The Mississippi Family Physician Winter 2024

An Official Publication of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians

Volume 57 No. 1

Winter 2024

www.msafp.org

Dr. John PFH Vanderloo, MAFP President 2024–25

Dr. Stephen C. Hammack, MAFP President 2023-24

Dr. John Paul Lee, Family Physician of the Year 2024

Dr. David B. Wheat, Family Physician of the Year 2023

Dr. Katherine T. Patterson, Family Physician of the Year 2022

Dr. R. Lee Giffin, Family Physician of the Year 2021

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Dr. Paul M. Pavlov, MAFP President 2022-23

Dr. Carlos A. Latorre, MAFP President 2021-22 1

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THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

An Official Publication of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians

John P. Vanderloo, MD, FAAFP PRESIDENT James W. Ervin, MD, FAAFP PRESIDENT-ELECT Walter Burnett, MD, FAAFP VICE PRESIDENT Bruce Longest, MD SECRETARY Chrystal A. Sumrall, MD, FAAFP TREASURER Stephen C. Hammack, MD, FAAFP IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Jennifer Gholson, MD AAFP DELEGATE Lucius Lampton, MD, FAAFP AAFP DELEGATE J. Dustin Gentry, MD, MBA, FAAFP ALTERNATE DELEGATE Katherine O. Royals, MD ALTERNATE DELEGATE DIRECTORS Rickey L. Chance, DO - District 1 Melissa Stephens, MD, MS, FAAFP - District 2 Anna Marie Hailey Sharp, MD - District 3 J. Anthony Cloy, MD - District 4 Amy Hollman, MD - District 5 Eric Wilkerson II, MD - District 6 Emily B. Landrum, MD - District 7 Christopher Park, DO - District 8 Patrick Whipple, MD, FAAFP - At-Large Jonathan Buchanan, MD, FAAFP - At-Large Shelby White, MD - Resident Member William Windham - Student Member Lauren Stevens, DO - Alt. Resident Member Stacy Mitchell - Alt. Student Member STAFF Beth Embry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR beth@msafp.org Caley Dawkins PUBLIC AWARENESS DIRECTOR publicawareness@msafp.org Beth Wilson FOUNDATION AND WORKFORCE DIRECTOR foundation@msafp.org Edit and Design for this journal issue: Caley Dawkins

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Volume 57 No. 1

Winter 2024

IN THIS ISSUE ACADEMY MAFP Board of Directors 2024–25..………………………………………………………………4 Academy Leadership, Know Your MAFP Staff …..………………………………………………5 Advocating for Patients and Our Profession: Vanderloo Elected 24 –25 President ………….6 Guiding the Path Forward: Hammack Serves as 23–24 President ……………………………7 Ensuring Family Medicine has a Bright Future: Pavlov Elected President 22 –23 …..……….8 Making Connections: Lattore Leads in 21–22 ……………………………………………………9 Executive Director’s Report: Cheers to 75 Years …………………………………………..10–11 Celebrating 75 Years: A Diamond Legacy in Family Medicine …………………………...12–13 MAFP Attends AAFP National Conference ……………………………………………………...14 MAFP Celebrates Membership Anniversary Milestones ………………………………………..15 ADVOCACY Capitol Day 2024: More Than 70 Family Physicians Attend ………………………………16–17 Smith Elected to AAFP Board, MAFP Advocates for You ..…………………………………….18 MAFP Members Serve as Doctor of the Day at Capitol ……………………………………….19 Family Medicine at MSMA Meeting ………………………………………………………….20–21 MAFP Fights for Prior Authorization Reform ……………………………………………….22–23 FamDocPAC: 75 Members for 75 Years .……………………………………………………….24 Gholson Goes to Washington …………………………………………………………………….25 From Patient to Advocate …….…………………………………………………………………….26 WORKFORCE Spring Fling 2024: A Hit for Students and Residents …………………………………………..28 Ambassador Program a Huge Success ………………………………………………………….29 Mississippi’s Rural Maternal Health Fellowship ………………………………………………...30 Foundation Creates Learning Network, MAFP Welcomes WCUCOM for Testing .…….….31 Resident Reflections, Delta Scholars Program Prepares Future Physicians …………..…...32 MAFP On The Move ……………………………………………………………………………......33 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MAFP Hosts Spring Meetings in Flowood ………………………………………………….34–35 Cheers to 75 Years of MAFP ………………………………………………………………...36–37 MAFP Welcomes Twelve States for SEFM 2024………………………………………...…….38 Four Doctors Receive Degree of Fellow ………………………………………………………….39 PUBLIC AWARENESS Oh Happy Day! Dr. Lee Named Family Physician of the Year 2024 ..……………………….40 Dr. Wheat Wins Family Physician of the Year 2023 ..…………………………………………41 Dr. Patterson Receives Top Award: Family Physician of the Year 2022 ..………………….42 Dr. Giffin Awarded Family Physician of the Year 2021 ..……………………………………...43 New Physicians of the Year: Landrum, Buchanan, Tullos, and Gentry ..………………..44–45 Pandey Honored with Humanitarian Award ..…………………………………………………..46 Humanitarian Award 2022 and 2021: Drs. Phillips and Mitchell ..…………………………...47 Military Service Recipients 2023 and 2022: Drs. Johnston and Jefferson ..………………..48 MAFP Celebrates Women in Medicine, Stephens Named Women Leader ………………..49 In Loving Memory of Dr. Katie Patterson ..……………………………………………………..50 Dr. Latorre Inaugural Patterson Award Recipient ..……………………………………………51 David G. Hall Scholarship Recipients, Foundation Board 2024 –25..………………………...52 MAFP Diamond Club, Foundation Fundraisers ..……………………………………………...53 Why I Belong to MAFP ……………………………………………………………………………..54

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 email publicawareness@msafp.org or fax to 601-853-3002.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This issue of The Mississippi Family Physician was three years in the making. It celebrates many events and accomplishments of your Academy since 2021. Much has happened during that period, and we know you will enjoy this publication’s focus on Mississippi family physicians. We look forward to more frequent publications of the

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MAFP Board of Directors 2024-25

VICE PRESIDENT Walter Burnett, MD Yazoo City

PRESIDENT John P. Vanderloo, MD Madison

PRESIDENT-ELECT James W. Ervin, MD Crystal Springs

AAFP DELEGATE Jennifer D. Gholson, MD Jackson

AAFP DELEGATE ALTERNATE DELEGATE Lucius Lampton, MD Katie Royals, MD Magnolia Hattiesburg

SECRETARY Bruce Longest, MD Bruce

TREASURER IMMEDIATE PAST Chrystal A. Sumrall, MD PRESIDENT Laurel Stephen C. Hammack, MD Flowood

ALTERNATE DELEGATE DIRECTOR DISTRICT 1 DIRECTOR DISTRICT 2 J. Dustin Gentry, MD Rickey L. Chance, DO Melissa Stephens, MD Louisville Biloxi Hattiesburg

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 3 DIRECTOR DISTRICT 4 DIRECTOR DISTRICT 5 Anna Marie Sharp, MD Anthony Cloy, MD Amy Hollman, MD DeKalb Ridgeland Brandon

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 6 Eric Wilkerson II, MD Greenville

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 7 Emily B. Landrum, MD Starkville

DIRECTOR AT LARGE Jonathan Buchanan, MD Carthage

STUDENT MEMBER Will Windham Jackson

RESIDENT ALTERNATE STUDENT ALTERNATE Lauren Stevens, DO Stacy Mitchell Greenville Hattiesburg

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DIRECTOR AT LARGE Patrick Whipple, MD Canton

RESIDENT MEMBER Shelby White, MD Meridian

DIRECTOR DISTRICT 8 Christopher Park, DO Pontotoc

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Academy 2024—25 Leadership Elected

Know Your MAFP Staff

Your MAFP staff is here to help! Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or for any support you may need.

You can call our office at 601-853-3302 or contact us by email.

Pictured Left to Right: Beth Wilson, Foundation and Workforce Director | foundation@msafp.org Anne Daniel Embry, Membership Coordinator | membership@msafp.org Hope Ladner, Advocacy Director hope@clayfirm.com Beth Embry, Executive Director beth@msafp.org Caley Dawkins, Public Awareness Director | publicawareness@msafp.org

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ACADEMY

MAFP’s leadership for 2024–25 Hattiesburg Clinic—Orleans Park, Foundation Officers, Trustees (pictured, facing page) was elected by Hattiesburg During the Annual Meeting in July the membership at the Annual Alternate: J. Dustin Gentry, MD, Business Session in 2024.

MBA, FAAFP, Winston Medical Clinic, 2024, members of the MAFP Foundation Board of Trustees Louisville Academy Officers (pictured, page 48) elected new MAFP’s top officers for 2024–25 New District Directors officers to serve one-year terms, elected at the Annual Meeting in July District Directors elected in July 2024 including: 2024 to serve one-year terms include: at the Annual Meeting to serve twoPresident: Terry A. Moran, DO, President: John PFH Vanderloo, year terms include: Hattiesburg Clinic—Poplarville, PoplarMD, FAAFP, Vanderloo Family District 2: Melissa Stephens, MD, ville Medicine, Madison MS, FAAFP, William Carey University Vice President: Terri J. Teague, President-Elect: James W. Ervin, College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO, North Mississippi Medical Center MD, FAAFP, Family Medical Clinic, Hattiesburg Family Medicine Residency Center, Crystal Springs District 4: J. Anthony Cloy, MD, Tupelo Vice President: Walter Burnett, MD, Mississippi Physician Health Program, Secretary/Treasurer: Anthony FAAFP, Baptist Primary Care Clinic, Jackson Carter, MD, Delta Regional Medical Yazoo City District 6: Eric Wilkerson II, MD, Center, Greenville Secretary: Bruce Longest, MD, Family Medicine Residency Clinic, Also elected were Foundation Bruce Family Medicine Center, Bruce Greenville Trustees to serve a three-year term as Treasurer: Chrystal A. Sumrall, MD, District 8: Christopher Park, DO, follows: Tobe Momah, MD, University FAAFP, Laurel Family & Immediate Park Medical Clinic, Pontotoc of Mississippi Medical Center, Care, Laurel Member At Large: Jonathan Jackson; Alex Huff, MD, Pearl River Immediate Past President: Stephen Buchanan, MD, FAAFP, Baptist Family Clinic, Poplarville; and Carrie C. Hammack, MD, FAAFP, Hattiesburg Medical Clinic, Carthage Nash, DO, BMG Primary Care Clinic, Clinic—Flowood Primary Care, Brandon Remaining District Directors Flowood Other physicians on the Foundation District Directors elected in July 2023 Board include: Stephen Hammack, Delegates, Alternates and serving terms that end in 2025 are: MD, Flowood; Don Gibson, Jr., MD, In addition to the officers, rounding District 1: Rickey L. Chance, DO, Forest; Renee O. Dyess, MD, out the MAFP Executive Committee Memorial Physician Clinics, Biloxi Flowood; and Barrett Jones, MD, are the 2024–25 AAFP Delegates and District 3: Anna Marie Sharp, MD, Jackson.

Alternate Delegates who serve two- Rush Medical Clinic—DeKalb, DeKalb Details about resident and student year terms: District 5: Amy Hollman, MD, MEA members on both Boards can be found Delegate: Jennifer Gholson, MD, Medical Clinic Brandon/Spillway, on page 24.

Mississippi Department of Health, Brandon Jackson District 7: Emily B. Landrum, MD, Delegate: Lucius Lampton, MD, FAAFP, The Family Clinic, Starkville Interested in serving on the FAAFP, Beacham Memorial Hospital, Member at Large: Patrick Whipple, MAFP Board?

Magnolia MD, FAAFP, MEA Primary Care Plus Email beth@msafp.org Alternate: Katie Royals, MD, Canton, Canton

Advocating for Patients and Our Profession

ACADEMY

Vanderloo Elected MAFP President 2024-25 The Mississippi Academy of Family medicine. The camaraderie and shared grown into a collection that he proudly Physicians proudly introduces Dr. John experiences with fellow family physi- displays in his clinic.

P. F. H. Vanderloo as the 2024–2025 cians have been invaluable, allowing If given the chance to dine with any President. A family physician from him to stay connected with the broader historical figure, Dr. Vanderloo would Madison, Dr. Vanderloo has been a medical community in Mississippi. choose Saint Pope John Paul II and committed MAFP member since 2006.

Jimmy Buffett. Both individuals have “Through MAFP, Dr. left a profound impact on him—Pope Inspired by his late father, a dedicated family physician, Dr. Vanderloo's Vanderloo has found a plat- John Paul II for his leadership and passion for medicine was sparked ear- form to advocate for both pa- grace in suffering, and Jimmy Buffett ly. As a child, Dr. Vanderloo observed for his laid-back approach to life, balhis father's caring interactions with pa- tients and the profession, ancing hard work with the enjoyment of tients and even accompanied him on working alongside mentors simple pleasures, especially at the house calls. This early exposure to the and peers to improve beach. compassionate side of medicine left a healthcare across the state.” lasting impression, and that, coupled with his experiences as a patient tech When he’s not carin his father's clinic, led him to pursue ing for patients, Dr. a career in family medicine.

Vanderloo cherishes For Dr. Vanderloo, the most ful- spending time with his filling part of being a family physician is wife Christina and their making patients feel heard. He be- four children. Whether lieves understanding the "why" behind they are watching mova diagnosis leads to more effective ies, traveling, hiking, or treatment and patient education. His boating, family time is a commitment to listening and under- priority. He also enjoys standing his patients' concerns en- indulging in his hobby sures they receive comprehensive care of dreaming about antique cars and has a tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. Vanderloo's involvement with surprising passion for MAFP has been a cornerstone of his Legos, which started as professional journey. He recalls how a joke and has since attending MAFP events as a chief resident reignited his passion for family

Dr. Vanderloo with his wife, Christina, at Annual Meeting.

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Dr. Hammack presents Dr. Vanderloo with his President’s gavel.

Dr. Vanderloo with his wife, Christina, and their children, Maddie, John Paul, William, and Alex, after Awards Luncheon at Annual Meeting.

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Guiding the Path Forward Hammack Serves as MAFP President 2023-24

Dr. Hammack, who is part of In addition to his inHattiesburg Clinic at their new primary volvement with MAFP, Dr. care location in Flowood, has been an Hammack is an active active member of MAFP since 2007. member of the Central Over the years, he has contributed sig- Medical Society and the nificantly to the organization by serving Mississippi State Medical on various committees and the MAFP Association, where he Board of Directors, where he served as contributes to the Council secretary, vice president, and president on Ethical and Judicial -elect before being chosen by his peers Affairs. to lead as president.

