionist gets the patient’s medical article titled “The Telephone in a Solo Family Pracrecord and puts this along with the name and tice.” Excerpts follow: number by the phone at my main dictation staOne of the major problems I have encountered in my practice is how to make the best use of the tion. … I try to return phone calls within 20 telephone. I will give the results of my experienc- minutes, and sooner if possible. I have formed a es that may help you solve some of your prob- habit of making one call after each round of my lems. … In my office we try to always leave one three treatment rooms. If the calls accumulate faster, I will see one patient and make one call line open for incoming calls.

Lights at all phone stations let us know which until I catch up. …

I return all of my calls personally. I do not lines are in use. If I have to call the drug store, I allow my office staff to give advice over the will use Line No. 2, but if either Line No. 1 or No. 2 are busy, I will use the hospital extension phone. I consider the telephone call as an extenline. If patients complain of getting a busy signal sion of the very personal patient-physician relatoo often, you can get the telephone company to tionship which I cherish.

December 1980 issue: “The GME National Advisory Committee has completed a four-year $4 million study of trends in health professions requirements and presented its findings to Secretary of HHS Patricia Harris.

At the heart of the 21-member (13 physicians) committee report is the finding that there will be 60,000 excess physicians in 1990, 130,000 excess physicians in 2000, and surpluses of physicians in 19 medical specialties. Among the more than 100 recommendations made by GMENAC were: - a reduction of 10 percent (from 1978 levels) of 5-year students in medical schools; - severe restrictions on the entry into practice of foreign-trained physicians - reductions in residency positions in oversupplied specialties - incentives to encourage residents to enter monitor the number of calls you are receiving, into shortage specialties;

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

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ACADEMY

As a young physician in the first 5 years of my practice, I was trying to get in my groove before the COVID pandemic started. I was getting really close! In medical school I felt like we learned pandemics were a thing of the past, so living through one was the last thing I imagined I would do. Even the “small pandemics” I have seen like SARS, MERS, swine flu and Ebola have been either short lived, contained or didn’t really have a significant impact on the U.S. Even my father who I practice side by side with each day never thought he’d see a pandemic of this magnitude in his practice. I suspect my grandfather may have been less surprised, but even he was born 10 years after the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918.

When I say I never thought I would live through a pandemic, I should also say I never thought I would live through a political pandemic where misinformation was almost as bad as the disease itself, and I certainly never thought I would become someone who shares medical advice on social media. Alas, here we are, a full year later and I typically post a live Facebook video each week trying to educate my community. At first I was just scrambling to update our

MAFP Members Persevered During COVID-19

ACADEMY

We Wore PPE. All of it. At Once.

Physicians covered themselves in previouslyunheard-of levels of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gowns, masks, face shields, booties and masks. This row from left: Dr. Christy Vowell of Eupora; resident physician Dr. Danielle Parker of EC HealthNet in Meridian; and Dr. Chrystal Sumrall of Laurel.

We Treated Using Telemedicine The pandemic led to the relaxation of rules regarding Telehealth in our country and the coverage of patient visits conducted by phone.

Therefore, many physicians regularly saw patients using a laptop, tablet or mobile phone to do video calls. This row, from left: Dr. Emily Landrum of Starkville, Dr. Anna Marie Hailey-Sharp of Preston, Dr. Bill Grantham of Clinton and Dr. Ray Arriola of Fulton.

We Masked Up Physicians wearing face masks for safety during the pandemic. Top row: Dr. James Griffin of Hattiesburg, Dr. Katie Patterson of Indianola, Dr. Kristie Alvarez of Batesville.

Bottom row: Dr. Paul Pavlov of Biloxi, Dr. Dustin Gentry of Louisville, Dr. Lakeisha Chism of Verona, Dr. Chris Park of New Albany and Dr. Delora Denney of Picayune.

We Took Things Outside With patients coming into the office presenting a safety issue, many physicians moved their offices to the parking lot and treated patients as they drove through. This was particularly true for the drivethrough COVID testing and giving COVID vaccines.

Here, (this row, left) Kristi Stapp, RN and Tim Black, laboratory technician, outside Winston Medical in Louisville. This row, right, the residents at EC HealthNet in Meridian conducting an outdoor clinic.

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THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Capitol Day 2020: Strong Legislation When physicians visited the State Capitol on Feb. 13, 2020, for Capitol Day, they had no idea a global pandemic was weeks away from hitting the United States. Newly-elected statewide officials and legislators had been sworn in only a month before, and no one thought twice about big group gatherings.

More than 50 family physicians, residents and students came to Jackson to discuss issues with legislators and statewide officials. Besides being introduced in the galleries, family docs talked with legislators at a special reception, had a tour of the Capitol building, and networked with students and residents. At lunch, speakers included Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann; lobbyist Ashley Thompson; and Shelby Higgins From the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Bill Grantham of Clinton led the group as MAFP president. Staff members from MEA Medical Clinic were present to perform health screenings, and exhibitors included MAFP Foundation, Office of Miss.

Physician Workforce and Miss. Rural Physicians Scholarship Program.

Rep. Joey Hood with Drs. Christy Vowell, left, and Sue Simmons, right.

ADVOCACY

Miss Mississippi Mary Margaret Hyer attended Capitol Day as an ambassador for Tar Wars. Joining her, from left, are Drs. Katie Patterson, Bill Grantham and Sarah Grabmiller and Christy Vowell.

During Capitol Day, physicians gathered for lunch to hear speakers about legislative priorities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, right, speaks to doctors including Dr. Tim Alford, standing left, and resident Dr. Robin Conley.

Dr. James Griffin with Sen. Alyce Clarke.

Rep. John Hines with Dr. John Mitchell.

MAFP family physicians who participated in Capitol Day 2020 in the Capitol Rotunda.

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PAC Donors

FamDocPAC Successes The FamDoc PAC board met via conference call in November 2020. The group reviewed public awareness efforts which included having a PAC booth at every CME MAFP meeting to be manned by Board members, AAFP dues insert with PAC contribution information, and creating an article for upcoming newsletters.

The board reviewed the bylaws and discussed previous contributions and process of choosing candidates. The group agreed personal delivery of contributions from our members was a great opportunity to build relationships and would like

to continue in the future. The board set a goal of raising $25,000 for the 2021 year.

The board approved letters to previous contributors, new physicians and life members to help reach our goal. It is important to know that our contributions are nonpartisan and are based on friends or champions for family medicine.

ADVOCACY

FamDocPAC Board of Trustees 2021 Chair ........................................................................................................Dr. Katie Patterson, Indianola Vice Chair ........................................................................................................ Dr. David Wheat, Clinton Sec./Treasurer ..................................................................................................... Beth Embry, Exec. Dir. Rep. Congressional District 1 ................................................................... Dr. Bruce Longest, Bruce Rep. Congressional District 2 ........................................................ Dr. Susan Chiarito, Vicksburg Rep. Congressional District 3 ...........................................................Dr. Word Johnston, Mt. Olive Rep. Congressional District 4 ........................................................ Dr. Jeremy Wells, Hattiesburg Rep. At Large ....................................................................................................Dr. Bill Jackson, Corinth Rep. At Large .........................................................................................Dr. Jennifer Gholson, Summit Ex-Officio ............................................................................................... Dr. James Griffin, Hattiesburg Ex-Officio ...................................................................................................... Dr. Brent Smith, Cleveland You may contribute to FamDocPAC with a 1-time donation or in installment payments.

Mail a donation to FamDocPAC, 755 Avignon Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157, or call MAFP at (601) 853-3302 to make a donation by phone.

Name*: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________________ Address*: __________________________________________________________________________ City/State/ZIP*: ____________________________________________________________________ Occupation*: _______________________________________________________________________ Employer*: _________________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: ___________________________________ *Election law requires FamDocPAC to report the name, address, occupation, and employer name for anyone who contributes $200.00 or more in a calendar year.

(Cash cannot exceed $100.)

Card Number/Exp. Date/Code: ________________________________________________________

I am aware of the political purposes of FamDocPAC; understand that contributions to FamDocPAC are purely voluntary and that these suggested contribution amounts are only guidelines. I further understand that I will not be favored or disadvantaged by reason of the amount of my contribution or a decision not to contribute. Contributions to FamDocPAC are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Mail to: FamDocPAC, 755 Avignon Drive, Ridgeland MS 39157. Secretary/Treasurer Beth Embry, beth@msafp.org.

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GILDED EAGLE LEVEL ($2500-$5000)

Katie Patterson, MD, Indianola

ROTUNDA LEVEL ($1000-2500)

Anthony Cloy, MD, Jackson Brent Smith, MD, Cleveland

CHAMBER LEVEL ($500-999)

Tim Alford, MD, Kosciusko Susan A. Chiarito, MD, Vicksburg James W. Griffin Jr., MD, Hattiesburg Stephen Hammack, MD, Madison Word Johnston, MD, Mt. Olive Carlos Latorre, MD, Vicksburg Bruce Longest, MD, Bruce Paul Pavlov, MD, Biloxi Sue H. Simmons, MD, Mathiston Jeremy Wells, MD, Hattiesburg

GALLERY LEVEL ($365-499)

FamDocPAC Contribution Form

Amount Donated: ________________________ Payment: ___ Check ___ Card ___ Cash

Thanks to these family physician donors, FamDocPAC has been successful in raising funds for the next election cycle. Well on the way to meeting its $25,000 goal, the PAC has $18,740 in combined donations and committed donations through the end of 2021.