Dr. Hammack and his A native of Canton, Dr. Hammack wife, Beth, have been hapearned his Bachelor of Engineering pily married for 22 years

Transitioning from Dr. Pavlov as President to Dr. Hammack.

Dr. Hammack and family at the 2023 Annual Meeting Award Luncheon.

Dr. Hammack after being sworn in as 2023–24 MAFP President.

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

The Hammack family enjoyed 2024 Family Fun Night.

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ACADEMY

Dr. Stephen C. Hammack, a board- from the University of Mississippi. He and are the proud parents of three chilcertified family physician with 16 years later pursued his medical education at dren—Rachel, Caroline, and Matthew. of experience in central Mississippi, the University of Mississippi Medical The family is actively involved in their was elected as the 2023–2024 presi- Center (UMMC) in Jackson, where he community and attends Broadmoor dent of the Mississippi Academy of also completed his family medicine res- Baptist Church.

Family Physicians at the association’s idency and served as chief Annual Meeting. resident.

Ensuring Family Medicine Has a Bright Future

ACADEMY

Pavlov Elected MAFP President 2022-23

Paul M. Pavlov, MD, of Ocean Dr. Pavlov has been a memSprings, was elected president of the ber of the MAFP since 1984 and MAFP for 2022–23. He was installed at has served on the MAFP Board of the Awards and Installation Ceremony Directors as secretary, as vice Luncheon on July 19, 2022. Dr. Pavlov president, and as president-elect is board-certified by the American before being elected President by Board of Family Medicine and has his peers. practiced for 38 years in the D’Iberville/ After receiving an undergradSt. Martin community at North Bay uate degree from the University of Family Medicine Clinic. Since that time, Notre Dame, Dr. Pavlov attended he has also been on the medical staff medical school at the University of at Ocean Springs Hospital and Merit Mississippi School of Medicine.

Health.

He completed residency training “Your Board has done outstanding at the University of South Alawork dealing with issues from the Mis- bama Medical Center in Mobile, sissippi State Board of Medical Licen- Alabama, before returning to Missure on proposed changes to the opi- sissippi to practice. oid regulations and giving feedback on Active in the medical commuthe medical marijuana regulations,” nity, Dr. Pavlov is a member of Pavlov said in his inaugural address to the Coast Counties Medical Socimembers. “I look forward to continuing ety and the Mississippi State a collaborative relationship with this Medical Association.

Board as well as other organizations.

Dr. Pavlov has served on the We as a Board continue to work to both board of the North Bay Area preserve and promote private practice Chamber of Commerce and on and protect our members working in the school boards for both Mercy corporate medicine.

Cross and St. Patrick High “We continue to have a re- School. He is a member of St. lationship with our medical Elizabeth Seton Church.

Personally, Dr. Pavlov and his schools and residency prowife, Theresa, have been married grams with committees work- for 38 years. They have three chiling to ensure that family med- dren—Matthew, Anna, and Anicine has a bright future in thony—and two granddaughters, Kasmira and Annadele.

Dr. Pavlov with Presidential gavel after Awards Luncheon.

Mississippi.”

Paul and Theresa Pavlov at the Southeastern Family Medicine Forum.

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The Pavlov family, including, back row: Matthew holding Kasmira, Paul holding Annadele Pavlov. Front row: Anthony, Theresa, Amanda, and Anna Pavlov.

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Making Connections Latorre Leads MAFP in 2021-22

Speaker of the House. He is a past member of the MSMA Board of Trustees, Medical Service Council, Council on Medical Education, and a past Chair of the Reference Committee. He has completed the MSMA’s Physician Leadership Academy and serves as President of the local West Mississippi Medical Society. He has also served as a state delegate for the chapter.

Dr. Latorre did not start his career aiming to be a doctor. He completed the University of Southern Mississippi with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology. He worked from 1994 to 2002 as a research geologist for the Naval Oceanographic Office, Hydrographic Cooperative Survey Section at Stennis Space Center, and Vicksburg’s U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engi-

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

At left: Dr. Carlos Latorre with his daughter, Alana, and at right, with his wife, Nalini.

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ACADEMY

Carlos A. Latorre, MD, FAAFP, of neering Research and Development an advisor to the Catholic Diocese of Vicksburg, was elected president of the Center Geotechnical and Structures Jackson.

MAFP for 2021–22. In recent years, Laboratory.

Dr. Latorre and his wife, Nalini, Dr. Latorre has served the organization After deciding to become a physi- have one daughter, Alana, a student at as a board member, as secretary, as cian, Dr. Latorre attended medical Mississippi College. vice president, and as president-elect. school at the University of Puerto Rico He is also a past president of the School of Medicine in San Juan, PR, MAFP Foundation. completing his degree in 2008. He then Dr. Latorre is a board-certified fam- trained at the University of Mississippi ily physician and a fellow of the Ameri- Medical Center, where he was selectcan Academy of Family Physicians. He ed as chief resident. is currently the Associate Chief of Staff Active in his community, Dr. Latorfor Primary Care at G.V. (Sonny) Mont- re is involved as a team physician and gomery VA Medical Center in Jackson a member of the Board of Directors for and practices family medicine in Vicks- the Miss Mississippi Competition Corburg at Mission Primary Care Clinic. poration, which conducts the Miss MisWinner of several awards, Dr. sissippi competition each summer in Latorre earned the Doctor of Distinc- Vicksburg. He also mentors medical tion Award in 2015 from the Mississippi and nursing students by serving as a State Medical Association (MSMA) and Preceptor. Dr. Latorre volunteers at was honored with the MSMA’s James Vicksburg’s First Baptist Church Free C. Waites Leadership Award in 2014 Clinic and participates in the Walk with and 2019. While a family medicine res- a Doc Vicksburg program each month. ident at UMMC, he earned the Human- Multilingual, he is fluent in both English ism and Excellence in Teaching and Spanish and proficient in PortuAward, the Daniel Mark Pogue MD, guese. Dr. Latorre has also served in Humanitarian Award, and the George multiple local and state COVID-19 task Lally Bevill Memorial Fellowship Fund force committees working with VicksAward. burg Mayor George Flaggs, Governor Dr. Latorre with Presidential gavel after Dr. Latorre is also actively involved Tate Reeves, and State Health Officer Awards Luncheon. in MSMA, currently serving as Vice- Dr. Thomas Dobbs. He also served as

ACADEMY

Executive Director’s Report: Cheers to 75 Years

Beth Embry / Executive Director

regulatory boards, statewide leaders, WORKFORCE and legislators to advance family Goal: Expand the family medicine. physician workforce to meet patient Members of this committee work to and community needs. reduce the administrative burden by To help sustain our fast-growing submitting resolutions to the AAFP and residencies, we have created a AMA, through the MSMA House of network for the residency coordinators Delegates, as well as directly to share resources. The MAFP advocating by meeting with the Foundation hosts this exceptional insurance commissioner and insurance group at least twice a year at a MAFP companies. meeting to share ideas and challenges,

In 2018, your MAFP created a PAC to increase awareness of family medicine by supporting candidates who support family medicine. During its initial stages, we set and met a goal of raising $25,000. This year, for our 75th anniversary, our goal is to have 75 members join. I ask every member to join at whatever level you can. Page 22 of this journal lists our members to date and how you can join the FamDocPAC. The FamDocPAC has helped establish relationships as our members personally hand-deliver contributions to legislators during election years, and we are invited to key fundraisers for If I may, I will highlight the five legislative candidates. areas of our current strategic plan and We maintain our visibility with share with you the work that is being legislators by being at the Capitol every done. Many of the articles and photos February for Primary Care Day and throughout the journal will focus on volunteering to be Doctor of the Day. these five pillars as we use them to Our Capitol Day is successful because create board agendas, the MAFP our members show up! Please mark website, staff direction, and as stated, your calendars for February 4, 2025, The Mississippi Family Physician. and be a part of the voice of family medicine. We will be ready with contact ADVOCACY information, a message, and a gift for Goal: Serve as the unified voice your legislator. of family physicians and their The family medicine perspective is patients. shared as we have members serving You are well represented at the on boards or committees for MSMA, Capitol by our effective lobbyist, Hope MOMA, Department of Health, Ladner with The Clay Firm. During the Medicaid, MS Board of Medical session, Hope meets weekly with the Licensure, Office of Physician MAFP Advocacy Committee whose Workforce, and MS Rural Physicians focus is to review legislation during the Scholars Program to name a few. Our session. The committee fights on your biggest honor recently is having Dr. behalf to promote legislative and Brent Smith from Cleveland elected to regulatory policies that protect the the AAFP Board. practice of family medicine and increase the primary care workforce.

This committee also meets with Cheers to 75 Years! It is exciting to celebrate our Diamond Anniversary and hard to believe I have been your executive director for 24 of those years. I value your membership, as I realize you have many options and commitments. I hope you find value in your membership.

Your MAFP leadership and staff are committed to improving your association by helping you succeed professionally and personally. This December, the MAFP Board will meet to review current goals and reflect, reassess, and revamp our strategies for the next three years.

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and to just simply offer support.

To develop our relationship with each residency, the MAFP visits each campus every year sharing information about events and educating on tobacco cessation.

The MAFP Spring Fling is held every April to engage students and residents by offering topics sometimes not offered in medical school or residency, and provides an opportunity to run for the Academy and Foundation boards.

Our student Academy Ambassador program is one of my favorite programs, as it has successfully recruited many students to family medicine. All we have to do is introduce them to our family of family doctors and they are sold!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Goal: Provide education to enhance patient care, train physician leaders, and develop faculty and mentors for students/ residents.

Your MAFP is unique, as we offer three opportunities throughout the year to earn quality CME and connect with other family physicians. The spring conference is traditionally in the Jackson area and includes a track for residents and students. Our summer meeting in Destin every July is thoughtfully planned to balance clinical education with ample time for fun for your family. Our fall conference rotates sites and offers a weekend of unbeatable CME. Our dates are listed at the end of this article. Please mark

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My apologies for the unpunctuality organization. of this journal, as it is another one of As of today, our membership is a my favorite things the MAFP does, but total of 1,270 with 578 Active, 116 Life, change of staff and the time 171 Residents, and 405 Student commitment put us in an unfavorable members. AAFP reports that MAFP position. I am happy to share that your

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Support family medicine by getting a Live Healthy tag for your car! From each purchase, $24 goes to the MAFP Foundation.

Ask for it at your local tax collector’s office.

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ACADEMY

your calendars and be a part of one or current MAFP team is top-notch and has one of the higher market shares at all our events. committed to making MAFP stronger. I 88.2%. Our active retention rate is know you will see the dedication after 92.9%, new physician retention rate is PUBLIC AWARENESS reading this issue.

86.2% with a resident to active Goal: Improve public awareness The branding of MAFP is a priority, conversion rate of 75%. of the role and value of family and we love seeing members, family, The MAFP and Foundation own a physicians. and our exhibitors wear MAFP shirts, beautiful building in Ridgeland, and I The MAFP works hard to keep jackets, and sweatshirts.

Our invite you to stop by any time for a members connected and informed, as sweatshirts are a very popular item, as visit. We love hosting students to test, communication is a priority. Our I have seen them appear in senior committee meetings, and Board bimonthly membership newsletter, portraits, award ceremonies, and meetings at our headquarters. quarterly FutureDOX newsletter (for family Christmas cards!

Our staff is currently working on a resident and student members), This summer we recognized our member recruitment campaign, and I meeting app, and our social media platforms help deliver up-to-date news. 2024 Academy Award Honorees invite you to ask your partners and accomplishments and classmates to join our family and keep Please follow and engage with us on whose dedication exemplify the highest family medicine strong in Mississippi.

Instagram and Facebook—especially standards of family medicine.

Help me on our private Facebook page, Family Medicine Strong. Highlighting a congratulate these winners found on member weekly who shares why he or pages 36–47.

ACADEMY she belongs to MAFP is helping us build a community of awareness of our Goal: Ensure a sustainable, specialty. engaged, and organized

ACADEMY

Just before the turn of the century, MAFP celebrated 50 years. Below, we share an excerpt written by Dr. Dwalia South, Former MAFP President, during the 50 year celebration.

As MAFP celebrates its Diamond Anniversary of 75 years, it is hard not to focus on the diamond—shiny, sparkling, and radiant, but let us not forget that diamonds are built under pressure, much like our specialty has been. Over the decades, family medicine has weathered countless challenges, emerging stronger and more resilient with each one. This milestone is not just a testament to our

history, but a reflection of the enduring commitment, care, and innovation that has defined family medicine for threequarters of a century.

In an article published in the 50th Anniversary edition of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Journal, Dr. Dwalia South (MAFP President 1999) shared, “At the time of our birth fifty years ago, World War II had ended, and many physicians were coming home with the hope of returning to business as usual. This was not to be. That war changed things for about every family in this country, and family physicians were not immune to its influence.

Technological advances burgeoned in wartime, new medicines (especially the availability of antibiotics) and breakthrough surgical techniques made it possible to actually cure illnesses occasionally. It was not long

Attendees of the first Annual Meeting, May 1949, in Biloxi, MS.

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before people began to expect miracles from medicine.

Hospitals began to crop up all over small-town America, thanks to the HillBurton program of Federal grants. The health industry blossomed giving more folks access to medical care, and patients now more informed and affluent wanted nothing but the “newest and best” of it. The Age of Specialization was born.

Before World War II, general practitioners accounted for 80 percent of all doctors. While in military service, GPs—even those with extensive surgical expertise—noticed that they were given a lower rank (and of course, lower pay) than were the specialist physicians. GPs returning from World War II also soon discovered that the G.I. bill subsidized residency training. At the time, there was no such animal as a “Family Medicine Residency,” so anyone who wanted to take advantage of the G.I. Bill was forced to enter another specialty field.

The gravity of this situation was not lost to medical students. A 1945 survey of all medical schools showed that only onethird of students planned to enter general practice after graduation.

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Attendees of the 75th Annual Meeting, July 2024 in Destin, FL.

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ACADEMY

To top it off, on returning home “born again” as the AAFP and the focus on preventive care and the from war, many GPs found that they MAFP.” patient-centered medical home model had lost the surgical privileges they In the twenty-five years since this has further solidified the role of family had before the war. Some hospitals article was written, the specialty of medicine in the broader healthcare even denied them admitting privileges family medicine has not been without system. Additionally, there has been a as well. challenges or pressures.

The renewed emphasis on addressing determinants of health, The beloved general practitioner landscape of healthcare has shifted social soon found himself on the defensive, dramatically, influenced by the rise of recognizing the critical role family trying to regain the prestige and managed care, the Affordable Care physicians play in their communities. political power he had before the war. Act, and the ongoing evolution of As we look to the future, the And we were unorganized. health insurance models.

Solo specialty of family medicine is poised Luckily, the founding members of practitioners, once the backbone of to continue its legacy of adaptability the American Academy of General family medicine, have faced increasing and innovation. The next 25 years will Practice had a vision to form a pressures from larger healthcare bring new challenges but also new professional society which would meet systems, forcing many to adapt by opportunities to improve the health and the needs of its members by upgrading joining group practices or becoming well-being of patients. With a education, preserving our hospital employed physicians. Despite these foundation built on a diamond legacy, privileges and, in general, giving family challenges, family medicine has family medicine will shine even remained resilient, continuing to brighter, leading the way in providing doctors a collective voice. provide comprehensive care that is compassionate, comprehensive care Just as the history of the both personal and accessible. for generations to come.

Mississippi Academy of General Advances in technology have In closing, let us recall the words Practice was intimately entwined and revolutionized the way family Dr. Joe Johnston, MAFP President influenced by the American Academy, we are quite obviously the product of physicians practice, from electronic 1980–1981, always ended his great records to telemedicine, editorials with, “I thank God I’m a the social, economic, and political health enabling better patient care and more FAMILY PHYSICIAN.” milieu of this entire nation. The efficient practice management.

The culmination of our gestation in 1949 was, like any birth, a struggle for survival. General Practice soon began to flourish. The 50s were a heyday for all physicians, and we were no exception. When the turbulent 60s arrived, our numbers once again began to slip. Prior to that time, the AAGP focused primarily on the perceived needs of our patients rather than the needs of its physician membership. Our AAGP leaders swallowed hard and recognized the need to elevate and promote our specialty. They produced a plan to modernize the concept of the FAMILY DOCTOR with residency training programs, board certification, a requirement for post-graduate education and a name change to commemorate our new identity. The group emerged

MAFP Attends AAFP National Conference

ACADEMY

A crew of five doctors and one MAFP staffer visited Kansas City in April 2024 to take part in the AAFP’s Annual Chapter Leader Forum (ACLF) and National Conference of Constituency Leaders (NCCL).

MAFP President 2023–2024, Stephen Hammack, and Executive Director, Beth Embry, attended the Leadership Conference. The NCCL’s Mississippi Delegation included the following doctors: •

Dr. Brent Smith, AAFP Board Member

•

Dr. Michael Beard, MAFP Foundation Board Member

•

Dr. Stephen Hammack, MAFP Immediate Past President

•

Dr. Melissa Stephens, MAFP Board Member

•

Dr. Shelby White, MAFP Board Member

NCCL Delegates caucused orities, new physicians (in the with their counterparts from first seven years of practice across the country, introducing, following residency), interdebating, and passing reso- national medical graduates lutions to recommend to AAFP (IMG) from schools outside the as policy.

United States, Canada, and The group attended lect- Puerto Rico, and LGBTQ+. ures, caucuses, and workshops in Kansas City, eating dinner together as a delegation each night.

NCCL constituencies include: women, min-

Questions about membership? Call 601.853.3302 14

Interested in representing our chapter and serving as a delegate for 2025? Email Beth Embry at beth@msafp.org THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

MAFP Celebrates Membership Anniversary Milestones

In this Diamond Anniversary year, we have 107 members reaching significant membership milestones. Each year, members with milestone anniversaries are recognized at our Annual Meeting and given a commemorative pin to proudly wear. We extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for your years of committed membership to MAFP. Your dedication has played an essential role in advancing family medicine in Mississippi.

James S. McIlwain, MD, MPA, FAAFP Robert Smith, MD, FAAFP

Roderick Tate Cutrer, MD John Highsmith, MD, FAAFP William P Howard, MD, FAAFP James Glenn Peters, MD Thais Brown Tonore Walden, MD

David W. Bell, MD, FAAFP Walter M. Burnett, MD, FAAFP Gloria Jean Butler, MD, FAAFP Julian Kenneth Grafton, MD Jack G. Hudson, MD, FAAFP Randall T. Huling, Jr., MD, FAAFP Word M. Johnston, MD, FAAFP William H. McClatchy, MD, FAAFP Stephen T. McDavid, DO, FAAFP Paul Marion Pavlov, MD Stephen Kirk Senter, MD Richard Harold Smith, MD Dwalia S. South, MD, FAAFP Willie Lee Wells, MD Nathan Williamson, MD, FAAFP

Bonnie Newman Basler, MD Thomas R. Blackledge, MD Felicia Marie Brown, MD Lara Jean Teal Clement, MD Derrick R. Duffield, MD Erik Ward Dukes, MD Massie H. Headley, MD Mike Steven Huber, MD Richard Allen Kelly, MD Charles Steven Kelly, DO Sean C. Kerby, MD Matthew D. McClain, MD Robert Keith Partrige, MD Katrina Nichelle Poe, MD Richard M. Price, MD Michael L. Sanders, MD

Rob Cannon, MD James Dustin Gentry, MD, MBA, FAAFP Contrina Annette Huffman, MD Sandy Nhi-Song Lieu, MD, FAAFP Stephanie Nicole Seasly, MD Christie Hutchinson Theriot, MD, FAAFP Kelly Shoemake Tullos, MD

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Charles Randall Griffith, MD Landall C. Hathorn, MD Bobby Gene Jones, DO Scott Matthew Kelly, MD, FAAFP Ann Marie Kemp, MD, FAAFP James Mike Nanney, MD Roger Leo Nunez, MD Christopher Sean Reynolds, MD Rambod Rouhbakhsh, MD, MBA, FAAFP Achin Sharma, MD Calvin A. Washington, MD

Joshua Taylor Black, MD Christopher Shane Blomberg, MD James Craig Bullock, MD William Kendrick Currie, MD John R. Ford, MD Gloria Alejandra Graham, MD

William Pryor Crooks, MD, FAAFP Charles A. Hollingshead, MD, FAAFP Robert Lee Hotchkiss, MD Pravinchandra P Patel, MD Melessa Phillips, MD, MPH, FAAFP Laurin Watras, MD Ronnie Earl White, MD, FAAFP Dayton E. Whites, MD

ACADEMY

George Leroy Howell, MD, FAAFP Donald Dean Weaver, MD, FAAFP

Ralph C. Armstrong, MD Steven C. Brandon, MD Scott A. Carlton, MD, FAAFP Sheila W. Crowley, MD Todd L. Fulcher, MD Walter E. Gipson, MD, FAAFP Barbara B. Goodman, MD Terry R. Lowe, MD Richard C. Reid, MD Douglas L. Yeager, MD

Tanya Renee Anderson, MD Arturo E. Blanco, MD Stephanie Diane Bynum, MD Todd Andrew Clayton, MD James Wallace Griffin, Jr., MD Trinity Jack McKenzie, MD Carrie R. Nash, DO Amanda Rochelle Rice, MD, FAAFP Brett Donald Robbins, MD Harpal Singh, MD Christy B. Vowell, DO, FAAFP Andrea Pettit Warren, DO Mheja M. Williams, MD Kevin M. Young, MD Hunter Haley, MD Benjamin Lambert, MD William Allen Martin, DO, FAAFP Shardale Lashon McAfee, MD Ardarian Darice Pierre, MD Van-Vi Richardson, MD Jonathan Sappington, MD Jessica Erin Willis, DO

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More Than 70 Attend Primary Care Day 2024 O’Neal, traveled the state on behalf of MAFP Foundation teaching 4th and 5th graders about the dangers of tobacco use.

• Students from the MS Rural Physician Scholarship Program showcased the program funded by the Mississippi Legislature since 2007. In 16 years, the program has awarded millions in scholarships to medical students who commit to practicing primary care medicine in Mississippi’s rural communities after their medical training. Because of the program, there are now more than 66 new primary care physicians working in Mississippi’s neediest areas and many more in training.

• Pediatrician members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Mississippi Chapter joined in the event along with family physicians.

• The Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce.

ADVOCACY

Family physicians and pediatricians from across the state participated in a morning of activities highlighting family medicine on Tuesday, February 6th.

Primary Care Day at the Capitol began with registration in the rotunda at the MAFP booth where over 70 attendees—including 16 residents representing 5 of Mississippi’s Family Medicine Residency Programs—wore their 75 years strong stickers and gave bling rings to their legislators as MAFP kicked off their Diamond Legacy year.

MAFP visited legislators and gave them information about the Academy. After being introduced in the Senate gallery, MAFP members gathered for lunch where Speaker Jason White of West spoke and provided updates on state issues.

Related organizations also taking part were: • The MAFP Foundation was supporting a Smoke-Free Mississippi. Special guest, Miss Mississippi 2023-2024, Vivian

Drs. Vanderloo, Pavlov, and Latorre with Rep. Creekmore.

Rep. Chuck Blackwell, Dr. John Vanderloo, and Sen. Robin Robinson.

Rep. Rosebud, Dr. Gentry, Rep. Boyd, Rep. Turner, and Dr. Gholson.

Capitol Day attendees with Rep. Sam Creekmore, Chairman of the Public Health Committee.

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ADVOCACY

2024 Capitol Day Attendees: Family Physicians and Pediatricians.

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Smith Elected to AAFP Board Dr. Brent Smith from Cleveland,

Dr. Smith has held various leader- organization's operations and develop

Mississippi, was elected as a Director ship roles in the AAFP and MAFP, policies that impact family medicine at Large on the American Academy of mentoring

residents

and

students nationwide.

Family Physicians (AAFP) Board of while serving as faculty for the Missis-

With his deep-rooted dedication to Directors. In this role, Dr. Smith will sippi Delta Family Medicine Residen- family medicine and healthcare leaderadvocate for family physicians, resi- cy. He also volunteers as a team phy- ship, Dr. Brent Smith’s election to the dents, medical students, and patients sician for local high schools and chairs AAFP Board of Directors is a wellnationwide, helping shape the future of the Sports Medicine Advisory Commit- deserved recognition of his efforts to the United States healthcare system. tee for the Mississippi High School improve both the practice of medicine The AAFP, which represents nearly Activities Association.

and the future of the specialty.

130,000 members, elected its 2023–

“I am honored to serve on the 2024 leadership at the annual Con- AAFP Board of Directors,” said Dr. gress of Delegates.

Smith. “I believe passionately that phy-

Dr. Smith discovered his passion sicians must work beyond clinical dufor family medicine during his third ties to improve the system and our year at the University of Mississippi practice environment. My single big-

ADVOCACY

School of Medicine. His medical jour- gest goal in the next three years is to ney led him to complete a primary care make the practice of medicine more sports medicine fellowship at the Uni- fulfilling by reducing administrative versity of Alabama, combining his love burdens.” of sports with comprehensive patient

The AAFP Board of Directors is care. In addition to his medical train- responsible for implementing the direcing, he earned a Bachelor of History, a tives of the Congress of Delegates and Master of Science in Clinical Educa- conducting strategic planning for the tion, and a Master of Legal Studies in organization. Board members meet Healthcare Law. multiple times annually to oversee the

MAFP Advocates for You MAFP fights every day for you, your practice, and your patients. We advocate on your behalf to make sure the voice of family medicine is heard throughout Mississippi. Our goal is to promote good healthcare policies and oppose measures that adversely impact our family physicians and their patients. MAFP leadership makes sure we have strong advocates at the table when presenting solutions to issues such as access to care, fair payment practices, and liability protection.

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MAFP leadership met to prepare for a meeting with the Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure to discuss the Medical Practice Act. THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

MAFP Members Serve as Doctor of the Day Many MAFP family physicians choose to volunteer their time during Mississippi’s legislative session to serve as Doctor of the Day, a program of the Mississippi State Medical Association. Doctors of the Day work in the Capitol Medical Clinic with a nurse on staff to handle the health needs of any legislator, staff member, or visitor to the Capitol. On this page are several family physicians who served during the 2024 session.

Dr. Melissa Stephens and residents Dr. Kelvin Wong, Dr. Brandon Coats, and Dr. Andrew Rinek with Senator Chris Johnson.

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Dr. Patrick Whipple and resident Dr. Kaitlyn Salter with Hope Ladner, MAFP Lobbyist.

ADVOCACY

Senator David Blount with Dr. Anthony Cloy.

MAFP Lobbyist, Hope Ladner, with Dr. Scott Carlton.

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Family Medicine at MSMA Meeting

ADVOCACY

Family medicine physicians caucus during the MSMA 156th Annual Session.

On August 9th and 10th, the Moffett, District 3 Board of Trustees; Subject: Simplifying CorresponMississippi State Medical Association and Dr. Shelby White, Resident dence from Health Insurers (MSMA) hosted its 156th Annual Physician on the Council of Medical RESOLVED, That the American Session, bringing together physicians Service. Their involvement reflects Medical Association advocate for the from across the state to discuss critical MAFP's advocacy goal of developing regulation and standardization of issues facing the medical community. and strengthening partnerships with correspondence from health insurers During the event, family physicians, other organizations to improve the for the goal of simplifying the message, including members of the Mississippi quality of patient care in Mississippi. making it more readable, more quickly Academy of Family Physicians The MAFP introduced several processed, and more efficiently (MAFP), played a significant role. resolutions during the session: reviewed.

A highlight of the session was the ADOPTED inauguration of MAFP member Dr. Subject: Liberalized remorse period Jennifer Bryan as the 156th President for Medicare Advantage plan Subject: Requirement to of the MSMA. Dr. Bryan’s election insureds communicate covered alternatives marks a significant milestone.

RESOLVED, That the American for denied medications MAFP also made notable Medical Association advocate for the RESOLVED, That the American contributions to the session by Centers for Medicare Services to Medical Association advocate for the presenting resolutions to the MSMA expand the period that Medicare requirement of Medicare Part C and D and serving as a sponsor for the Advantage (MA) plan insureds can plans to list covered alternatives to the MSMA’s 2024 Women in Medicine leave their MA plan and obtain patient as well as to the patient’s initiative. This sponsorship provided an coverage by traditional Medicare part B prescribing physician at the time that opportunity to recognize and honor the and D plans from the current policy of coverage for a medication is denied. female leaders of MAFP, particularly January through March to any month ADOPTED AS AMENDED those who have served as past for any reason with plan changes presidents.