Stephen Coachys, MD, Ridgeland Jennifer Gholson, MD, Summit Gene Loper, MD, Ridgeland Katherine Royals, MD, Purvis

CAPITOL STEPS LEVEL (Up to $364)

Jonathan Buchanan, MD, Carthage Scott Carlton, MD, Jackson Tim Folse, MD, Memphis, Tenn.

Barbara Goodman, MD, Meridian Bill Grantham, MD, Brandon Anna Marie Hailey-Sharp, MD, Preston Bill Jackson, MD, FAAFP, Corinth Erik Lessman, MD, Indianola David Moody, MD, Carthage Samantha Mosby, DO, Collinsville Christy Vowell, DO, Eupora David Wheat, MD, Clinton THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Docs of the Day

Residents Advocating for Family Medicine

Several family physicians served as Doctor of the Day at the State Capitol during the legislative session, including the following.

Dr. Anthony Cloy with Sen. David Blount, both of Jackson.

EC HealthNet Family Medicine Residency (above) and UMMC Family Medicine Residency (below) showed their commitment and support to advocating for family medicine by sending their faculty and residents to MAFP’s Capitol Day in February 2020.

ADVOCACY

Dr. John Vanderloo with Sen. Walter Michel and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann. All are of Jackson.

Dr. Paul Pavlov of Biloxi with Rep. Jeffrey Guice of Ocean Springs and Rep. John Read of Gautier.

Dr. Melissa Stephens, left, with Sen. John Polk, both of Hattiesburg. Two WCUCOM students also accompanied Dr. Stephens to the State Capitol.

Dr. Sam Creekmore with Sen. Kathy Chism, both of New Albany.

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Advocacy: Family Medicine Strong Ashley Thompson / Advocacy Director

ADVOCACY

The 2021 legislative session was a busy session for healthcare, and the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians continues to be a strong voice for family medicine physicians and patients. The legislative committee reviewed hundreds of bills and tracked numerous pieces of legislation throughout the course of the nearly 90-day session. Here are some highlights: Each year, the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians follows numerous scopes of practice bills that would allow for the expansion of scope within various healthcare professions. Usually with anywhere between 5-10 bills each session, this session a bill was introduced that would allow for independent practice of nurse practitioners after 3,600 collaborative hours. This bill passed the Mississippi House of Representatives but died in the Senate Public Health Committee where it was not brought up for discussion. The Chairman of Senate Public Health indicated there would be hearings during the summer on this issue, and MAFP looks forward to being part of those hearings. MAFP worked alongside other specialty societies to advocate against this piece of legislation and will continue to

work with other groups as this topic continues to be at the forefront of legislative debate. We would ask each MAFP member to reach out to their respective Senators and Representatives and offer to be a source of information on this topic moving forward.

While physicians and patients have spent a year adapting to changes in healthcare as a result of COVID-19, MAFP is committed to advocating for reimbursement parity for telemedicine while also advocating for patient safety within the telemedicine arena. This once-in-ageneration pandemic has broken down barriers and encouraged expansion of telemedicine by necessity,. It also has created a delivery model that expressly encourages patients to stay out of the doctor’s office. MAFP looks forward to working with all stakeholders moving forward to ensure payment parity for physicians while providing a safe healthcare delivery model for patients. We were successful in advocating for the passage of legislation that removed the requirement for two or more hospitalizations within a year period prior to insurance companies covering remote patient monitoring. This bill was signed by the Governor in March and goes into effect on July 1.

Much of the session was spent working on the Medicaid Technical Amendments Bill that was before the legislature for reauthorization of

the Division and how it operates. MAFP has been working with numerous Medicaid providers since last summer to help address issues that impact practices across the state. MAFP participated in hearings held by the House and Senate Medicaid Committees, and the final version of the bill is a success for Medicaid providers and beneficiaries in Mississippi. A few points of the bill include setting physician reimbursement at 90% of Medicare, allotting for FQHCs, RHCs, and CMHCs to be recognized as both originating and distant site providers for telehealth reimbursement, deleting the 5% rate reduction for certain services, extending options available to the Director should Medicaid operate under a deficit, removing the specific percentage limitation on managed care enrollment, requiring a standardized credentialling process, and authorizing the Division to extend current contracts for one year with the full requirements of the technical bill in place.

information, share experiences, and develop basic leadership skills. The conference is an opportunity for members of underrepresented constituencies to voice their individual and group perspectives.

Dr. Lakeisha Chism of Verona represented women physicians, Dr. Jessica Douglas of Bay St. Louis represented new physicians, Dr. Don Gibson of Forest represented minorities, Dr. Daniel Hogue of Southaven represented LGBTQ and Allies, and Dr. Ardarian Pierre of Jackson represented international medical graduates.

“It was a huge learning experience,” Dr. Hogue said. “It was nice to see all the different ideas on how to be more inclusive in our residencies and how to make patients feel more at home.”

“It was very informative on how resolutions are drawn up,” said Dr. Gibson. “Some of the topics have good applications to our practice in rural Mississippi.”

“It’s fascinating to hear what is important to other family medicine docs across the country,” Dr. Douglas said. “It really rejuvenates me and reminds me why I chose family medicine.”

If you have an interest in legislation, please sign up to be an Academy Advocate.

Contact Beth Embry (beth@msafp.org) with any questions about the legislative process.

NCCL Delegates for 2021 Attend Virtually

Five Mississippi doctors made up a full delegation to the American Academy of Family Physicians National Conference of Constituency Leaders (NCCL) April 28-May 1, 2021. The conference had been cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of traveling to Kansas City, Missouri, where the event is usually held, delegates attended via their computer screens, participating in virtual sessions and watching virtual speakers.

The NCCL conference, started in 1990, is a vehicle for member constituencies to exchange

Dr. Ardarian Pierre (circled) engaged with the national conference through the Zoom platform.

E-mail Kristen Kern at kristen@msafp.org Dr. Daniel Hogue of Southaven took part in NCCL sessions online.

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Dr. Lakeisha Chism tuned in online to participate in conference sessions.

if you’d like to be a future NCCL delegate.

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MAFP Hosts Family Medicine Student Events The Academy also had a virtual presence at the all-virtual UMMC Department of Family Medicine residency fair. MAFP staff hosted a virtual booth. Similarly, MAFP helped with a FMIG chapter meeting, where MAFP President Dr. James Griffin spoke virtually about his career.

Perhaps the most fun of all the events was the MRPSP Christmas party, which was a drive-through affair held Dec. 1, 2020, in the MAFP headquarters parking lot. It was one of the coldest nights of the year, and MRPSP staff served hot chocolate and gave out gifts to all scholars who attended. MAFP joined in the fun, too, bringing Santa (Rob Embry) in addition to staff members to lend some holiday cheer.

MAFP also distributed gifts to attendees.

No one got out of their cars, but after months of social distancing, even a drivethrough event felt like a party.

WORKFORCE

Despite restrictions on campus visits, 131 new student members joined the MAFP in 2020. Student activities were suspended for many instances, with classes virtual and no rotations, but MAFP was able to make the most of some opportunities for student interaction.

MAFP visited the Univ. of Mississippi School of Medicine on Aug. 6, 2020, for the Family Medicine Lunch for UMMC M1 students. Due to social distancing, the school split the M1 class into two separate lecture halls, so speakers had to split up to speak to both groups. Of course, masks were required. Boxed lunches were provided for all M1s, and students heard from FMIG leaders Weston Eldridge and Lane Williamson, in addition to MAFP’s Kristen Kern and MS Rural Physicians Scholarship Program (MRPSP) director Wahnee Sherman.

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Student Ambassadors Go to Destin Four medical students served as MAFP Academy Ambassadors this past summer on a 5-day trip in July to the MAFP Annual Meeting in Destin, FL. The Ambassadors helped MAFP staff by checking attendees’ temperatures, preparing for events, working to sell MAFP apparel and merchandise, and selling tickets for the raffle and Split the Pot fundraiser.

They also visited the beach and area attractions.

The 2020 ambassadors were: Cailey Crawford of Randolph, MS, an upcoming M2 at UMMC Alex Huff of Puckett, an upcoming M4 at UMMC Mallory Harmon of Meridian, an upcoming M2 at UMMC Daulton Newman of Eupora, an up-

coming M3 at UMMC Ambassadors attended education sessions and social events in the exhibit hall and enjoyed networking with residency programs.

MAFP and MAFP Foundation pays for the Ambassadors’ registration, hotel rooms and meals during the meeting.

Students must apply by May 1 for the coming year. Preceptors, please encourage your medical students to apply to be an Academy Ambassador to take advantage of this great opportunity.