(Amended) RESOLVED, That the becoming effective on the first day of American Medical Association In addition to Dr. Bryan’s the next month; And, be it advocate for the requirement of leadership role, several other MAFP RESOLVED, That the American Medicare, Medicaid, and all other members have taken on key positions Medical Association prepare a “tool-kit” insurers to list covered alternatives to within the MSMA. These include Dr. for both patients and physicians to help the patient as well as to the patient’s John Mitchell, Immediate Past patients make an informed choice prescribing physician at the time that President; Dr. Chip Holbrook, regarding their Medicare coverage coverage for a medication is denied.

Secretary; Dr. Carlos Latorre, Speaker options. of the House; Dr. John Vanderloo, Vice ADOPTED Speaker of the House; Dr. Craig 20

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RESOLVED, That the Mississippi appointments or other encounters.

State Medical Association advocate for (Amended) RESOLVED, That the the Mississippi State Insurance American Medical Association Subject: Advocating against Prior Commissioner to require health advocate for Medicare, Medicaid, and Authorization for in-person visits insurance policies to provide a all other insurers create, maintain, and with physicians hyperlink (such as a QR code) to a enforce a minimum formulary for all RESOLVED, That the American digital, well-organized, and searchable beneficiaries, regardless of their Medical Association advocate against formulary located on the insured’s specific plan, that includes all insurance card in such a manner that health insurance plan policies that commonly prescribed, inexpensive, patients can easily share and discuss require prior authorization for in-person generic medications unless there are covered medications with their visits with a physician; And, be it reasonable safety or economic RESOLVED, That the Mississippi prescribing physician during office concerns regarding the medication.

State Medical Association advocate for appointments or other encounters. the Mississippi State Insurance ADOPTED AS AMENDED Subject: Immediate digital access to Commissioner to disallow health (Amended) RESOLVED, That the updated medication formulary for insurance plan policies in Mississippi American Medical Association Medicare patients and their that require prior authorization for inadvocate for the Center for Medicare physicians person visits with a physician.

Services to provide (or cause their RESOLVED, That the American associated carriers to provide) a ADOPTED ADOPTED AS AMENDED

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ADVOCACY

hyperlink (such as a QR code) to a digital, wellorganized, and searchable formulary located on the insured’s insurance card to all Medicare patients in such a manner that the patient can easily share and discuss covered medications with their prescribing physician during Drs. John Vanderloo, Carlos Latorre, John Mitchell, Chip Holbrook, and Jennifer Bryan. office appointments or Subject: Minimum requirements for Medical Association advocate for the other encounters; And, be it Medication Formularies Center for Medicare Services to RESOLVED, That the Mississippi provide (or cause their associated RESOLVED, That the American State Medical Association advocate for Medical Association advocate for the carriers to provide) a hyperlink (such the Mississippi State Insurance Center for Medicare Services create, as a QR code) to a digital, well- Commissioner to require health maintain, and enforce a minimum organized, and searchable formulary insurance policies to provide a formulary for all Medicare located on the insured’s insurance hyperlink (such as a QR code) to a beneficiaries, regardless of their card to all Medicare patients in such a digital, well-organized, and searchable specific Medicare plan, that includes manner that patients can easily share formulary located on the insured’s all commonly prescribed, inexpensive, and discuss covered medications with insurance card in such a manner that generic medications unless there are their prescribing physician during office patients can easily share and discuss reasonable safety or economic appointments or other encounters; covered medications with their And, be it concerns regarding the medication. prescribing physician during office

MAFP Fights for Prior Authorization Reform prior notification of changes to PA utilize a standardized electronic prior requirements; utilize a physician with authorization request transaction proexperience and knowledge to the cess; practitioners must utilize this service during an appeal; make sta- system by January 1, 2027. tistics available regarding prior authHealth insurance companies will orization approvals and denials on be held accountable by fines up to their website; and provide aggregated $10,000 for violations of the provisions trend data to the Insurance of the legislation. Providers can file Department. complaints of violations of this act to

ADVOCACY

Hope Ladner MAFP Advocacy Director

The legislation creates a statutory the Insurance Department. definition of “medically necessary” that MAFP also advocated for must be used by all plans: “Presumptive Eligibility” for pregnant

“A healthcare professional exer- women who are likely to be eligible for The 2024 Legislative Session of cising prudent clinical judgment would Medicaid coverage during their pregthe Mississippi Legislature saw some provide care to a patient for the nancies. The legislation ensures that distinctive victories for the Mississippi purpose of preventing, diagnosing, or providers will receive reimbursement Academy of Family Physicians. After treating an illness, injury, disease or its for services provided during the time it many years of work from a strong symptoms and that are: In accordance takes for Medicaid to make a collaboration of physicians, Mississippi with generally accepted standards of determination on eligibility. Physicians enacted prior authorization (PA) medical practice; and Clinically that become qualified to make reform. appropriate in terms of type, fre- presumptive eligibility must notify the Prior to the session, leadership quency, extent, site, and duration and Division of Medicaid of the from the MAFP met with the are considered effective for the determination within five working days Commissioner of Insurance, Mike patient's illness, injury, or disease; and after the date on which determination Chaney, and brought forth tangible, not primarily for the convenience of the is made and inform the patient that she actionable policy reform recommend- patient, treating physician, other health is required to apply for Medicaid no ations regarding transparency of prior -care professional, caregiver, family later than the last day of the month authorization utilization. MAFP advo- member, or other interested party, but following the appointment where cated for these changes at the focused on what is best for the presumptive eligibility occurred. If the legislative level and, with over- patient's health outcome.” patient fails to apply for Medicaid whelming support, succeeded.

In addition, the legislation requires coverage by that time, services Health insurance companies health insurance companies to make a rendered during that time will still be operating in Mississippi must now determination no later than seven days reimbursed. To become a qualified provide PA transparency: maintain a after receiving a completed PA for provider, complete the Presumptive for Pregnant Women complete list of services for which a nonurgent care, two days for phar- Eligibility prior authorization is required; make maceutical services and products, and Provider Application found on the any current prior authorization require- forty-eight hours for urgent care. Division of Medicaid website. ments and restrictions, including the Companies also must honor PAs for During the legislative session, written clinical review criteria, readily twelve months for chronic conditions, 6 MAFP continued to work hard to accessible on its website; approve months for non-chronic conditions, and promote the Mississippi Rural supplies or healthcare services that pay for services for which a PA was Physician Scholarship Program and are routinely used as part of a requested but was not responded to the Office of Mississippi Physician healthcare service that has received timely. Finally, by January 1, 2025, Workforce, which have successfully prior authorization; provide a 60-day health insurance companies must strengthened Mississippi’s physician

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ADVOCACY

pipeline. These programs are tangible arranging for the performance of, solutions that address physician providing a referral for, or performing a shortage issues and place more physical or medical examination upon physicians in our rural and critical a child” without parental consent a access areas. As policy makers violation of the law. While parental continue to debate access to consent is a standard for minors, there healthcare and ongoing attempts are could be situations where a physician made to allow non-physicians to must make a decision to continue care practice medicine, MAFP will continue for a minor without direct consent. to elevate the compounding impact Even if no actual harm or injury occurs, these programs are having on bringing legislation with these private right of quality medical care to Mississippians. action provisions allow suit to be While not unique to the 2024 brought against the violator. MAFP Legislative Session, MAFP is alarmed vigorously defends the standards of demanded of by the growing trend to include professional care provisions for a private right of action physicians and believes provisions like against physicians in introduced the ones we are seeing do more harm legislation. A private right of action in the overall practice of medicine.

Let’s Get Social!

Facebook

Instagram

allows a person or organization to file a As we look ahead to 2025, mark lawsuit for an alleged violation of the your calendars for our Capitol Day on law; in the case of the legislation we February 4, 2025. Get involved, share are seeing, for practicing medicine in a your experiences, and help MAFP way that violates the provision of the continue to be a voice of solutions in law. For example, one bill attempted to our state! make “procuring, soliciting to perform,

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FamDocPAC 75 Members for 75 Years

ADVOCACY

FamDocPAC is a political action committee founded by the MAFP to promote the effective citizenship of FamDocPAC members and associate members through the financial participation in the electoral process of the state of Mississippi, and to assist in the nomination and election of candidates for the Mississippi House of Representatives, the Mississippi Senate, and other Mississippi Statewide Elected Offices. This year our goal is to get 75 PAC Members for 2024 as we celebrate 75 years of MAFP.

Scan the QR Code to make a contribution to the FamDocPAC

FamDocPAC Board of Trustees 2024 Chair ........................................................................................................... Dr. James Ervin, Crystal Springs Vice Chair .................................................................................................Dr. Stephen Hammack, Flowood Sec./Treasurer ............................................................................................................ Beth Embry, Exec. Dir. Rep. Congressional District 1 ......................................................................... Dr. Sue Simmons, Maben Rep. Congressional District 2 ..................................................................... Dr. Brent Smith, Cleveland Rep. Congressional District 3 ...................................................................Dr. Dustin Gentry, Louisville Rep. Congressional District 4 ............................................................... Dr. Jeremy Wells, Hattiesburg Rep. At Large ............................................................................................................... Dr. Paul Pavlov, Biloxi Rep. At Large ...............................................................................................Dr. James Griffin, Hattiesburg Ex-Officio ..........................................................................................................Dr. John Vanderloo, Madison Ex-Officio ........................................................................................................ Dr. Jennifer Gholson, Summit

You may contribute to FamDocPAC with a one-time donation or in installments.

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

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2024 PAC Donors Diane Beebe, MD Steven Brandon, MD Rickey Chance, DO Susan Chiarito, MD Todd Clayton, MD Anthony Cloy, MD James Ervin, MD Dustin Gentry, MD Jennifer Gholson, MD Lee Giffin, MD Bill Grantham, MD James Griffin, MD Stephen Hammack, MD Amy Hollman, MD Anna Marie Sharp, MD Luke Lampton, MD Hope Ladner Emily Landrum, MD Carlos Latorre, MD Gene Loper, MD Anuj Marya, MD Darrell Mease, MD Stacy Mitchell Paul Pavlov, MD Katie Royals, MD Paul Sheffield, MD Sue Simmons, MD Brent Smith, MD Norma Murillo-Smith, MD Chrystal Sumrall, MD Kelly Tullos, MD John Vanderloo, MD Ajay Vongala, MD Christy Vowell, DO Jeremy Wells, MD Patrick Whipple, MD

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Gholson Goes to Washington

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Dr. Jennifer Gholson testifying before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee in Washington D.C.

ADVOCACY

In May, MAFP Past President and AAFP Delegate, Jennifer Gholson, MD, FAAFP, testified before the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee on the consolidation of primary care practices.

In her testimony, Dr. Gholson outlined how many family physicians across the country have been forced into a false choice of either selling their practice or closing their doors entirely to avoid economic hardship. She encouraged Congress to: • improve Medicare reimbursement for primary care and provide prospective, sustainable revenue streams to allow physicians to tailor their practices to their patients’ needs; • address misaligned incentives such as site-ofservice payment differentials that encourage consolidation; • minimize the administrative burdens that independent primary care practices are subject to; and • ban the use of overly restrictive noncompete agreements.

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ADVOCACY

From Patient to Advocate If you were to ask the question, “What does a doctor do?” the most basic answer that you will get is “they help people.” To put it simply, yes, they do. But, who do doctors call on or turn to when they find themselves needing help?

In this piece written by Marya Morgan and Phil O’Bryan and originally published by K-LOVE, MAFP Board Member, Dr. Anthony Cloy, opens up about his journey from a promising family physician to a professional who almost lost it all to addiction—and then back to a life of purpose and service.

Dr. Cloy gives back through the Mississippi Physicians Health Program, which offers hope to others in the med"It was God talking to me, that this is a nice way of giving back because I ical community who may be struggling went through that myself.” - Dr. Anthony Cloy with addiction and mental health challenges. diction. Doctors are “safety-sensitive butler and priest and “even the town The following article has been re- workers” which makes it extraordinarily drunk,” he laughs. “That was my favorproduced with permission from K- difficult for them to admit they have a ite – ‘I said I think I got that one, I’ve LOVE , Copyright 2024, Educational problem. “It can be very daunting.” been there.’”

Media Foundation.

Doctors are human too, he says and In all that he does, faith plays a cenDr. Anthony Cloy discovered his pas- “the goal, obviously, is to keep folks tral role. “Sometimes you just gotta sit sion for treating patients when he took working.” down and listen to what God is telling a part-time job at a hospital lab in colIn charge of intakes for MPHP, Dr. you,” he urges. “Probably any of us lege. Curious about the “patient behind Cloy regularly shares the story of his that go through rigorous scientific trainthe numbers,” he found himself volun- own addiction recovery and reinstate- ing perhaps push the spiritual to the teering to hand-deliver test results to ment more than 12 years ago. back burner -- but I think life experithe emergency room or ICU to put fac“I like to point out to people that, yes ence tells us it’s quite obvious if people es with names. “I realized I just wanted it can get that bad – you think ‘I'll never would just sit back and look and listen to be someone's doctor,” he says, drink at work or I'll never drink on call’ to what the Higher Plan is – that’s what which led him to Family Medicine. “For me, when I was in that exam room with but if the disease progresses, you my patient having a face-to-face en- probably will.” He then shares that MPHP has a strong success rate, with counter, I was in my happy spot.” internal statistics showing most mediBut over time, alcohol addiction cal pros who complete the program are threatened his license to practice. He very likely to continue their sobriety. asked for help.

“That's been a nice way of giving back Dr. Cloy underwent treatment for because I went through that myself.” substance abuse and completed a fiveSince his return to medicine, Dr. Cloy year probation. He returned to his work has also volunteered his expertise to with patients, and eventually began serve his community in other crucial teaching young medical students at the ways. He donates his time and skill to University of Mississippi School of the Jackson Free Clinic, which proMedicine. Most recently, however, he vides free healthcare to people who works as a doctor to fellow doctors – are homeless or who cannot afford like himself. “It was God talking to me, insurance. He has also served on varithat ‘this is what you need to do in this ous boards including for MS HeARTs chapter of your life,’ to give back to that Against AIDS and leads overseas misprogram that basically saved my ca- sions to Honduras with the Salt and reer.”

Light Ministry Foundation.

He is currently the Medical Director Dr. Cloy has also dabbled in acting. for the Mississippi Physicians Health Volunteering not at as singer, but as an Program, which guides healthcare pro- on-stage extra in operas, called a Dr. Cloy oversees treatments and Rxs fessionals facing mental illness or ad- “super.” His super roles have included on Honduras mission 26

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Is 2024 Your Re-Election Year?

2024 Re-Election cycle is January 1, 2022—December 31,2024 If your answer to that question is yes, please read on!

The deadline for earning credits for your 2024 re-election cycle is fast approaching. You have until December 31, 2024 to accomplish this task.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the MAFP office at (601) 853-3302 or publicawareness@msafp.org. We will be happy to assist you in submitting your CME credits to the AAFP. There are five easy ways to report your CME credits: 1) Visit www.aafp.org/mycme 2) Call (800) 274-2237 (Monday—Friday 8:00-5:00 pm CST) 3) Fax completed CME reporting form(s)/certificate(s) of participation to (913) 906-6075 4) Mail completed CME reporting form(s)/certificate(s) of participation to: AAFP Contact Center 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway Leawood, KS 66211 5) Complete the post-test or quiz from AAFP-produced self-study programs, such as American Family Physician, Family Practice Management, and FP Essentials

150 credits are needed for each 3-year re-election cycle. 75 must be Prescribed credits, and the rest may be from Live, Elective, Prescribed, or other categories.

An activity is eligible for AAFP Prescribed credit when it is designed primarily for physicians with content directly related to patient care, patient care delivery, or certain nonclinical topics.

A family physician who is an AAFP active or life member must be directly involved in the development of the activity and attestation is required on the CME application.

An activity is eligible for AAFP Elective credit when it is primarily designed for healthcare professionals other than physicians. Direct involvement of an AAFP active or life member n the planning of the activity is not required.

For more descriptions on what you can report for CME, visit www.aafp.org/cme.

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MAFP’s Spring Fling event for residents and students was held on Saturday, April 13, 2024. With more than 40 attendees present, the groups met in separate breakout rooms from the doctors, hearing specialized speakers tailored to student and resident needs. They attended procedural workshops on casting/splinting and ultrasound. During the day, they elected student and resident board members.

Student Attendees at 2024 Spring Fling.

MAFP Student & Resident Board

Right: Spring Fling attendees practice splinting and casting.

Thank you, Student Sponsors!

WORKFORCE

The contributions of our Student Sponsors allow us to invite students and residents to attend MAFP events free of charge so we can get them engaged early.

2024 Student Sponsors Shelby White, MD Resident Board Member Lauren Stevens, DO Resident Board Alternate

William Windham Student Board Alternate Stacy Mitchell Student Board Member

Foundation Student & Resident Board

Syed Amanuddin Student Board Member Madison Kirkbride Student Board Alternate

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Michael Beard, MD Resident Board Member Meghan Cule, MD Resident Board Alternate

Steven Brandon, MD Meghan Case, MD Rickey Chance, DO Susan Chiarito, MD, FAAFP Anthony Cloy, MD Wade Dowell, MD Renee Dyess, MD Randy Easterling, MD, FAAFP James Ervin, MD, FAAFP Lee Giffin, MD Cierra Green, MD Stephen Hammack, MD, FAAFP Amy Hollman, MD Susan Hudson, DO Thomas Horton, MD, FAAFP Luke Lampton, MD, FAAFP Emily Landrum, MD, FAAFP

Carlos Latorre, MD, FAAFP Bruce Longest, MD, FAAFP Craig Moffett, DO, FAAFP Tobe Momah, MD, FAAFP David Moody, MD Terry Moran, Jr., DO, FAAFP Paul Pavlov, MD Richard Randolf, MD, FAAFP Katie Royals, MD Michael Sanders, MD Paul Sheffield, MD, FAAFP Sue Simmons, MD Brent Smith, MD, FAAFP Chrystal Sumrall, MD, FAAFP Terri Teague, DO Patrick Whipple, MD, FAAFP Richard Whitlock, MD, FAAFP

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Ambassador Program a Huge Success

Student Ambassadors for 2024 included representatives from both of Mississippi’s medical schools. Standing: Cody Taylor (WCUCOM), Torrye Evans (UMMC), Lauren Sumrall (UMMC), Syed Amanuddin (WCUCOM), Stacy Mitchell (WCUCOM), Will Windham (UMMC), Lillian Ergle (WCUCOM), Madison Kirkbride (UMMC), Justin Sudduth (WCUCOM). Kneeling: Asya Walker (WCUCOM) and Trinity McSwain (WCUCOM).

This July, twelve medical students tential employers, with MAFP coordihad the opportunity to serve as MAFP nating these meals to enhance their Student Ambassadors during the five- networking opportunities within the day MAFP Annual Meeting in Destin, state.

Florida. After a rigorous academic MAFP and the MAFP Foundation year, the trip allowed them to network cover the Ambassadors' registration, and refine their interpersonal skills. hotel, and meals during the meeting.

The Ambassadors assisted MAFP We are grateful to the physicians who staff by preparing for events, manag- sponsor students, helping to offset ing a booth in the exhibit hall, and sell- these costs and make this program ing split-the-pot tickets. They also en- possible each year. Students interestjoyed some downtime at the beach, ed in applying for the coming year shopping, and dining in Destin. should do so by May 1, 2025.

Throughout the week, students Find the Ambassador appliattended dinners hosted by family cation at www.msafp.org/ medicine residency programs and po-

Academy Ambassadors help set up for Family Fun Night at the Diamond.

WORKFORCE

ambassador

highlight for me was being able to meet and connect with residency programs on a more personal level.

Working events and attending dinners provided me with one-on-one opportunities to introduce Madison Kirkbride myself, discuss the appliUMMC, M3 cation and interview pro“Being an Academy Am- cess, and even receive bassador for the first time personalized feedback and this year was an invalua- suggestions to prepare for ble experience for me. my fourth year. I am so Working with MAFP at the appreciative of not only all Annual Conference provid- the fun I was able to have ed me the opportunity to at the conference, but also meet many amazing peo- for the connections and ple and network with nu- conversations that may not merous contacts. One have existed otherwise.”

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Will Windham driving the ice cream truck after getting setup for the ice cream party.

Odu Stacy Mitchell plays cornhole at Family Fun.

Lauren Sumrall applying tinsel to Dr. Emily Landrum during the Charm Bar.

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WORKFORCE

Mississippi’s Rural Maternal Health Fellowship

(NRP). Fellows will also gain experi- leges has become increasingly difficult, ence in surgical obstetrics and ultra- particularly in specialties like obstetsound, further enhancing their ability to rics. provide high-quality care in underNationally, family physicians deliver served areas. babies in over 40% of U.S. counties The launch of this fellowship is es- and are the sole maternity care providOn September 1, 2024, Mississippi sential given the severe shortage of ers in 181 maternity care deserts, servmarked a significant milestone in maternal care providers in Mississippi. ing more than 400,000 women healthcare with the launch of the More than half of the state's counties annually. state's only family medicine obstetrics are classified as maternity care deThe Rural Maternal Health Fellowfellowship. The program, known as the serts, with no practicing OB-GYNs or ship is poised to make a significant Rural Maternal Health Fellowship, is a hospitals that deliver babies. This impact by training physicians who can collaborative effort led by the EC- shortage has left many rural communi- bring much-needed maternal care to HealthNet Family Medicine Residency ties without access to the maternal Mississippi's underserved rural areas.

Program in partnership with South care they desperately need.

By addressing the training and credenSunflower County Hospital and Wayne Family physicians in Mississippi tialing challenges that have historically General Hospital. This fellowship is face significant barriers when it comes hindered family physicians in the state, designed to train family physicians to to practicing obstetrics, including a lack this fellowship represents a crucial step provide comprehensive care to preg- of training programs and the high cost toward improving maternal health outnant and postpartum women in rural of malpractice insurance. While family comes for women across Mississippi. areas, where access to maternal physicians are licensed to practice For more information, healthcare is critically limited. medicine without restriction, obtaining Dr. James Lee Valentine and Dr. insurance coverage and hospital privivisit echealthnet.com Melissa Stephens, both of EC HealthNet, are at the forefront of designing this fellowship, and are committed to increasing access to maternal care in rural Mississippi by equipping family physicians with the skills and experience needed to provide obstetric care close to home.

The fellowship, which aims to recruit two fellows annually, is a twelve-month program. All fellows must have completed a three-year family medicine residency before beginning this specialized training. During the fellowship, these physicians will receive extensive maternal health training in rural settings, preparing them to offer prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care.

They will also maintain their proficiency in full-scope family medicine, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the diverse healthcare needs of rural communities. The fellowship will include rotations at EC HealthNet in Meridian, South Sunflower Hospital in Indianola, and Wayne General Hospital in Waynesboro.

In addition to general maternal care, the fellowship includes specialized training in managing obstetrical emergencies, with certification in Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program 30

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Foundation Creates Learning Network The major revisions of residency sentatives from six out of eight standards are ambitious and require residency programs were premany major changes for family medicine sent. The agenda focused on deresidency programs. One of the Accredi- liberating over an email listserv, tation Council for Graduate Medical Edu- group messaging system, and cation (ACGME) program requirements digital platform. By the meetings includes that family medicine residency conclusion, the group successfully programs participate in a learning net- launched an email listserv and work. We are proud to announce the established a group messaging MAFP Foundation recently received a system to enhance communicagrant from the American Board of Family tion efficiency and effectiveness.

Medicine (ABFM) to assist with the deFor our third meeting, the velopment of a learning network for fam- Residency Directors met at the ily medicine residency programs within MAFP headquarters on Friday, Mississippi.

November 15th to work on fur-

WORKFORCE

Thanks to the initial seed program ther collaboration to support funding, we successfully held three in- Family Medicine GME Innovation. person meetings. The first meeting was attended by representatives from five out of the eight residency programs. Our agenda focused on conducting an initial interest and needs assessment poll across all eight residencies, finalizing the group logo and slogan through a voting process, and discussing group goals. Participants included program directors, associate program directors, residency program coordinators, faculty members, designated instiPictured from left to right are Alexis Smith, MHA; Courtney Watts, Leanne Antution officials, and representatives from drews, RT; Janet Ricks, DO; Molly Clark, PhD; Rickey Chance, DO; Richard Caldethe Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce and Mississippi Osteopathic Medical rone, DO, MPH; Angie Burks, Melissa Stephens, MD, MS, FAAFP, DABFM; Lorie Association.

Cospelich, and Helen Lofton.

During the second meeting, repre-

MAFP Welcomes WCUCOM for Testing Each month during the school year, WCUCOM student MAFP members gather for testing at the MAFP Headquarters upstairs in the Dr. and Mrs. D. Stanley Hartness, Jr. Conference Room. This space provides a welcoming environment for the students, reflecting MAFP’s commitment to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals. The monthly visits foster a sense of community and strengthen the bond between the students and the academy.

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Pictured above and right: Students from WCUCOM at MAFP Headquarters for testing.

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Resident Reflections Michael Beard, MD, PGY4

EC HealthNet Resident, MAFP Foundation Resident Board Member Why did you choose family medi- passion we would allow many people to fall through the cracks because there are cine?

WORKFORCE

barriers we face every day taking care of I chose Family Medicine because during our patients. Compassion keeps us motimy third year medical school rotations, vated to help as many people as possible. my attending practiced traditional mediWhy patience? Patience is important cine, and he showed the importance of because at our core we are teachers. learn as much as possible and get handsrelationships with his patients. During every patient visit, he knew specific de- When teaching, encouraging, or edu- on experience. Attending conferences like tails of their health and details about their cating our patients they do not always AAFP and MAFP will show you how broad family. To witness the trust patients had listen the first time. Take smoking cessa- and important family medicine is to our in him and the impact he made in their tion. After a year of my encouraging a academies. life and community, I knew I wanted that patient to quit, I get the best feeling when Tell us about your family and hobfor my patients and community one day. my patient shares they are cigarette free bies. for six months and breathing better.

What are important traits for a famiWhat can medical students do (other I am married with a ten-year-old daughly physician to possess and why? than study) to make them prepared ter. My hobbies are walking daily and goCompassion and patience. Why coming to the gym. Most of my time is spent passion? When you take a step back and to become a family physician? finishing my last year of residency, but Take full advantage of your family med- occasionally I get free time to enjoy my realize how important family medicine is to the healthcare system, without com- icine rotation by immersing yourself to friends and family.

Delta Scholars Program Prepares Future Physicians for Rural Health The Delta Scholars Program at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) is focused on preparing students for rural healthcare. For the 2024–2025 academic year, 10 third-year students have been placed in the Delta Hubsite for their clinical rotations.

Match Day The 2024 National Resident Matching Program® Main Residency Match results yielded the largest class of family medicine residents in history, with 4,595 medical students and graduates matching into family medicine residency programs. This year, family medicine offered 5,213 residency positions, 125 more than in 2023. Mississippi is proud to have 65 family medicine residency spots.

Supported by a scholarship fund for those interested in rural We were excited to have the 2023–2024 scholars present screenings in the community, and engage medicine and funding from an at our Spring Conference: Carrel Bakoua, Nguyen Nguyen, in worksite wellness initiatives. Each student is also required to complete a rural HRSA grant, the scholars are Matt Norrod, Saba Sharafkhaneh, Hannah Shepherd, and health-focused research or quality imactively involved with the TallaWilliam Simpson. provement project. hatchie Wellness Center and Catherine Morring’s Diabetes The Delta Scholars Program provides practical For more information, contact Dr. FasSolutions program. They partici- rural healthcare experience while supporting tring at DFastring@wmcarey.edu. pate in health fairs, conduct the local community.

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THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

MAFP on the Move In an effort to expand tobacco-free education across the state, MAFP is visiting family medicine residency programs to equip residents with the knowledge and tools to share this impactful curriculum. By empowering these future family physicians to deliver Tar Wars and tobacco cessation initiatives in their communities, MAFP is ensuring that tobacco prevention education reaches more Mississippi youth, laying the foundation for healthier futures.