Find the Ambassador application at www.msafp.org/ambassador

WORKFORCE

Student, Resident Board Members Eight members were selected in the spring to represent students and residents on our boards. Four students and four residents began serving on their respective boards this summer as either voting or alternate members. Those selected for 2020-21 are: MAFP Board - Dr. Craig Bullock, UMMC FM Residency (voting) - Dr. Falan McKnight, NMMC FM Residency (alternate) - Weston Eldridge, UMMC (voting) - Lane Williamson, UMMC (alternate) Foundation Board - Dr. Claire Harper, EC Healthnet FM Residency (voting) - Dr. Shreena Dhawan, UMMC FM Residency (alternate) - Daulton Newman, UMMC (voting) - Huong Nguyen, WCUCOM (alternate)

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Jenkins

Malik

Patel

Jordan

Venkata

Wilkerson

EC HealthNet

Chapman

Kang

Mao

Menendez

Shahid

Strope

Forrest General

Delta - MSMERC

Welcome to the 2020 new residents Carter

Fortenberry

Hairston

King

McLarty

Stanford

Wood

Collier

Dabbs

Fratesi

Purvis Ghosal

Han

Pratt

Prince

Sparks

Ahmed

Bradley

Case

Desouza

Giuffria

Jones

Ukpong

Wachs

Wilson

Yeung

Delta - MSMERC Anthony Carter, MD, Carriere, MS Joy Jenkins, MD, Jackson, MS Abubakar Malik, DO, Gonzales, TX Dhruval Patel, MD, Austin, TX Jordan Thomas, MD, New Orleans, LA Reddy Venkata, MD, Greenville, MS Eric Wilkerson, MD, Byhalia, MS

EC HealthNet Tiffany Chapman, DO Jisun Kang, DO Susie Mao, DO Jose Menendez, DO Urooj Shahid, DO Bailey Strope, MD

WORKFORCE

Forrest General William Fortenberry, MD Taylor Hairston, DO, Gulfport, MS Kaleb King, MD Michael McLarty, MD, Jackson, MS Casey Stanford, MD, Gulf Coast Cassandra Wood, DO, Florida

UMMC (cont’d) Karine DeSouza, MBBS, New Port Richey, FL Benjamin Giuffria, MD Shawntia Jones, MD, Byram, MS Tete Ukpong, MD, Allen, TX Erica Wachs, DO, Monroe, CT James Wilson, MD, Olive Branch, MS Chin-qune O. Yeung Lai Wah, MD, Vancouver, Canada

North Mississippi

North MS Ethan Collier, MD, MD Ridge Dabbs, DO Garrett Fratesi, DO Raaj Ghosal, DO Dan Han, MD Brooks Pratt, MD Jeremy Prince, DO Nathaniel Sparks, MD

University of Mississippi Medical Center

UMMC Hafsah Ahmed, MBBS, Madison, MS John Bradley, DO, Corpus Christi, Texas Meghan Case, MD, Crystal Springs, MS

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THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Joseph

Joy

Merchant

Patel

Burkett

Haley

Deylamipour

Jules

Mason

Wilmoth

Andrews

Brown

Davis

Eldridge

Huff

Mortimer

Goktepe

Kaur

Meiyappan

Modi

Patel

Pennant

Bergman

Gauldin

Haralson

Horner

Imam

McDowell

Mitchell

Tran

Fortune

Oduro-Boadu

Upadhyaya

Witcher

Dey

Dziaba

Abraham Valderrama

Zaw

University of Mississippi

University of Mississippi Medical Center Adams

Agum

Berry

Chatman

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Cleveland

Enriquez

WORKFORCE

Memorial

See page 22 for 2021 residents’ full names

Horst

Anderson

North Mississippi

Shreve

Chowdhury

EC HealthNet

Abraham

Forrest General

Delta - MSMERC

...and the 2021 new residents

21

New Family Medicine Residencies Mississippi’s family medicine resident programs have grown from 16 intern slots in 2012 to 54 projected in 2022, growing almost 350 percent in just 10 years.

Gulfport’s new family medicine residency program will open this summer. Southaven will soon see a brand-new family medicine program, and Clarksdale and Batesville are quick on its heels with a family medicine program in development.

Mississippi’s family physician community can help support these residencies. “These programs need continued local medical support from the hospitals, medical staffs and communities. There is a significant need for both core faculty and volunteer specialty faculty in many of the new programs, especially as they grow,” said Dr. John Mitchell, director of the Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce. “We, the medical community, the OMPW and the state, must focus on supporting and sustaining these programs.”

WORKFORCE

Gulfport - Memorial

After having its application accepted by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) on Feb. 8, 2021, Gulfport’s new family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital will open July 1, 2021. The program participated in the MATCH in March 2021 and will begin day one with ten new interns (see page 21-22).

“We offer a great facility, and our hospital is already a teaching hospital,” said Dr. Jimmy Dimitriades, family physician and program director. He said new residents will make an impact in clinics from their first day onward. “We want to be resident-centered,” Dimitriades said.

For now, preparation continues for the program launch. Doctors are working with support staff, getting rooms ready, and tweaking the curriculum. Dr. Dimitriades said he wants the new program to support the hospital and especially the local community. “Our number one goal is to graduate great doctors,” he said.

Southaven - Baptist

On May 5, 2021, the ACGME approved another Mississippi residency program application, paving the way for Baptist Memorial Hospital Desoto to open a new family medicine program in Southaven training 18 total residents. The program will be able to participate in the MATCH in Spring 2022 and begin training interns on July 1, 2022.

Program director Dr. Daniel Hogue of Baptist Memorial said he was excited to begin the process of recruiting new residents beginning this fall. “Our goal is not to be in competition with other Mississippi programs but to work together in keeping them here in Mississippi,” he said.

Clarksdale & Batesville - Meharry

The Health Resources & Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded a Residency Planning and Development Grant to Nashville, Tenn.

-based Meharry Medical College to develop a Rural Training Tract in Nashville, Batesville, Miss., and Clarksdale, Miss.

The family medicine residency program that will grow out of the grant will train 9 total doctors. Each resident will train in Nashville during the intern year, then will train in Clarksdale and Batesville during the PGY2 and PGY3 years.

When in Mississippi, the residents will work at Clarksdale-based Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center, a Federally-Qualified Health Center with 8 locations serving Tunica, Tate, Coahoma, Quitman and Panola counties. It will also be affiliated with Northwest Miss. Regional Medical Center and The Women's Clinic in Clarksdale.

The timeline for the Meharry/AE Henry residency is further in the future. The program’s official site visit is scheduled for this summer.

Following the site visit, ACGME will formally consider approval. If approved in 2021, the program could likely begin training doctors July 1, 2022 in Nashville.

Mississippi’s Six Existing Family Medicine Residency Programs

Mississippi’s New Family Medicine Residents for 2021 (Pictured on page 21)

Delta - MSMERC Gene G. Abraham, MD, Houston, TX Steven B. Anderson, MD, Smithfield, UT Susmita Chowdhury, MD, Queens, NY Teresa M. Horst, MD, Anchorage, AK Dominique Joseph, MD, Reno, NV Christina M. Joy, MD, Long Island, NY Sonia Merchant, MD, Elmwood Park, NJ Anisha Patel, MD, Tupelo, MS Lacey M. Shreve, MD, Baton Rouge, LA

EC HealthNet Steven Burkett, DO Charlotte Haley, MD Joe Deylamipour, MD Joel Jules, DO Caleb Mason, DO Diana Wilmoth, MD

Forrest General Hospital Mary Allison Andrews, MD, Hattiesburg, MS Cassie Brown, DO, Cleveland, TN Taylor Davis, DO, Sylacauga, AL Weston Eldridge, MD, Flora, MS Alex Huff, MD, Puckett, MS Emily Mortimer, DO, Brimfield, OH

Memorial Hospital Piu Dey, MD Stanley Dziaba, DO Nazli Goktepe, DO Gurwinder Kaur, MD Arjyn Meiyappan, MD Surbhibahen Modi, MD Aneri Patel, MD Shazzanne Pennant, MD Carmenza Valderrama, MD Thinn Zaw, MD

North Mississippi Sarah Bergman, DO, Blandon, PA Austin Gauldin, DO, Lincoln, AL Jasmine Haralson, MD, Millbrook, AL Devin Horner, DO, Tiger, AL Abrahim Imam, DO, Madison, AL Emma McDowell, DO, Russellville, AL Janice Mitchell, DO, D’Iberville, MS Sheena Tran, DO, Long Beach, CA

Univ. of Mississippi

22

Meridian 18 doctors

Hattiesburg 18 doctors

Greenville 24 doctors

Gulfport 30 doctors

Tupelo 24 doctors

Jackson 30 doctors

William Mims Adams, MD Nneka Ekwutosi Agum, MD Jonathan Berry, MD Charles Chatman, MD Dava Sue Cleveland, MD Joseph Anthony Enriquez, DO Okoro Fortune, MD Kofi Oduro-Boadu, MD Verdanti Upadhyaya, DO Brycen Witcher, MD

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

‘All Hands on Deck’ at Annual Meeting It’s safe to say that the MAFP Annual Meeting in 2020, held July 17-21 at the Baytowne Conference Center in Sandestin, Fla., was unusual. The COVID-19 pandemic caused restrictions on indoor activities, prohibitions on travel, and enabled new ways to participate.