Boa Vida | Aberdeen

Forrest General | Hattiesburg

EC HealthNet | Meridian

WORKFORCE

Family Medicine Residency on the Map

Memorial Health | Gulfport

Oduro-Boadu

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MAPF Hosts Spring Meetings in Flowood

Physicians, residents, and students gathered in Flowood for the MAFP Spring Conference at the Sheraton Refuge.

More than 75 family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students joined us in Flowood for MAFP's Spring Conference April 12–14, 2024. The conference featured CME, workshops, social events, and nearly 35 exhibitors. The CME sessions were held Saturday and Sunday morning. Highlighting the conference was

the Saturday night social by the pool at weekend to plan for future events and the Sheraton. discuss issues. Attendees enjoyed both The MAFP Board of Directors and MAFP the splinting and casting and the portable Foundation Board of Trustees enjoyed a ultrasound procedural workshops. MAFP night at Trustmark Park on Friday evening hosted collaboration meetings among as the Braves took on the Biloxi Shuck- Mississippi family medicine residency proers. Both boards also met during the gram coordinators.

Spring Conference attendees participated in Round Table discussions.

Students and residents enjoyed the networking opportunities provided by the Spring Fling held with the Spring Conference.

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Dr. Jeremy Wells demonstrates casting during the procedural workshop on Stacy Mitchell.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Students attend Spring Fling portion of Spring Conference.

Right: Will Windham practices his splinting and casting on classmate Madison Kirkbride during our hands-on workshop.

Left: Dr. Burkett (right) demonstrates the portable ultrasound machine on Dr. Latorre (left) during our hands-on workshop.

Below: Drs. Hammack, Latorre, and Brandon stop for a quick chat.

Resident Dr. Lauren Stevens demonstrates the reliability and just how much detail can be seen in the portable ultrasounds.

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

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Cheers to 75 Years of MAFP MAFP enjoyed Celebrating 75 Years: A 75 years. Attendees spent time looking Diamond Legacy in Family Medicine. The through old pictures and reflecting on 75 diamond theme was fun to incorporate years of experiences. throughout the four-day meeting.

Our attendees enjoy wearing the MAFP The Family Fun Night theme On the Dia- t-shirt with our logo theme. An MAFP tramond was chosen for Dr. Hammack’s love dition on the first day of CME, our of baseball. Wearing their MAFP baseball attendees pose for a group photo. This gear, 2023–2024 MAFP President Dr. Ste- photo is utilized for the cover of our memphen Hammack and his wife Beth wel- bership directory. comed kids and their families at the event We were thrilled to have 86 exhibitors held at the Marina Beach. The kids were join us this year! Our exhibit hall enhances given baseball themed goodies at the en- our meeting with extra activities for our trance, and the evening was filled with members and families, so we genuinely water toys, sand building, face painting, appreciate their support. We love seeing airbrush tattoos, bubbles, and kidfriendly our exhibitors get in the spirit and decofood. rate their booths according to our theme.

MAFP staff created a wonderful area located outside of the meeting room that showed the history of MAFP and included photos, journals, and history of the past

Our exhibitors also join us in our Loot and Scoot event, where kids have a special invitation to the exhibit hall to grab all the loot their bags can hold in 30 minutes.

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

Fun in the sun and sand

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MAFP Welcomes Twelve States for SEFM

Each year, one of twelve Southeast- ing on The Square at Boure'. ern states hosts the Southeastern Family Friday was jam-packed with exciting Medicine Forum. This year, Mississippi speakers and roundtable discussions. was the host state. The 2024 SEFM was Attendees spent the afternoon touring held August 15–17 in Oxford, Mississippi. William Faulkner's house and the WonOur theme for this year was "Welcome to derbird Gin Distillery. the 'SIP" where we showcased MississipWe wrapped up Friday evening with a pi's Southern hospitality as attendees met Tailgate Party in The 'SIP. We enjoyed to build relationships with colleagues, local Southern cuisine from Taylor Grocollaborated on important issues, and cery, a charm necklace bar, and caricature learned best practices to take back to drawings by Ricky Nobile. their home state.

We are looking forward to next year's We kicked off Thursday with a wel- forum being held in Charleston, South come reception followed by a tour of Ox- Carolina. ford and the Ole Miss campus before din-

SEFM attendees pose by the trolley before touring Oxford and Ole Miss.

The Wonderbird Gin Distillery proved a hit.

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Mississippi Delegates enjoy the Tailgate in the ‘SIP Party.

Our rock, paper, scissors champion showing off his medal.

Ricky Nobile sketched caricatures of attendees.

Attendees toured William Faulkner’s home.

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MAFP is pleased to have four mem- ily Physicians,” or “F.A.A.F.P.” of Fellow upon fulfilling the requirements. bers achieve the Degree of Fellow of the Criteria for receiving the AAFP Degree The next convocation ceremony will American Academy of Family Physicians. of Fellow consist of a minimum of six be July 22nd at the 2025 MAFP Annual AAFP Past President Dr. John Meiggs of years of membership in the organization, Meeting in Destin, Florida.

Alabama presented the Degree of Fellow extensive continuing medical education, during the Mississippi Academy of Family participation in public service programs For more information, visit Physicians Annual Meeting in July. outside medical practice, conducting origiDrs. Patrick Whipple of Madison, Sa- nal research, and serving as a teacher in rah Hudson of Hattiesburg, Terry Moran, family medicine.

Jr. of Hattiesburg, and Emily Landrum of MAFP enStarkville received the award during the courages all MAFP Awards Luncheon during the annual members to session. work to achieve

msafp.org/professionaldevelopment/fellow/

Established in 1971, the AAFP Degree the Degree of of Fellow recognizes family physicians Fellow. Any Acwho have distinguished themselves tive, Life, or Inacthrough service to family medicine and tive member, ongoing professional development. This with dues and reyear’s fellowship class brings the total elections in good number of AAFP Fellows to more than standing, may, 18,000 nationwide and Mississippi’s total upon application to 163. AAFP Fellowship entitles the physi- to the AAFP, be cian to use the honorary designation, elected to re“Fellow of the American Academy of Fam- ceive the Degree

Drs. Whipple, Hudson, Moran, and Landrum at their convocation ceremony for their Degree of Fellow.

Degree of Fellow

ABFM Certification

The Degree of Fellow recognizes AAFP members who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues, as well as in their communities, by their service to family medicine, by their advancement of health care to the American people, and by their professional development through medical education and research. Fellows of the AAFP are recognized as champions of family medicine. They are the physicians who make family medicine the premier specialty in service to their community and profession. From a personal perspective, being a Fellow signifies not only 'tenure' but additional work in your community, within organized medicine, within teaching, and a greater commitment to continuing professional development and/or research.

The American Board of Family Medicine is home to more than 100,000 board-certified family physicians and has more than 50 years of experience providing certification. Established by family physicians, board certification is a voluntary specialty credential beyond state medical licensure requirements. As the mark of excellence, board certification demonstrates to your patients and the public that you have met specific family medicine residency training requirements and that you are committed to maintaining this high standard throughout your entire career. It demonstrates your professional and personal commitment to meeting the standards of ethics set by your peers, and to lifelong learning, continuous improvement, and assessments of knowledge.

For More Information or to Apply:

Interested in learning more?

Scan the QR Code or visit aafp.org/ membership/get-involved/awards-andleadership-opportunities/fellow.html

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Scan the QR Code or visit theabfm.org/become-certified/

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Four Doctors Receive Degree of Fellow

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Oh Happy Day! Dr. John Paul Lee Named Physician of the Year 2024 Family physician Dr. John Paul Lee of Forest was honored dents, including Dr. William Lewis who was so inspired by his with the John B. Howell, MD, Memorial Award, also known as commitment and compassion that he returned to join him as a the Family Physician of the Year award, by the Mississippi Acad- partner, later to be joined by Dr. Archie Howard. emy of Family Physicians at its Annual Meeting in July.

Dr. Lee is known by his patients, family, and friends as always The award is presented annually to the family physician con- saying, “Oh, happy day!” Whenever he leaves the patient room, tributing the most to the development of family medicine in he always leaves them with this statement and a big smile.

Mississippi. It recognizes a physician who provides his or her community with compassionate and comprehensive medical service on a continuous basis.

Dr. Lee graduated medical school from UMMC. His leadership qualities were evident early on as he was elected president of his senior medical school class.

Upon completion of his four years of military service in the Navy, he initially set his sights on a different specialty. However, it was while moonlighting at Forest ER at Lackey Hospital that he would develop a love for Family Medicine as well as that community…and they for him! In 1973, he hung his shingle there as a solo family physician.

Community service has always characterized Dr. Lee’s practice. He provided ER coverage in the evenings, performed minor surgery, and delivered babies, along with providing free sports physicals and indigent care on his Saturdays off at Forest Baptist Church.

His tenure of service hasn’t been without personal challenges. Several years ago, Dr. Lee was diagnosed with lymphoma, but he persevered to return to care for his patients without a consideration of leaving “the trenches of medical care.”

Dr. Lee has served as a preceptor for many medical stu-

Dr. Giffin presented Dr. Lee with the 2024 Family Physician of the Year Award.

Jackson Dr. Lee was joined by his sons, Mike and John, and wife, Betty, at our Award Luncheon where he was announced as Family Physician of the Year.

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Dr. Lee addressing attendees.

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Dr. David Wheat Wins Family Physician of the Year 2023 Although he was born in a neighboring state, our 2023 Family Physician of the Year made the move to Mississippi early on and has never looked back. He earned his master’s degree at Mississippi State University and his MD from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine.

As a medical student, he served as president of the Family Practice Club and became involved in both MAFP and AAFP, representing our academy at the AAFP Resident and Student National Meeting.

After an out-of-state family medicine residency and brief practice in that state, Dr. Wheat did the unthinkable in this day and time and returned to Mississippi to eventually set up his own clinic.

An avid aviator, Dr. Wheat serves as an FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. It’s our good fortune he switched from originally wanting to be a fighter pilot to fighting the good fight for his patients and our specialty.

Dr. Wheat and his wife, Sherry, after the presentation of 2023 Family Physician of the Year.

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

PUBLIC AWARENESS

After being accepted to medical school, Dr. Wheat paid a visit to his longtime family doctor who encouraged him to become involved in the political arena because he could see that, even back then, people other than physicians were making decisions affecting medicine, our patients, and how we practiced in our clinics. Dr. Wheat obviously accepted that advice and ultimately served as MAFP President.

Dr. Hammack presented Dr. Wheat with the 2023 Family Physician of the Year Award.

Drs. Wheat and Giffin pose after Award Luncheon.

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

Dr. Katie Patterson Receives Top Award: Family Physician of the Year 2022 Family physician Katherine T. Patter- cian for South Sunflower Hospital’s three- County. Patterson was president of the son, MD, FAAFP, of Indianola, was hon- year effort to be certified as a Baby Friend- Friends of the Henry M. Seymour Library, ored with the John B. Howell, MD, Memo- ly Hospital. secretary of the Indianola Civic League, rial Award, also known as the Family PhysiDr. Patterson had the ability to com- and served on several church boards. cian of the Year award at the Annual municate complicated issues on a level Personally, she and her husband, DaMeeting July 16-20, 2022. that a layperson can understand. Not only vid, had four sons, Samuel, Reilly, NichoDr. Patterson was board-certified by did she teach and mentor many medical las, and John Kastens, and she was a memthe American Board of Family Medicine students and residents each year, in 2021, ber of Indianola’s First United Methodist and practiced for 15 years in Indianola at she was interviewed in the ‘Bridging the Church.

Indianola Family Medicine and South Sun- Great Divide’ television documentary, flower Hospital before her death in Sep- bringing awareness to the difficulties of Shortly after receiving this award, Dr. tember 2022. rural healthcare and receiving acclaim for Patterson passed away in September After receiving an undergraduate de- her interview.

2022. Join us on page 46 where we hongree from the University of Southern MisDr. Patterson led the MAFP in just or her life and commitment to family sissippi, Dr. Patterson graduated from the about every role possible. She served as medicine.

University of Mississippi School of Medi- MAFP president in 2017–18 after service cine. She completed family medicine resi- on the board. Dr. Patterson served as Deldency at Corpus Christi Family Medicine egate to the American Academy of Family Residency in Corpus Christi, Texas, before Physicians, Advocacy Committee Chair, returning to Mississippi to practice. and FamDocPAC Chair. She earned the One of the state’s only family physi- AAFP’s Degree of Fellow. Dr. Patterson cians who practices obstetrics, she deliv- was also involved in the Mississippi State ered babies almost daily, caring for moth- Medical Association and the American ers, infants, and children in a rural, under- Medical Association. She served from 2013 –2022 on the board of the Office of Mississerved area. sippi Physician Workforce.

Despite being a family physician, Dr. Patterson believed in giving back to Patterson was voted ‘Best Pediatrician’ by her community, and she served for two readers of the Enterprise Tocsin in 2021. years as a Volunteer Physician Advisor at Never one to sit back and wait for a need the Good Samaritan Clinic in Sunflower to be filled, she served as the lead physiDrs. Katie Patterson and Lee Giffin.

Dr. Patterson’s award recipient speech.

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Dr. Patterson with her husband, Jackson David, and their four boys after she was announced as the 2022 Family Physician of the Year.

THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Dr. Lee Giffin Awarded Family Physician of the Year 2021 Robert Lee Giffin, MD, a Vicksburg family physician, was honored as Family Physician of the Year for 2021 at the Annual Meeting July 17–21, 2021.

Dr. Giffin is a past president of the MAFP, having served in 2000–2001 after serving in leadership positions on the board and executive committee.

Dr. Giffin is a family physician in private practice at Mission Primary Care Clinic in Vicksburg. He has practiced in Vicksburg for 36 years and is on the hospital staff of Merit Health River Region.

Dr. Giffin is actively involved in the Mississippi State Medical Association, having served as Speaker and Vice Speaker of the House as well as having been honored with the MSMA Community Service Award and its James C. Waites Leadership Award. He was also honored by Mississippi Public Health Nurses during his career.

Dr. Giffin announced as 2021 Family Physician of the Year.

Active in his community, Dr. Giffin served as medical director of the 807 HIV Clinic—a volunteer clinic for HIV Positive and AIDS patients—for almost 30 years, while he has served as a deacon and an elder in his church. He volunteers doing physicals for Special Olympics athletes in Vicksburg, and has completed medical mission trips to Belize with the volunteer mission organization Cardiolife.