Despite challenges, MAFP persevered to have a successful in-person event during a year when many other associations cancelled all of their events. Live attendees at our CME sessions, devotionals and other events wore masks and sat 6 feet apart from each other, observing the CDC’s social distancing guidelines to prevent the virus’s spread. To accommodate virtual attendees and virtual speakers, the CME sessions were streamed live online. Some activities at the Baytowne Conference Center were changed to outdoor events or changed to day activities.

Temperature checks became routine as attendees at all events were screened upon arrival.

Certain doors in the meeting rooms were designated as entrances only and exits only to cut down on physical interaction. All food was served by a hotel staff member to minimize the risks of sharing serving utensils.

The exhibit hall transformed in order to accommodate vendors and to allow attendees to meet them. Each booth was draped with clear plastic side dividers and booths were spaced six feet apart. The exhibit hall was sprayed with disinfectant each evening as the exhibit hall closed to keep everyone safe.

Final attendance numbers were 90 live attendees and 21 virtual attendees for a total of 111. Add to that 9 speakers, 92 family members of attendees, and 61 exhibitors for a total attendance of 273.

The event kicked off with CME sessions Sunday. Then Sunday night’s Family Fun Night

with a pirate theme was held outdoors at the Marina Beach. In addition to paddle boards, kayaks and the beach to entertain attendees, there was kid-friendly food, music, and a magic show performed by pirate entertainers.

CME sessions were held Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with sunrise devotionals, yoga classes and bingo held in the mornings. On Monday the Academy held its Annual Business Session as normal, electing new officers and board members. Members were able to enjoy the golf tournament on the resort.

New officers and board members were sworn in at the Annual Luncheon which took the place of the Annual Dinner. At that event, new AAFP Fellows were inducted plus Family Physician of the Year and New Physician of the Year awards were presented.

Next Meeting: July 17-21, 2021

MAFP President Dr. Bill Grantham and his wife, Gay inspired the nautical theme.

Families like Lucy Suggs and Dr. JeanAnn Suggs enjoyed a round of Bingo.

Ahoy mateys! The littlest attendees wore pirate garb as they participated in a magic and comedy show at Family Fun Night on the beach.

24

Caption

Mississippi family physician Dr. Lessa Phillips was a favorite speaker during the CME.

Dr. Angela Jones of Poplarville gave a Sunrise Devotional to participants spaced six feet apart.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Socially-distant seating for 100 doctors in a single meeting hall. This same view was used for a video as physicians said ‘thank you’ to AAFP Executive Director Doug Henley upon his retirement.

Chelsea Wells offered yoga each day of the Annual Meeting for attendees.

Family Fun Night on the Marina Beach featured cornhole and water sports.

Drs. Brad Suggs and Bill Grantham ‘gRRRReeted’ folks at Family Fun Night.

Fist bumps were normalized as the pandemic discouraged traditional handshakes.

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Dr. Sarah Grabmiller and her family.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Spring Conference Attendees Enjoy Social Event at MAFP HQ Almost sixty family physicians met April 2325, 2021, for the MAFP’s Spring Conference at the Hilton Hotel on County Line Road in Jackson. The 2020 conference was cancelled due to the pandemic, and that meant doctors were glad to get together safely this spring.

Ten hours of continuing education sessions were provided Saturday and Sunday on such varied topics as endocrinology, neurology and COVID-19 outpatient treatment. Nineteen vendors were present in the exhibit hall to network with family physicians.

Highlighting the conference was the Friday

night Catfish Dinner held at the MAFP headquarters, which included food from Penn’s Catfish House, drinks, live music, and entertainment with cornhole and flying discs.

To kick off the weekend, the MAFP Board met at the MAFP headquarters Friday. The Foundation Board of Trustees met Sunday morning. Each board planned future conferences and discussed policies.

Normally this conference is held in connection with a Spring Fling for residents and students, but due to social distancing rules, the Fling was postponed.

Keith Buchanan of St. Dominic with Dr. James Ervin of Crystal Springs.

Medical student Weston Eldridge with his wife, Meri, and daughter, Sinclair, at the Catfish Dinner buffet.

Drs. Sam Crosby, Carlos Latorre and Paul Pavlov.

Dr. Ike Aultman, Rachel Aultman, Zack Royals (background) and Linda Gene Jackson.

MAFP is especially glad that so many past presidents remain active and attend events after their service. The MAFP Spring Conference, held April 24-25, 2021 in Jackson, had nine such in attendance, including (from left) Drs. Jennifer Gholson, Steven Brandon, Bill Jackson, Randy Easterling, Katie Patterson, Bill Jones, Judy Gearhart, and Mary Gayle Armstrong.

Dr. Sam Crosby, one of the event’s presenters, is not pictured.

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Wearing MAFP logo apparel at the Spring conference were, back row: Dr. Jennifer Gholson, Will Carter, Dr. Stephen Hammack, Dr. Paul Pavlov, Dr. Jonathan Buchanan. Front row, Dr. Chrystal Sumrall, Dr. Emily Landrum, Weston Eldridge, Dr. Carlos Latorre.

Children at the event played with flying discs and challenged one another to games of cornhole.

The MAFP parking lot hosted a food truck and was set up as an outdoor venue for the Friday dinner.

Medical student Lane Williamson and Dr. Stephen Morgan at registration.

Drs. David Moody and Jonathan Buchanan, who practice in Carthage.

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KSA Boot Camp Hosted with Alabama AFP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MAFP joined forces with Alabama Academy of Family Physicians and hosted a Knowledge Self-Assessment (KSA) Study Group Boot Camp as a virtual-only event on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. The event was produced and broadcast to attendees from the MAFP headquarters. Although the pandemic kept the more than 50 physician learners from attending live, registrants gave the virtual event good evaluations.

Three back-to-back KSA sessions were held so attendees could earn up to 24 hours of CME in one day. Three topics were chosen including Depression, Hypertension and Palliative Care. Instructors included MAFP past presidents Dr. Jennifer Gholson, Summit; Dr. John Mitchell, Pontotoc; and Dr. Katie Patterson, Indianola. They and MAFP President Dr. James Griffin of Hattiesburg were at the MAFP office participating in the live broadcast.

Registrants tuned in via an online platform to see the presenters and discuss the KSA topics. They asked questions and communicated with each other via chat. Attendees participated in polling on each question and saw the polling results instantly on their screen.

Behind the scenes of the boot camp was the staff of Gwendolyn Events, who hosted it on an online platform, and MAFP staff.

Center: MAFP President Dr. James Griffin welcomed virtual attendees wearing a Santa cap.

Right: Dr. Gholson presenting her topic and questions. Below: Dr. Griffin and the presenters participating live in the event.

MAFP 72nd Annual Meeting July 17-21, 2021 Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Destin, Florida

16 Hours CME Details: www.msafp.org/annual THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Biloxi Proved Great Host for Fall Conference MAFP's CME on the Coast conference, held Oct. 23-25 at the South Beach Events Center in Biloxi, offered CME hours to more than 40 attendees at a sociallydistanced hybrid event. About 35 family physicians attended in person and another 10 attended the event online.

The conference was one of two hybrid events MAFP has hosted this year as a response to COVID-19 as a way to allow family physicians to participate without being present. Safety precautions were taken for those in the room, including temperature checks, mandatory masks, and social distancing. As for the presenters, four out of the ten were in-person and the other six spoke virtually.

Ten exhibitors joined the conference two virtually and eight at the conference

Ochsner Health System exhibited at the conference.

center. The virtual exhibits were a first for MAFP and were enabled by the online platform. In-person attendees were able to visit the virtual booths by watching videos in the virtual exhibit hall.

We were proud to have two of our own members present CME talks Saturday and Sunday during the conference. Dr. Melissa Stephens of Hattiesburg gave talks on Adverse Childhood Events and Pediatric Obesity, and Dr. Delora Denney discussed Migraine Headaches. We can't thank these physicians enough for sharing their knowledge.

The MAFP Board and MAFP Foundation Board conducted meetings during the course of the weekend. An outdoor Friday night reception featured a live musician, heavy hors d’ouvres and drinks. The week-

Physicians watched online content from online conference exhibitors.

Fall Conference attendees at the South Beach Events Center in Biloxi wore masks and social distanced.

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end was rounded out with a family-friendly trip to Gulfport’s new Mississippi Aquarium and Saturday night dine-around dinners where physicians were matched together to dine out.

Even when social distancing, MAFP brings people together to share ideas.

"I experienced both in-person and virtual and both were done well," one physician in attendance said. Another agreed.

"Loved the experience."

Have a CME topic you would like to present at a conference?

E-mail beth@msafp.org.

Dr. Carlos Latorre, right, visited exhibitors to discuss the latest products and services.

Dr. Cierra Green of Hattiesburg talked with an exhibitor.

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Dr. Jeremy Wells wearing MAFP’s Live Healthy mask.

MAFP past presidents, Drs. Bill Grantham and Word Johnston, attended.

Students Daulton Newman and Lane Williamson attended the conference as student board members and helped sell MAFP products and meet physicians.

Tar Wars Goes Virtual With WCUCOM, Miss Mississippi Another unfortunate effect of the pandemic was the discontinuation of Tar Wars presentations in local schools. As schools shut down in March 2020 to quarantine, many did not reopen until much later, and some did not allow visitors on campus.

Miss Mississippi Mary Margaret Hyer, our Tar Wars ambassador, created a way to continue her message of avoiding tobacco. She worked closely with students and faculty at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) to produce a video version of Tar Wars that could be shown to a classroom at a teacher’s convenience.

WCUCOM students who took part in the on-camera and behind-the-scenes work included: Corey Abdeen, Blake Hill, Bradley Lewis, Victoria Ly, Simran Mehrotra, Daniel Paglia, Shalini Paliwal, Sanjana Pratti, and Michael Reen. Faculty members participating

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included Drs. Carol Morreale and Melissa Stephens.

In addition, Hyer visited and presented Tar Wars at schools that would allow her to come in person. One of these, Innova Prep in Hattiesburg, hosted Hyer and several WCUCOM students for multiple presentations.

Hyer also harnessed the power of social media for tobacco education. She posted, “Educators, it’s not too late to book a #TarWars presentation for YOUR school! I can even facilitate virtually!“ She also invited parents to get in touch.

Several schools responded to Hyer, having her participate in Zoom classes and driving home her message about avoiding tobacco.

Hyer also participated in a statewide radio broadcast on Supertalk FM, plus a podcast, Enrich MS, to discuss Tar Wars and her partnership with MAFP Foundation.

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

Friday night’s outdoor reception on the South Beach patio featured live music and food. Physicians brought their families to the event.

Dr. James Griffin, MAFP President, led the meeting which was conducted with some live and some virtual speakers.

Dr. Jack C. Evans Named Family Physician of the Year

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Dr. Jack Colbert Evans of Laurel was honored as Mississippi’s Family Physician of the Year 2020 at the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) Annual Meeting in July.

The John B. Howell, MD, Memorial Award, as the Family Physician of the Year award is formally known, was first given in 1977 in memory of Dr. Howell, a pioneer in the practice of family medicine and long -time Mississippi delegate to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

The individuals who have held the title exemplify the most outstanding qualities of a family physician. They are admired by their peers and looked up to by citizens of

their communities.

Dr. John Hassell of Laurel, the MAFP’s Family Physician of the Year 2016, announced Dr. Evans as the winner of the award. “Dr. Evans is the consummate family physician,” Hassell said of Evans. “He has shown the utmost in compassion, loyalty, perseverance, and wisdom as we have faced the daily adventures of medical practice.”

“I am so humbled by this award,” Dr. Evans said to a group of family physicians when he was surprised with the news that he was being honored, “because I do nothing different than what you all do each day.” He thanked his family, Dr.

Hassell and the Academy for the honor.

Dr. Evans is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians who has served the people of Laurel and the surrounding area since 1983. He is affiliated with Laurel’s South Central Regional Medical Center where he has served as a past chief of staff and chair of the Department of Medicine.

Dr. Evans graduated from East Central Community College and the University of Mississippi before going on to the University of Mississippi School of Medicine.

After graduating medical school in 1980, he completed a family medicine internship at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and a 3-year residency in family medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He has continued his education by completing five periodic board certification exams by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Dr. Evans has been involved in the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians for many years. He served on the Board of Directors representing his area of the state and served as program director for the MAFP’s Annual Scientific Assembly. He is a past president of the South Mississippi Medical Society and a past director of the Mississippi Foundation for Medical Care.

Dr. Evans is no stranger to awards, having been honored as ECCC’s Alumnus of the Year, the Laurel Leader Call’s “Best Doctor in Jones County” reader’s choice award, and having been selected by his peers to be among “Best Doctors in America.” He also earned the A.A. Derrick Award for his significant contribution to the sup-

Want to nominate someone?

Academy Awards nominations will be accepted until June 1, 2021.

Lists of past winners and an application is available at:

www.msafp.org/awards 30

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port of quality medicine.

Dr. Evans and his wife, Betty, have been married for 46 years. They have three adult children, Eric, Laurie, and Emily, and seven grandchildren. Dr. Evans is an active member of First Baptist Church of Laurel, having taught Sunday School and served as a deacon and deacon chair. For the past 25 years, he has volunteered time each month at the Good Shepherd Clinic in Laurel serving needy patients.

Dr. Jack Evans with his longtime business partner Dr. John Hassell, who presented the award.

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Dr. Jack Evans and his wife, Betty.

Dr. Jack Evans with his wife and two daughters who were able to be present at the Annual Meeting presentation ceremony. Standing are Emily Evans Burrell holding Blair Burrell, 6 months, Jack Evans, Betty Evans, and Dr. Laurie Evans Douglas. In front are Annie Burrell, 6, and Davis Burrell, 5.

Unable to attend were the Evans’ son Dr. Eric Evans, daughter-in-law Amy, and their children Jack, 9, Harper, 8, and Lucy, 5; Laurie’s husband Dr. Chris Douglas, and Laurie and Chris’s children Cole, 9, and Cooper, 6; and Emily’s husband Matthew Burrell.

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

Cobb Honored With Humanitarian Award Alton Cobb, MD, MPH, of Jackson was National Guard from 1958-1980 and retired presented with the MAFP Humanitarian in 2006.

Award on June 21, 2020.

Dr. Cobb was born in a log cabin in The award is Camden, MS. He given by fellow graduated from physicians in honor Holmes Community of a Mississippi College, graduated physician with a from the University of lifetime of service Mississippi with a in uplifting humanbachelor’s degree in ity, social justice 1950, then received a and the health of all certificate from UM’s citizens, especially 2-year medical school the underserved in Oxford in 1952. He and those in greatthen graduated from est need. This is Dr. Tim Alford of Kosciusko, left, presents the MAFP the Johns Hopkins only the third time Humanitarian Award to his father-in-law Dr. Alton School of Medicine in the award has been Cobb of Jackson.

1954, performing an given by MAFP internship at Charity the first was to the late Gilbert R. Mason of Hospital in New Orleans in 1955. After that, Biloxi in 2012 and the second was to Robert he completed a master’s of public health Smith of Jackson in 2018. degree from Tulane University in 1960 and Dr. Cobb spent most of his 38-year served as a resident doctor at the Tulane career in public health, from the time he School of Public Health, serving at the Miss. graduated from medical school in 1954 until State Department of Health (MSDH) from his retirement in 1992. He did a stint in the 1961-63. Dr. Cobb worked again for MSDH U.S. Army from 1955-57 and served in the from 1958-60 as county health officer in

Sunflower County. He later served as the first director of the MS Division of Medicaid from 1969-73 and helped shape it into a successful medical program. Following that, he served as the director of the MSDH as the state’s Chief Health Officer from 1973 until his retirement in 1992. During his MSDH tenure, he created the district health system, guided the evolution of licensing emergency health services, led the development of home health agencies, and led the separation of the Board of Health from the Board of Medical Licensure. Further, he created the division of Chronic Disease within the MSDH and spearheaded the enactment of Mississippi’s compulsory school immunization law which has done much to protect millions from disease.

Dr. Cobb was the subject of a joint resolution in the Mississippi Legislature in 2020 honoring his legacy.

Dr. Cobb and his wife, Mary O’Connor Cobb, have been married 61 years and have three children, 9 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. They live in Jackson but frequent his birthplace, the Cobb Farm in Camden, weekly.

Barowka Earns New Physician Award Sarah E. Barowka, MD, FAAFP, a fami- Dr. Barowka was part of the North Missisly physician in Pass Christian, was chosen sippi Family Medicine Residency Program New Physician of the Year by the Mississip- in Tupelo – first as a resident, then as an pi Academy of Family Physiattending physician, including cians (MAFP). The award service as Family Medicine recognizes an outstanding Department Chair. practicing family physician Dr. Barowka is a graduate of who is less than 7 years postRhodes College in Memphis, residency. MAFP members TN, and completed her medisubmit nominations each cal degree from the Louisiana year for the New Physician State University Health Sciaward and other awards. ences Center in New Orleans, Dr. Barowka has also LA. She earned board certifiachieved the Degree of Felcation from the American low from the American Board of Family Medicine Academy of Family Physiand holds certifications in cians (AAFP), the national Dr. Sarah Barowka Advanced Cardiac Life Supmedical association repreport, Advanced Trauma Life senting nearly 129,000 family physicians, Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Program residents and medical students. and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

Dr. Barowka is a board-certified family Dr. Barowka is a member of the Society physician who moved to the Gulf Coast to for Teachers of Family Medicine, the Mispractice medicine at Ochsner Health in sissippi State Medical Association, the 2020; she is part of the Ochsner family med- American Medical Association and the icine clinic in Picayune.