Dr. Giffin is the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. James R. Giffin of Louisville. He and his wife, Dee Dee, live in Vicksburg. His children include Mary Claire Giffin Stumpf, Melissa Giffin Coker, Kaylen Dees Giffin, and his stepson Rob Jarvis.

His grandchildren include Mamie Lee Coker and Anna Jane Coker.

As one MAFP past president said about Dr. Giffin, “His deep and abiding understanding of our profession seems to have him always speaking up for ‘the least of these.’ His quiet diplomacy has worked and turned many discussions

Dr. Giffin with his wife Dee Dee. Want to nominate someone?

Academy Awards nominations will be accepted until June 1st each year.

Lists of past winners and an application is available at: www.msafp.org/ awards Dr. Giffin with his family who attended the Award Luncheon to celebrate.

Pictured l to r: Kaylen Giffin, Mary Claire Giffin Stumpf, Anna Jane Coker, Dee Dee Giffin, Dr. Lee Giffin, Mamie Lee Coker, Melissa Coker, and Josh Coker.

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

Dr. Giffin is a graduate of Mississippi State University and attended medical school at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He continued his training at UMMC with its family medicine residency program, serving as assistant chief resident and earning the CIBA Geigy Award.

for the good of our patients. He seems to always weigh a policy concern against how this would affect his own patients.”

PUBLIC AWARENESS

MAFP Announces New Physicians of the Year Landrum New Physician of Year 2024 Emily Landrum, MD, Steven Brandon. ber of the community advisory committee FAAFP, a Starkville famiActive in organized medicine, Dr. for the RURAL study which tracks health ly physician, was honLandrum serves as District 6 Director for outcomes in ten Southern rural counties. ored as New Physician the Mississippi Academy of Family PhysiDr. Landrum was chosen as Starkville of the Year for 2024 by cians, is an active member of the Mississip- Daily News’ Best General Practice Doctor the Mississippi Academy pi State Medical Association, and is a mem- 2023 and 2024. of Family Physicians at its Annual Meeting in July. The New Physician of the Year award is given to one outstanding family physician each year who completed residency training within the last seven years.

In practice for six years, Dr. Landrum completed her undergraduate degree from Millsaps College and earned her MD from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. She completed her residency at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Dr. Landrum, a board-certified family physician, began working in 2018 at The Family Clinic in Starkville. She is a third generation Starkville physician, following in the professional footsteps of her late grandfather, Dr. Leonard Brandon, and father, Dr.

Dr. Landrum and her family who attended our Award Luncheon to celebrate her honor. (Pictured L to R: Dr. Steven Brandon, Cathy Brandon, Dr. Emily Landrum, Leo Landrum, AJ Landrum, Caroline Kirkland, and Logan Kirkland).

Buchanan New Physician of Year 2023

Jonathan Buchanan, hometown significantly impacted the Dr. Buchanan and his wife, Candice, MD, a family physician community by providing an additional have two young daughters, and they confrom Carthage, was rechealthcare option, reducing the wait time tinue to make a positive impact on the ognized as the Mississipfor patients, and helping bridge the gap in Carthage community through both his pi Academy of Family local healthcare. medical practice and his leadership in Physicians’ New PhysiBeyond his clinical practice, Dr. Bu- family medicine. cian of the Year for 2023 chanan has been active in at the Annual Meeting the MAFP where he has held in July. been a member since Dr. Buchanan’s jour2010, serving on the ney in medicine began with a Bachelor of MAFP Foundation Board Science in Biological Sciences, followed by for six years as a practichis medical degree from the University of ing physician, and being Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). As a elected to the MAFP recipient of the Rural Physicians Scholar- Board of Directors as Diship, Dr. Buchanan committed to practic- rector at Large in 2024. ing medicine in a rural part of Mississippi, He is also committed to returning to his hometown of Carthage giving back to the next after completing his Family Medicine Resi- generation of physicians dency, where he served as chief resident. by serving as a preceptor When Dr. Buchanan returned to Car- for medical students at thage, the area was underserved, with UMMC, a role he began only three practicing physicians. His deci- just one year after com- Dr. Buchanan with his wife, Candice, and their two daughters. sion to return and practice in his pleting his residency.

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Tullos New Physician of Year 2022 Kelly Shoemake Tullos, MD, a Laurel Upon returning to Mississippi following is a member of the Board of Trustees. She family physician, was her residency, Dr. Tullos began working at and her husband, Chris, are parents to 16honored as New PhysiLaurel Family Clinic and South Central Re- year old Mackenzie, 4-year-old Charlotte, cian of the Year for gional Medical Center. She is double- and 2-year-old Caroline.

2022 by the Mississippi board certified with the American Board Academy of Family of Family MedPhysicians at its Annual icine and the Meeting July 16–20, American 2022, at the Baytowne Board of ObeConference Center in sity Medicine.

Sandestin, Florida. Dr. Tullos’s colleague, In the Acadefamily physician John Hassell, MD, said, my, she has “She has all the attributes of a consum- been a commate family physician: integrity, compas- mittee memsion, wisdom, and intellect.” ber and has for In practice for six years, Dr. Tullos grad- served three years on uated from Mize High School, completed the MAFP an undergraduate degree from Mississippi College, and earned a MD from the Uni- Foundation versity of Mississippi School of Medicine. Board of TrusShe spent three years training at the fami- tees.

Dr. Tullos and her husband, Chris, and their daughters, Mackenzie, Charlotte, and Caroline.

Gentry New Physician of Year 2021

James Dustin Gentry, MD, a Louisville cal degree from the University of Missis- and medical policies. family physician, was sippi School of Medicine and completed As one MAFP past president said honored as New Physihis three-year family medicine residency about Dr. Gentry, “He is an excellent advocian of the Year for at University of Texas Health Northeast in cate for his patients in the legislative are2021 by the Mississippi Tyler, Texas. na. He demands excellent care, as well as Academy of Family PhyDr. Gentry is a member of the MAFP access to that care, for all Mississippians.” sicians (MAFP) at its Board of Directors. He will serve for the Dr. Gentry and his wife, Dawn, live in Annual Meeting in July next two years in the American Academy Louisville with their three daughters, Eliza2021. of Family Physicians Congress of Delegates beth, Evelyn, and Eleanor.

Dr. Gentry is a board-certified family as one of Mississippi’s repphysician who has practiced in Louisville resentatives. His previous for seven years. As an attending physician service on the MAFP Advoat Winston Medical Center, he treats pa- cacy Committee also led to tients in the hospital, clinic, geri-psych being named to the Hosunit, swing-bed, emergency department, pice Subcommittee for the and the long-term care facility. In addition, Mississippi State Board of he serves as Medical Director for Quality Medical Licensure.

Hospice.

Dr. Gentry is Chief of Dr. Gentry is a graduate of Holmes Staff for the Medical Staff Community College, earned a bachelor’s at Winston County, and degree in biochemistry and molecular bi- serves on the Winston ology from Mississippi State University, County Board of Superviand earned a master of business admin- sors’ COVID-19 Pandemic istration degree from the University of Task Force advising local Texas at Tyler. Dr. Gentry earned his medi- officials on best practices

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Dr. Gentry with his wife, Dawn, and their three daughters.

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

ly medicine residency at the University of In her free Alabama College of Community Health time, Dr. Tullos Sciences and served as chief resident her is active in Life final year.

Church in Laurel, where she

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Pandey Honored with Humanitarian Award Shanti Pandey, MD, FAAFP, a dedicatDr. Pandey’s journey in medicine be- ic—a decision reached after much persuaed family physician from Fayette, Missis- gan with her graduation from Patna Medi- sion by her children—her passion for famisippi, was recently honored with the pres- cal College in 1958, marking the start of a ly medicine remains undiminished. In her tigious 2024 Humanitarian Award by the career that has spanned over sixty-five retirement, she continues to engage with Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians years. Throughout more than five dec- the field by revisiting her collection of during its Annual Meeting held in July. ades, she has tirelessly served the rural MAFP Journals, staying informed on the This esteemed award is reserved for physi- community of Fayette, providing compas- latest developments in family medicine, cians who not only embody the principles sionate and comprehensive care to those and reflecting on a career that has left an of family medicine but who also go above who might otherwise go without. Her indelible mark on her community and beand beyond in addressing critical work has not only touched countless lives healthcare needs, particularly for under- but has also served as a beacon of inspiraserved populations across Mississippi. tion for aspiring female physicians and The Humanitarian Award recognizes healthcare providers, encouraging them those who have made significant strides in to pursue their dreams despite the barriimproving access to medical care, closing ers of gender, ethnicity, or circumstance. gaps within the healthcare delivery sysDr. Pandey's remarkable contributions tem, and advancing the overall health and life story have garnered recognition status of the public through both innova- beyond the medical field. In 2021, her tive approaches and medical education. extraordinary service was honored by Recipients of this award are distinguished Congressman Bennie Thompson, who by their unwavering commitment to pa- highlighted her achievements in the Contients and communities in need, their gressional Record, ensuring that her legaleadership in confronting issues of social cy is forever etched in the annals of histojustice related to healthcare access, and ry. their dedication to nurturing the next genAlthough Dr. Pandey retired from aceration of healthcare professionals. tive practice during the Covid-19 Pandem-

Dr. Pandey at the 2024 Annual Meeting.

Dr. Pandey with her family who attended the Award Luncheon where she was honored as Humanitarian of the Year. Pictured from left to right: Drs. James M Wilson, Salil C. Tiwari, Pinky S. Tiwari, and Shanti Pandey, Ms. Athena Tiwari, and Mrs. Sharmila Tiwari.

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Phillips Honored with Humanitarian Award 2022

Family physician D. Melessa (Lessa) Dr. Phillips was born in Dublin, Ireland, totechnology training program at Ibadan Phillips, MD, MPH, of and graduated from Newcomb College. She University in Nigeria.

Jackson, was honored earned her MD from Tulane University The author of numerous peer-reviewed as the recipient of the School of Medicine. After completing a fam- works and textbooks, her interests are the Mississippi Academy of ily medicine residency at the University of social determinants of health and their Family Physicians HuMississippi School of Medicine (UMMC), Dr. effect on primary care clinicians’ ability to manitarian Award at its Phillips stayed at the department, working achieve the best outcomes for their paAnnual Meeting in July her way up to the Chair of the Department tients. Currently, she now teaches and 2022. of Family Medicine. Not only was she the serves as the Academic and Faculty Develfirst woman physician chosen to head a opment Advisor for the Mississippi Delta This particular award is not given every year, and has only department at UMMC, she served in the Family Medicine Residency in Greenville. been given to four previous recipients. The position of Chair for 20 years.

MAFP Humanitarian Award is given to a Dr. Phillips retired from UMMC in 2006 family physician who exhibits a commit- and continued to educate herself, earning a ment to the ideals of family medicine by master of public health degree, graduating striving to improve access and to fill gaps in summa cum laude from San Jose State Unithe healthcare delivery system for under- versity in San Jose, California. After becomserved populations in Mississippi. Physi- ing a W.K. Kellogg Foundation fellow, she cians honored with this award have shown developed a passion for global health equian outstanding commitment to patients ty for the medically underserved. She has and communities in need, and they use designed and supervised cervical cancer their leadership in addressing issues of so- screening programs in Nigeria for marketplace women, and she started the first cycial justice regarding access to care.

Dr. Mitchell presents Dr. Phillips with the Humanitarian Award.

Family physician John R. Mitchell, MD, ture. He has drawn from the deep well of member of the American Medical AssociaFAAFP, of Pontotoc, his experience as a family physician to tion and an associate member of the Miswas honored as the make the case at a community level. He sissippi Osteopathic Medical Association. recipient of the Mishas been steady at the wheel without fan- He is an Associate Professor of Family sissippi Academy of fare, and he has put all Mississippians in a Medicine in the Department of Family Family Physicians better place.”

Medicine at the University of Mississippi Humanitarian Award A native of Lafayette Springs, a small Medical Center. at its Annual community outside of Oxford, Dr. Mitchell Dr. Mitchell and his wife, Elaine, have Meeting in July graduated from the University of Missis- one son and four grandchildren. They live 2021. sippi with a bachelor’s degree in pharma- in Pontotoc, as they have for more than Dr. Mitchell recently retired as the cy. After practicing pharmacy, he became 30 years. However, Dr. Mitchell’s work has Director of the Office of Mississippi Physi- a pharmacist in the U.S. Army, achieving him living in Jackson part-time for the past cian Workforce (OMPW), a position he has promotions from first lieutenant to cap- eight years. held since 2013. The OMPW was estab- tain over the course of three years of serlished in 2012 primarily to increase the vice. Following his military service, he number of primary care physicians in Mis- completed the University of Mississippi sissippi. Under his direction, the Office has School of Medicine and a family medicine assisted in the establishment of 13 new residency at University of Alabama Birresidency programs in the state, where mingham in Tuscaloosa before moving to medical school graduates train to become Pontotoc, Misisissippi. Dr. Mitchell pracfull-fledged doctors. ticed family medicine in Pontotoc and “Dr. Mitchell has quietly and methodi- Tupelo for more than 25 years, including cally made the OMPW the most meaning- association for 20 years with the North ful force solving the seemingly unsolvable Mississippi Medical Center Family Mediproblem of not enough physicians in the cine Residency. state of Mississippi,” said Tim Alford, MD, Dr. Mitchell is board-certified by the of Kosciusko, a MAFP Past President who American Board of Family Medicine and is has served on the OMPW Board of Trus- a Fellow of the American Academy of tees for the past nine years. “By installing Family Physicians. He has served in MAFP GIS Mapping Data and having full com- leadership positions over the years, inmand and understanding of it, Dr. Mitchell cluding MAFP President in 2010–11 and as Dr. Mitchell with his wife Elaine at the 2021 has built community residency infrastruc- an AAFP Delegate for four years. He is a MAFP Award Luncheon.

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

Mitchell Honored with Humanitarian Award 2021

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Johnston Honored as Military Service Recipient 2023 The Mississippi Academy of Family consistently highlight his ability to balance "Jay" Johnston, MD, on this well-deserved Physicians is proud to announce Col. John the demands of military service with a recognition.