Southern Medical Association. She serves Before joining Ochsner in May 2020, on the MAFP Foundation Board.

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Dr. Barowka earned the All-Star award in 2016 and 2017 from North Mississippi Medical Center and both the Teamwork Award and Art of Medicine Award from NMMC Family Medicine Residency Program.

She and her husband, Brian Gilland, married in the Spring of 2020 and live in Pass Christian.

Dr. Barowka, center, with her family and close friends. From left, Jason and Dr. Christie Theriot, Barowka’s husband Brian Gilland, and Gilland’s mother.

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Four Physicians Recognized as New Fellows UMMC and William Carey University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Carlton and his wife, Judge Virginia Carlton, have three children, Rachel, Read and Phoebe.

Edmund M. “Ned” Miller, DO, FAAFP, a family physician in West Point, has achieved the Degree of Fellow. Dr. Miller, who earned his board certification from the American Board of Family Medicine, sees patients at West Point Family Medicine Clinic in West Point. In addition, he works as an emergency room physician at North Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Miller graduated from West Point High School and took part in the Shakouls Honors College at Mississippi State University as an undergraduate, graduating cum laude in biomedical engineering. He earned his medical degree from William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM), then completed a 3-year residency in family medicine at the North Mississippi Family Medicine Residency Program in Tupelo.

Since becoming a practicing physician, Dr. Miller has helped mentor medical students studying at WCUCOM, serving as an adjunct clinical professor for four years.

Besides membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians and Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Miller is a member of the American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, Mississippi State Medical Association and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Recently, he represented Mississippi at the American Academy of Family Physicians National Conference of Constituency Leaders conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Christie Theriot, MD, FAAFP, is a board

-certified family physician who recently moved to the Gulf Coast to practice medicine at Ochsner Health; she is practicing virtually at present and will soon be part of an Ochsner clinic opening in Picayune in the coming weeks.

Before joining Ochsner in Spring 2020, Dr. Theriot was part of the North Mississippi Family Medicine Residency Program in Tupelo – first as a resident and chief resident, then as a member of the faculty, including service as Family Medicine Department Head. She served on the North Mississippi Medical Center’s Executive Committee as well as other committees.

Dr. Theriot is a summa cum laude graduate of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA, and received her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA. Her professional certifications include board certification by the American Board of Family Medicine plus certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support and Neonatal Resuscitation.

In addition to being a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians since 2014, Dr. Theriot is a member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Theriot and her husband, Jason, are the proud adoptive parents of an infant daughter, Alliyah.

You Can Be an AAFP Fellow

You must be an Active member who has practiced for 6 years or more. Applicants submit a detailed application and a one-time fee. Call AAFP at 1-800-274-2237 for more info or search online for “AAFP Degree of Fellow.”

New Fellows: Drs. Theriot, Barowka, Miller and Carlton

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

Four MAFP members were recognized in 2020 with the Degree of Fellow from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Criteria for receiving the AAFP degree of fellow consists of a minimum of six years of membership in the organization, extensive continuing medical education, participation in public service programs outside medical practice, conducting original research and serving as a teacher in family medicine.

“Being recognized with the Degree of Fellow has great significance among family physicians,” said Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) President Dr. James Griffin of Hattiesburg. “Not only does it represent the respect of one’s peer physicians, but it symbolizes high personal standards as well.”

Sarah A. Barowka, MD, FAAFP, achieved the Degree of Fellow (see story, facing page).

Scott A. Carlton, MD, FAAFP, achieved the Degree of Fellow. The MAFP honored Dr. Carlton in 2019 with its Military Award, which is only given to one member annually for service in the armed forces. He is a Colonel and Field Surgeon in the Medical Command of the Mississippi Army National Guard (MS ARNG).

Dr. Carlton is a native of Greenville who graduated from Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). He is a boardcertified family physician who practices at MEA Medical Clinics at various locations.

A member since 1997, Dr. Carlton served six years on the MAFP Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Central Mississippi Medical Society and the Mississippi State Medical Association. He is a preceptor who trains medical students at both

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Family Doc Becomes COVID-19 Patient

By Susan Christensen A Code Blue used to send Cleveland family physician Dr. Michael Montesi running to help a patient in distress.

But on July 26, [2020], the alarm brought people dashing to save his life.

“I don’t remember any of it,” he said.

“They found me on the floor face down, and then I went into respiratory arrest. They called the code because I had stopped breathing, and they didn’t know if my heart had stopped.”

Like many of the patients he treated at Bolivar Medical Center in Cleveland, Montesi had been stricken with COVID-19. By the next day, he was headed by plane to Baptist Medical Center in Jackson.

“He arrived there on 100 percent oxygen.

He wasn’t using his lungs at all,” said his fiancée Ryan Schiefer.

Today, Montesi is back home in Indianola, enjoying the company of Schiefer and visits from his daughters, Anna Peyton, Hayden and Maggie Claire. And don’t think he doesn’t realize what a gift that is.

“One of my buddies saw the initial CAT scan of my lungs and said he hadn’t seen one so bad. It was completely whited out. My oxygen was so low at times, I don’t know why I don’t have an anoxic brain injury.”

“The doctors said there’s no way he’s breathing. It’s just willpower,” said Schiefer, pharmacy director for Select Specialty Hospital Belhaven in Jackson.

Montesi had Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, a type of lung failure related to excess fluid and inflammation in the lungs.

While he’s better now, he wonders when he’ll overcome the lingering effects.

After weeks of intense respiratory, occupational and physical therapy at Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, he still went home needing supplemental oxygen.

That doesn’t surprise neurologist Art Leis, a senior scientist for MRC’s Center for Neuroscience and Neurological Recovery.

“These patients have these precipitous drops in oxygen saturation levels with almost any physical exertion,” he said.

As a rehab hospital that does research, Leis said MRC may be able to help determine why it happens.

Among its research tools is the ErigoPro, a robotic device that combines a tilt table, functional electrical stimulation and robotic leg movements. Leis said the equipment can test whether the drop in oxygen level is related to being upright or being active.

“This is the type of stuff we have to define better,” Leis said. And he’d like to see the formation of a COVID-19 support group as a resource to find answers. “This is going to be needed because thousands of people are

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now labeled as COVID-19 ‘long-haulers.’”

The term describes COVID19 patients who suffer lingering symptoms long after the acute stage of the disease. And Leis said it resembles what he has seen among patients who have had severe West Nile virus infections.

“West Nile virus causes a post-infectious, proinflammatory state,” Leis said.

And it’s a similar response in COVID-19 cases that “fries the lungs,” he said.

“The take-home message is we’re proposing to use doses of corticosteroids that are magnitudes higher than what is currently being used,” Leis said.

And he said the dose should be given after COVID antibodies become detectable in the blood.

“We believe this can be a successful treatment strategy that warrants further investigation,” he said.

Dr. Michael Montesi practices walking under the guidance of Mary As a physician and COVID-19 Smith, a physical therapist at Jackson’s Methodist Rehabilitation survivor, Montesi is all for anything that helps patients avoid the debilitat- therapist Caroline Dyess oversaw a number ing impact of the disease. “The only thing I of tasks Montesi considered tortuous. could move was my head a little bit,” he said. “I’d have to put 50 pegs in holes and then “I was supine, and I couldn’t do anything take them out with tweezers that were like salad tongs,” he said. “I always told her she about it.”

That didn’t sit well for someone used to was the meanest person I ever met. And she being the fix-it man for his family and pa- just goes, ‘Yep.’” “But to do that was a milestone for me—to tients. So despite not being able to talk or walk, he tried to sign himself out of Baptist. actually grasp something and have my hands “I set up some home health using Siri and work.”

As his hands, arms and shoulders grew called a buddy to pick me up,” he said.

The stunt earned him an earful from an stronger, Montesi slowly began reclaiming ICU nurse. “She said, ‘After everything we’d his ability to feed, dress and bathe himself.

“He progressed to using adaptive equipdone for you?’ It was tough love.”

In his defense, Montesi hadn’t realized ment for grip assistance,” Dyess said. “By what spending 27 days on a ventilator and discharge, he was walking around his room in an induced coma had done to his 50-year- and completing everyday tasks without asold body. When he moved to MRC on Sept. sistance. His hard work and determination 2, he was 40 pounds lighter and “essentially to improve was truly inspiring.”

And that progress put him in the position a limp body.”

“I had to be lifted from the bed into a chair to excel in physical therapy, too. “That’s for the first week,” he said. “From where I what got him where he could push up on a came to where I am now is amazing. I credit walker,” said physical therapist Mary Smith. a lot of that to the therapists, just the inten- “Having his upper extremity function imsity of the therapy, the encouragement of prove was important to progressing to walking and coming up to standing.” the staff and the program itself.”

Montesi said he knew MRC’s medical care Montesi said being vertical for the first was top-notch, having sent a number of pa- time literally took his breath away. tients there to recover from strokes and “I was so short of breath, I had to sit back other debilitating illnesses. Yet it was an ad- down,” he said. “But I stood up and we recjustment to take orders from a team intent orded it. And I said: ‘Let’s do it again.’ I had not stood up at that time for almost two on extracting every gain possible.

To build his grip strength, occupational months. So it was like, ‘Holy cow, the world THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Ode de Corona

By Dwalia South, MD, with sincere apologies to Dr. Seuss Long before spring was in the air

From eyes, mouth, noses and even our hair;

We were told we should beware

Hugging and kissing should give you a scare.

Of a tiny little virus, once new and rare; That now seems to be almost everywhere At first folks didn’t seem to care…

Of sneezes and squeezes you must beware…

“That bug is in China, way over there!”

And masks and gloves we all now must wear…

“No harm will come to us!” they’d swear.

Leaving them off is like being bare!

But quickly we soon became aware

So now that you’ve got time to spare

That Corona virus is a sho-nuff BEAR!

Just sit down in your easy chair --

Though social distancing seems so unfair

Sanitize those hands and send up a prayer,

This virus gone ‘VIRAL’ is easy to share --

‘Cause Jesus and germs are everywhere!

PUBLIC AWARENESS

looks different from 6 feet above the ground, because I had been 3 feet off the ground for a long time.’”

Smith said Montesi was determined to “get back to his life,” so she and Dyess gave him as much extra therapy time as possible, plus exercises to do in his room.

“He had worked hard all his life and the same was true with therapy,” Smith said.

“I would look at what my kids had been through and what Ryan went through watching me for a month, and I couldn’t let them down,” Montesi said.

When he left MRC after five weeks, Montesi could walk 1,000 feet. “The only thing limiting me now is my lungs haven’t recovered,” he said.

At MRC, daily 30-minute respiratory therapy sessions did foster improvements in his breathing ability. “At first, he could hardly take a breath without coughing and he was hardly coughing any when he left,” said Becky Cameron, director of respiratory therapy at MRC. “He’s going in the right direction.”

As Montesi pushed to improve his strength, endurance and lung volume, Cameron said she could “see the doctor in him.”

“He was encouraging other patients, and they absolutely loved it,” she said. “He probably has a very good bedside manner and spends time talking to his patients.”

It’s too soon to tell if or when Montesi will be able to resume his practice. “The outcome is unknown at this time given the novelty of the virus,” said Dr. Hyung Kim, his physician at Methodist Rehab. “From a functional standpoint, he made a very good recovery, walking and doing his activities of daily living at an independent level. But he still had pulmonary issues and continued to get short of breath after activities.”

Still, Montesi feels it would be ungrateful to complain. The day he transferred to Jackson, two other COVID-19 patients made the trip from Bolivar County. Neither survived.

“People look at me and say I’m fine,” Montesi said. “But I very easily could have died. I asked Ryan, ‘When did you know I was going to live?’ She got real teary and said almost a month.

“That I survived had a lot to do with the physicians who treated me. And as far as I’m concerned, God has a plan for me. If I sit long enough, God will tell me where I need to be. I’ve just got to listen.”

First published on November 11, 2020 on the Methodist Rehabilitation Center web site.

UPDATE FROM DR. MONTESI, APRIL 2021: “I am getting better each day and I am back in clinical practice 3 days a week in Cleveland. I have started working with Methodist Rehab one day a week in a newly-established COVID clinic. I was also diagnosed with Stage IIIC Malignant Melanoma and have been dealing with that but I am doing well. I continue to see Dr. Rappai for residual COVID lung issues but I am truly blessed and appreciate every day!”

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Friloux Recognized With Military Award

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Tupelo family physician Brian K. Friloux, MD, has received the MAFP Military Award for 2020. A board-certified family physician who serves as chief medical officer at Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s community-based outpatient clinic in Tupelo, he is currently a Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of Aerospace Medicine for the 172nd Airwing/Mississippi Air National Guard unit.

Dr. Friloux earned a degree from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 1988 and then completed his medical degree from the UM School of Medicine in 1994.

He completed his internship in surgery at Georgia Baptist Medical Center and his family medicine residency at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. After completing residency, Dr. Friloux worked for 10 years in Baldwyn, Mississippi, as a traditional family doctor.

“I always felt called to become a family physician, as far back to when I was in elementary school,” he said. “I thoroughly enjoy being a family physician in Mississippi.”

After joining the military following the terrorist attacks in 2001, Dr. Friloux was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force reserves. In 2008, he was placed on active duty as a flight surgeon, was deployed “for stateside” duty, and has served on active duty several times within the United States.

He later transferred to his current position at the 172nd Airwing.

Because of his service, he “became keenly aware of the special [health] problems that veterans deal with, including chronic pain and PTSD,” he said. “I feel called to continue caring for the veterans who have served and sacrificed for so many.”

Dr. Friloux is also the medical director at North Mississippi State Hospital. He is a member of the Society of United States Air Force Flight Surgeons, and the Alliance of Air National Guard Flight Surgeons.

Dr. Friloux is a member of the defendingchampion basketball team at the Mississippi Senior Games. He is a single father to four children: Sara, 21, John Louis, 19, Ella, 17, and Steven, 12.

Stephens Elected Foundation President

Melissa R. Stephens, MD, MS, FAAFP, DABFM, was elected president of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Board of Trustees in July 2020. She is a board-certified family physician who joined the faculty at William Carey Univ. College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) in 2013.

Dr. Stephens currently serves WCUCOM as Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education and Population Health. She serves as an instructor in multiple clinical courses on campus and has served as a course director in the past. Dr. Stephens is the faculty advisor for the primary care stu-

dent interest groups in addition to the Gold Humanism Honor Society and the American Medical Association.

Prior to her career in Mississippi, Dr. Stephens served as an assistant professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center and on the faculty of the Baptist Lutheran Medical Center in Kansas City. She also practiced medicine in Missouri and Idaho.

Dr. Stephens graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with both a bachelor’s and a doctorate of medicine degree. She then went on to complete a family medicine residency with the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), serving as chief resident her final year. After that, she was a fellow in a public health and preventive medicine grant program at KUMC before beginning her career in academia. Most

recently, she earned a masters degree in population health management at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Stephens is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine.

Dr. Stephens is an advisory board and executive board member for the Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce. She is involved in the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Stephens and her husband, John Stephens, have three children, Paige, Regan and Nathan. They are members of Temple Baptist Church, where she actively participates in short-term missions trips to Honduras with Baptist Medical and Dental Mission International.

Bullock Awarded Dewitt G. Crawford, MD, Scholarship

Dr. James Craig Bullock of Canton was honored as the recipient of the 2020 Dewitt G. Crawford MD scholarship.

The annual award sponsors a deserving resident to attend the MAFP Annual Meeting. Recipients must exhibit leadership gained through life experience and show a commitment to involvement as a future MAFP leader. It is named for Dr. Crawford, past MAFP president and a past Family Physician of the Year honoree. Funds were given by his wife Peggy and are used to pay expenses of the winner attending the MAFP Annual Meeting.

Dr. Bullock serves as 2020-21 chief resident at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Family Medicine Residency program. He will graduate in July 2021.

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Bullock

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Split the Pot, Auction, Raffle Raise $13,000 the Foundation.

An additional $3,500 was raised from raffle items at Annual Meeting. Sets of 5 tickets were sold for raffle items, and attendees put the tickets in the bowl for the item(s) they wanted. Some items included the following, many of which were donated by members: • 10-piece Viking Cookware set • Sandestin 2-night stay at Luau • ‘Family Medicine Strong’, ‘Ole Miss

• • • • • • •

Campus,’ ‘Starkvegas,’ and ‘Bulldog’ framed prints by Katie Erickson Weekend Getaway to Cotton House Hotel in Greenwood Signed Buffalo Trace Whiskey After Five at the Hive Liquor/Mixers Tua Tugavailoa Signed Football Andrew Yurkow signed paintings Set of 5 MAFP pottery mugs Macrame Wall Hanging, Wooden Tray and Candle Holder Set

PUBLIC AWARENESS

In this pandemic-affected year, MAFP Foundation has been creative in their fund raising events.

With unknown attendance with COVID restrictions at the 2020 Annual Meeting from exhibitors as well as family physicians, the Foundation sought a fund raiser that required less advance planning than a Draw Down, so the Split the Pot fund raiser was born. Split the Pot tickets were sold during Annual Meeting for $100 each, raising a total of $9,500 in donations.

In a drawing held on the last day of the meeting in the exhibit hall, Dr. James Griffin of Hattiesburg, MAFP President, was drawn as the winner of 50 percent of the funds.

A silent art auction and a variety of raffle items were part of the exhibit hall fund raiser activities. To involve the exhibitors and allow for social distancing, the Split the Pot, raffle and silent auction were held during Wednesday’s break in the exhibit hall.

Family physician Dr. Charles Guess donated an art piece which raised $600 for

Price Awarded David G. Hall, MD, Scholarship

Claire Price of Madison was selected as the 2020 David G. Hall, MD, scholarship winner, awarded by the MAFP Foundation.