"Jay" Johnston, MD, of Meridian, Missis- thriving medical career, all sippi, as the recipient of the 2023 MAFP while embodying the values Military Service Award. This prestigious of compassion, integrity, and award is presented to individuals who not excellence. only excel in the practice of family mediDr. Johnston's military cine, but also demonstrate exceptional achievements are numerous, contributions to our armed forces. including the Meritorious Dr. Johnston exemplifies the spirit of Service Medal, Navy Comservice, both in his medical career and his mendation Medal, Global distinguished role as a Colonel in the Mis- War on Terrorism Service sissippi Air National Guard. His journey is a Medal, and National Defense testament to his dedication, leadership, Service Medal. These accoand unwavering commitment to the well- lades reflect his outstanding being of others. As an attending physician service to both his country in a family medicine program, Dr. John- and his community. ston has been a tireless mentor, shaping MAFP is honored to recthe next generation of physicians and ognize Dr. Johnston for his providing exemplary patient care. extraordinary contributions His influence extends beyond his prac- to family medicine and his tice as he continues to make an impact dedication to serving others. through community service and military We congratulate Col. John Dr. Melissa Stevens presents Dr. Jay Johnston with the Military Service Award. leadership. His colleagues and mentees

Jefferson Honored as Military Service Recipient 2022 The Mississippi Academy of Family from the military in August 2013. His leadWe are honored to recognize Dr. Physicians is proud to announce Dr. James ership, dedication, and medical expertise James Jefferson with this award, celeJefferson as the 2022 Military Service earned him several prestigious awards, brating his extraordinary military career, Award recipient. A dedicated family physi- including: his continued service to his fellow vetercian and a distinguished military leader, • Mississippi War Medal for his ser- ans, and his lasting contributions to both Dr. Jefferson’s service to both his country vice during Operation Desert family medicine and his community. and his community spans over three decShield/Storm ades, demonstrating unwavering commit• Mississippi Service School ment to both.

Medal Dr. Jefferson's military career began • Mississippi Longevity Medal, awardwith the Army National Guard and contined four times ued with the U.S. Army Reserves, where • Expert Field Medical Badge he served for an impressive 30 years. His dedication led to numerous deployments, These honors, along with many more, where he played a critical role in active- highlight his exceptional service to the duty operations, including: nation, both on and off the battlefield.

• Operation Desert Shield/Desert Even after retiring from military serStorm (1990–1991) vice, Dr. Jefferson's dedication to veterans has continued. He currently serves his fel• Operation Iraqi Freedom (2004) low veterans by working at the VA Medical • Operation Enduring Freedom (2005 Center in Jackson, where he provides es–2006) sential care and support to those who • Operation Noble Eagle (2010) have served. His commitment to ensuring During his military career, Dr. Jeffer- that veterans receive the highest quality son rose to the rank of Colonel, a position healthcare is a testament to his character Dr. Carlos Latorre presents Dr. James he held from 2009 until his retirement and passion for service.

Jefferson with the Military Service Award.

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On August 8th, the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) hosted a Women in Medicine celebration before kicking off their Annual Session the following day.

With so many wonderful women leaders in the state, the event served as a way to highlight and celebrate their accomplishments, consistent hard work, and the generational impact on the healthcare of Mississippi.

Judith G. Gearhart, MD 1996–97, Clinton Dwalia S. South, MD 1999–00, Ripley Mary Gayle Armstrong, MD 2003–04, Madison Susan A. Chiarito, MD 2012–13, Vicksburg Jennifer D. Gholson, MD 2014–15, Summit Sue H. Simmons, MD 2016–17, Maben Katherine Patterson, MD 2017–2018, Indianola

The Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians was a proud sponsor of the MSMA's 2024

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Women in Medicine. MAFP celebrates Women in Medicine by recognizing the pivotal female

leaders who have led the Academy over the years as President.

Thank you to all women in medicine who are leading the way each day to improve the health of all people in Mississippi. Your hard work and tireless dedication are appreciated.

Stephens Named Women Leader in Medicine Congratulations to Dr. Melissa Stephens on being named a winner of the Women Leaders in Medicine Award for south Mississippi. This award recognizes her leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing medicine in Mississippi. Dr. Stephens’ contributions to the medical community serve as an inspiration to all, and we are proud to have her as a leader in family medicine in Mississippi.

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

In Loving Memory of Dr. Katie Patterson The MAFP lost one of our absolute best in 2022. On September 4, Dr. Katie Patterson succumbed to a brief and sudden illness. There was scarcely a position within the MAFP that Katie did not hold. An MAFP Past Pres-ident, she was serving as one of two Mississippi Delegates to the AAFP, Advocacy Committee Chair and FamDocPAC Chair. Only weeks before her death, the MAFP honored her with the Family Physician of the Year award (see story on page 38). She was one of the youngest individuals, and only the second female to receive the award since its beginning in 1977.

passion of love for family medicine. At our fall board meeting, we toasted Katie and remembered how much fun she added to our meetings. We also celebrated her during the conference with a video.

on July 18, 2017, as she accepted the gavel as MAFP President,

During the MAFP Awards Luncheon in July 2023, Dr. Pavlov introduced a new award in honor of Dr. Katherine Patterson, The Katie Patterson Award for Excellence in Physician Mentorship.

us for the 2023 and 2024 Annual Meetings. It was heartwarming to see their smiles and proud faces when Dr. Pavlov shared about the new award that will continue to keep Katie’s legacy alive as we recognize a physician in her honor.

The lights even went out during the announcement, and one of the boys shouted, “That’s my mom!”

“I see becoming President of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians as a chance to encourage my fellow Dr. Patterson mentored others by physicians to rekindle their love of family helping them achieve their career medicine and renew their commitment to objectives through moral, social, and our specialty.” intellectual support. She was a gifted Keeping up with the annual tradition teacher who educated countless medical of their family vacation during the MAFP students and residents, hosting with meeting, Dr. Patterson’s husband, David enthusiasm rural rotations, obstetrical and their sons, Samuel, Reilly, Nicholas, blocks, lectures, and mentoring. and John Kastens have continued to join

This award will be given to a physician who actively provides guidance and encouragement to medical students or The MAFP honored her with a residents and contributes to the personal resolution presented at the AAFP and professional development of future Let’s honor Katie by encouraging each Congress of Delegates in September 2022, leaders in the field of family medicine. other and continue to make family where the delegation stood and In the words of Dr. Patterson’s speech medicine the best specialty. applauded her and remembered her

Remembering Katie with Katie Coral The Patterson Club was established in 2023 in memory of Dr. Katie Patterson with a mission to "be well, do well." As a subgroup within the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP), it aims to support and advance women in family medicine by fostering a welcoming environment where members can share experiences and help each other thrive.

Annually, the Patterson Club selects a community service or educational project known as the Patterson Project. This year, the club organized a book drive to support the library in Indianola.

In addition to its service initiatives, the Patterson Club organizes social activities at MAFP meetings, maintains a fellowship group, and provides resources for childcare or child-friendly spaces during MAFP events.

This year, the Patterson Club collaborated with MAFP on coral-colored shirts, affectionately named "Katie Coral," in honor of Dr. Patterson. These shirts were worn on Tuesday during the Annual Meeting, serving as a reminder to be well and do well.

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Dr. Latorre Inaugural Patterson Award Recipient Carlos Latorre, MD, FAAFP, a Vicksburg family physician, was honored as the inaugural Katie Patterson Award recipient for 2024 by the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians at its Annual Meeting in July. The Katie Patterson Award was created to honor the late Dr. Katie Patterson, a friend and mentor to all.

Dr. Latorre, a board-certified family physician, is currently the Associate Chief of Staff for Primary Care at G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, and practices family medicine in Vicksburg at Mission Primary Care Clinic.

Active in the MAFP, Dr. Latorre has served on our Board of Directors as Secretary, Vice President, and President-Elect before In practice for thirteen years, Dr. leading the academy as President 2021– Latorre completed an undergraduate 2022. degree from the University of Southern At this year’s meeting, keeping up Mississippi and earned his MD from the with the annual tradition of their family University of Puerto Rico School of vacation during the MAFP meeting, Dr. Medicine. He spent three years training at Patterson’s husband, David, and their the family medicine residency at the sons, Samuel, Reilly, Nicholas, and John University of Mississippi Medical Center Kastens joined us for the event. David did and served as chief resident. us the honor of presenting our first Katie

Patterson Award. After receiving his award, Dr. Latorre said, “To win anything, any award, is an honor, but this…to be recognized as the inaugural recipient of this award in Katie’s honor…this means a lot to me on a deeper level; this is truly so special to me.”

Dr. Patterson’s husband, David, and their sons were in attendance to present Dr. Latorre with the inaugural Katie Patterson Award.

Want to nominate someone for the Katie Patterson Award?

Academy Awards nominations will be accepted until June 1st each year.

Dr. Latorre and David Patterson embrace after David’s introduction of the Katie Patterson Award in his late wife’s honor.

Lists of past winners and an application is available at: www.msafp.org/awards

“This is truly so special to me.”

—Dr. Carlos Latorre

Drs. Carlos Latorre and Katie Patterson.

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

Dr. Latorre with wife, Nalini, after the 2024 MAFP Award Luncheon.

PUBLIC AWARENESS

David G. Hall Scholarship Recipients The Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Board of Trustees is proud of the David G. Hall, MD, Memorial Scholarship that helps support Mississippi high school seniors who aspire to pursue a career in medicine. Each academic year, the Foundation donates up to $1,000 in scholarships to deserving students across the state.

A highlight of this initiative is reading the heartfelt essays submitted by students. Many share stories about the family physicians who have impacted their lives and the vital role these physicians play in their communities. Through this scholarship, the MAFP continues to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Congratulations, Recipients!

2024 | Ty Albans

2023 | Caden Ball

2022 | Jamya High

2021 | Caroline McKinney

Know a high school senior interested in Family Medicine? Encourage them to apply for the 2025 David G. Hall, MD Scholarship! www.msafp.org/foundation/scholarships/

Foundation Board of Trustees, 2024-25

PRESIDENT Terry Moran, DO, Poplarville

EX-OFFICIO Stephen Hammack, MD, Flowood

VICE PRESIDENT Terri J. Teague, DO, Tupelo

SEC/TREASURER Anthony Carter, MD, Greenville

MEMBER Don Gibson Jr., MD, Forest

MEMBER Renee O. Dyess, MD, Brandon

MEMBER Barrett Jones, MD, Jackson

MEMBER Tobe Momah, MD, Jackson

MEMBER Alex Huff, MD, Poplarville

MEMBER Carrie Nash, DO, Brandon

RESIDENT MEMBER Michael Beard, MD, EC HealthNet FMR

STUDENT MEMBER ALT. RESIDENT Syed Amanuddin, Meghan Cule, MD, Forrest General FMR WCUCOM Student

ALT. STUDENT Madison Kirkbride, UMMC Student

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THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

The Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Foundation thanks you for helping build a Diamond Legacy in Family Medicine for 75 years. As we celebrate this special anniversary year, MAFP members are invited to donate $75 to the MAFP Foundation. It takes a minimum of $75 to join the Diamond Club, and donations in multiples of $75 may be given. All donations will benefit the MAFP Foundation’s scholarship and educational programs.

Thank you to those who have already joined: Barrett Jones, MD Emily Landrum, MD, FAAFP Carlos Latorre, MD, FAAFP Jennifer Lowery, MD Allen Martin, DO, FAAFP John Mitchell, MD, FAAFP Craig Moffett, DO Terry Moran, MD Paul Pavlov, MD Ochsner Health System Katherine Royals, MD

Sue Simmons, MD Harpal Singh, MD Brent Smith, MD, FAAFP Melissa Stephens, MD, FAAFP Chrystal Sumrall, MD, FAAFP Jerry Turner, MD John Vanderloo, MD, FAAFP Jeremy Wells, MD Patrick Whipple, MD, FAAFP Richard Whitlock, MD, FAAFP Wound MGT Specialist

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Steve Brandon, MD Rickey Chance, DO Susan Chiarito, MD, FAAFP Todd Clayton, MD Anthony Cloy, MD James Ervin, MD, FAAFP Kim Estes, MD, FAAFP Lee Giffin, MD Stephen Hammack, MD, FAAFP Amy Hollman, MD Kurt Johnson, MD

Want to join the Diamond Club? Call Beth Wilson at 601.853.3302

Show Off Your MAFP Pride with MAFP Swag

T-shirts | $18

Available Colors: Katie Coral*, Spring Fling Green*, White, Navy, Powder Blue, and Gray *limited quantities and sizes

Sweatshirts | $30

Available Colors: White*, Navy, Powder Blue, and Gray *limited quantities and sizes

MAFP Hats | $30

Available Colors: Pink and Gray* THE MISSISSIPPI FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Call to order yours today! 601.853.3302 53

PUBLIC AWARENESS

To celebrate our 75th anniversary, we asked our members why they belong to the MAFP. Through our social media campaign titled “Why Wednesday,” we have the privilege of sharing a member’s story each week, highlighting the diverse motivations behind their commitment to MAFP. Whether for the networking, like-minded community, advocacy for the family medicine specialty, or the CME opportunities, we feel our members say best why MAFP membership is important to them:

"MAFP allows me to be part of something bigger than one clinic or one patient populations. Instead, I am able to better understand and advocate for the needs of a statewide population."

—Carlos Latorre, MD, FAAFP,

Vicksburg

"The best of medicine is the spirit and practice of family medicine. To serve our patients as advocates and quarterbacks of complicated healthcare delivery requires sustenance, especially in the form of camaraderie. Join fellow family physicians in this important organization."

—Luke Lampton, MD, FAAFP, Magnolia

"I belong to MAFP because of the: • CME • Advocacy • Mentorship • Support for missions • Opportunities for showing students and residents mentorship and motivation” —Tobe Momah, MD, FAAFP, Madison

"I came to medical school to be a family doctor, and I initially joined MAFP as a first-year medical student simply to find people with similar interests. I found so much more - leadership opportunities, mentors, support for my career goals, and lifelong friends. As a first-generation student, having family physicians in my circle who are willing to offer advice and guidance as I progress through my training is invaluable. I'm now planning to move my entire family to Mississippi for residency and practice, a decision I completely credit to the warm welcome and support I've found in the MAFP family."

—Stacy Mitchell, OMS-4, Hattiesburg

Want to share why you belong?

Send your story in to Caley at publicawareness@msafp.org

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"I belong to the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians because of the…

•

sense of community that is state specific bringing together like minded people who likely share similar values and pain points

•

resources - news, free CME, regulatory and legislative updates, and networking

•

for

chance and opportunity leadership and advocacy" —Renee O. Dyess, MD, Brandon

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