Price, the daughter of Brian and Retha Price of Madison, graduated in 2020 from Germantown High School and attends Mississippi College.

Price was ranked third in her high school class of 272, and she took eight Advanced Placement awards and earned the highest average award in six classes. Her extracurricular activities included service as co-captain of the school’s dance team and more.

Price’s winning essay focused on the late family physician Dr. Austin Boggan of Decatur and his relationship to her family.

Dr. Boggan was recognized by MAFP as Family Physician of the Year in 2000.

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

New Fund Raisers for Family Medicine In 2020, affected in so many ways by the pandemic, MAFP Foundation has been creative in their fundraising efforts.

We offered a new Split the Pot fundraiser at the Annual Meeting in summer 2020 that brought in more than $9,500 for the Foundation, with an additional $3,500 monies on the raffle sales and $600 for the silent auction. We felt this was successful as our attendees and exhibitor numbers were fewer than normal years.

The launch of the new watercolor print has collected approximately $3,500 so far. Artist Katie Erickson’s rendering of a doctor’s coat and supplies (pictured on this page) has been dubbed ‘Family Medicine Strong.’ Order a 12” x 15” signed and numbered watercolor print from MAFP for $100 plus shipping - all proceeds benefit the Foundation.

The 'Live Healthy' license tag which was created in 2013 continues to be a successful moneymaker with $8,232 in sales in 2020. Over the past 7 years, this fundraising effort has brought in almost $70,000 for the Foundation.

The profit for these 5 events is over $20,000 for the 2020 year. We have also received over $5,000 in individual and me morial donations.

This year the MAFP Foundation Board asked each board member to volunteer on a committee to assist in fundraising, planning for Past president Dr. David Wheat spring fling, or the involvement of purchased a watercolor print at the MAFP office. students and residents.

Proceeds benefit the MAFP Foundation. www.msafp.org/donate

Foundation Board of Directors 2020-21

PRESIDENT Melissa Stephens, MD, Hattiesburg

MEMBER Cierra Green, MD, Hattiesburg

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Images in Mississippi Medicine Book $50 from MAFP

EX-OFFICIO William Grantham, MD, Clinton

MEMBER Thais Tonore Walden, MD, Madison

VICE PRESIDENT Patrick Whipple, MD Canton

SEC/TREASURER Jonathan Buchanan, MD, Carthage

MEMBER Sarah Barowka, MD Picayune

MEMBER Rickey L. Chance, DO Biloxi

MEMBER Barbara Goodman, MD, Meridian

MEMBER Kelly Tullos, MD, Laurel

RESIDENT MEMBER Claire Harper, MD EC HealthNet Res.

ALT. RESIDENT Shreena Dhawan, MD UMMC Resident

STUDENT MEMBER Daulton Newman, UMMC Student

ALT. STUDENT Huong Nguyen, WCUCOM Student

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

In Memory of Physicians We’ve Lost Harry Frye, MD

Jack Clayton Biggs, 94, of Olive Branch died Jan. 31, 2021. He was born Jan. 13, 1927 in Memphis. He graduated from Tech High School, Memphis State University, and studied medicine at the University of Tennessee Medical School where he graduated as a family physician. He was an accomplished doctor who practiced medicine in Nettleton, MS, Truman, AR, and Southaven, MS, before retiring in 1994.

Before he became a doctor, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II where he was stationed in Japan. After the war, he worked at the post office. He is survived by his wife, Janice, two children and two grandchildren.

MAFP has made a donation to the MAFP Foundation in Dr. Biggs’ name.

Dr. Harry C. Frye, Jr. passed away Jan. 10, 2021, at the age of 98. He earned a medical degree from Tulane Medical School and completed a family medicine residency at Vicksburg’s Mercy Hospital. Since 1952 he served on the staff of Magnolia’s Beacham Memorial Hospital. In the military, Dr. Frye served as a Sergeant in the 26th Infantry division, Canon Company. For service during the Battle of the Bulge, he was honored with the Bronze Star.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen.

MAFP has made a donation to the MAFP Foundation in Dr. Frye’s name.

Bill Minor, the late Mississippi syndicated columnist, wrote this about Dr. Frye in 2005: “My old friend Dr. Harry Frye down in the small town of Magnolia is a member of what you would call an endangered species; he is a family doctor in a day of specialists.

“And Harry, now age 82, having had more than his own share of health setbacks, isn’t ready to pack up his stethoscope and medical kit and with his wife, Helen, retire in some idyllic destination.

“You’ll find Harry daily shuffling along the hallways of tiny Beacham Memorial Hospital making his rounds, his arrival and healing touch eagerly awaited by his patients. Unlike most doctors, Harry Frye keeps his home number in the telephone book and it’s not unusual for him to give a bit of medical advice on the phone.

“It’s also not out of the question for the silverhaired octogenarian doc to make house calls, even though he insists: “I don’t make a lot of house calls, just mainly a few old friends.’ Somehow, during the recent influx into his community of dozens of Katrina refugees needing medical attention, one gets the feeling that’s only part of the story.

“That’s what you have to understand about Harry Frye. Almost invariable, from his own World War II experience, to saving the public school system in southern Pike County, to becoming a beloved country doctor, he understates his own significant role in his lifetime’s many achievements.

“At least the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians, despite any demurrers he may have offered, have named Harry Frye ‘Family Physician of the Year’ and toasted him as exemplifying the finest tradition of family medicine in his 53 years of practice in his oak-shrouded little gem of a town near the Louisiana line. “(Again the Frye rejoinder: ‘I guess they figured at my age they might as well give it to me because I might not be around much longer.’)

“I first got to know Harry Frye back in 1967

Ed Carruth, MD

Services for Dr. Edward L. Carruth of Meridian were held at graveside on August 19, 2020, in Enterprise Cemetery.

Dr. Carruth, or "Doc" as he was known to his friends, was born in Brookhaven on October 11, 1940. He attended Summit High School and graduated from McComb High School in 1958.

He graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical School in 1965. After post-graduate training at MS Baptist Hospital, he served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war. He was named Flight Surgeon of the year for USAF, ATC in 1967.

Following his military service, Dr. Carruth returned to family practice, first in Jackson, then in Madden, Mississippi, and finally to his destiny in Meridian. He held many offices and positions of leadership including Chief of Medical Staff at Thaggard Hospital and Meridian Regional Hospital. Dr. Carruth was a lifetime member of East MS Medical Society, MS State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. He was board-certified in Family Medicine, with the additional honor of Fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). He was an AAFP lifetime member and a past MAFP Foundation Trustee. In 2008, he received the MAFP Military Service Award.

Dr. Carruth is survived by his wife, Olinda Metz "Lin" Carruth, seven children and 12 grandchildren. MAFP made a donation to the MAFP Foundation in Dr. Carruth's memory. If you are interested in contacting Lin and the family, they can be reached at 1030 Erwin Road, Stonewall MS 39363.

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

when he was president of the South Pike School District board (he served on that board 47 years). I wrote about his innovative idea of bringing white and black students from the two segregated high schools slowly into a mixed educational setting before court-ordered integration he saw coming. ...

“However the Ku Klux Klan saw it differently and Frye became a target. Klansmen tried to burn a cross in front of his house, but like the thief who couldn’t shoot straight, the cross was fired off in front of the wrong house, much to the dismay of the dentist who lived there.

“As a student at Millsaps College in Jackson after World War II began, Frye faced being drafted. With 20 other Millsaps students, he marched down to the Army recruiting office in 1943 and volunteered. A year later, he had a commission and was assigned to the 26th Infantry division. Before being shipped off to France not longer after D-Day, he married his college sweetheart, Helen. …

“Out of the army and back in Mississippi, he was stricken with polio in 1945. He survived then then-dreaded paralyzing disease, but it left him struggling to relearn how to walk with braces and crutches.

“Despite his handicap, and with a new determination to help others, Frye was accepted at Tulane Medical School where he made good grades and befriended Dr. Alton Ochsner, the noted anti-smoking pioneer.

“For no particular reason except the town’s charm, the Fryes settled in Magnolia in 1952 where he opened his medical practice. Within a few years, he and a partner bought Beacham Memorial, the 37-bed rural (now non-profit) hospital he has helped keep alive for 50 years, sometimes tiding it over with out of pocket loans.

“The small hospital and Frye’s adjacent four -doctor clinic went full-blast after Katrina scattered dozens of evacuees around their area from nearby Louisiana. Included were 50 elderly residents of a Chalmette nursing home who with their nurses were housed in a large Baptist church just down the road from Magnolia.

“Frye and his cohorts (‘they did most of the work’) looked after medical needs of evacuees, many of whom had fled without their medications. ‘We were able to figure out what medicines they needed,’ Frye says. So the good country doctor keeps making his rounds, and most of all, dispensing a heavy dose of compassion.”

Make a Financial Gift to MAFP Foundation In Memory of a Patient or Colleague

Memorial Cards Available 10 inscribed cards - $100 beth@msafp.org 39

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Jack C. Biggs, MD

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