Newsletter - August 6, 2026 | | |
The 2026 Annual Scientific Assembly was a super-powered success! This year's theme, "Family Physicians: The Original Superheroes," celebrated the dedication, compassion, and everyday heroism of family physicians across Mississippi.
Throughout the conference, attendees participated in outstanding CME sessions led by expert faculty and met with our 82 exhibitors while connecting with colleagues. After the CME sessions, attendees and their families enjoyed a memorable lineup of superhero activities.
Highlights included meeting some of our favorite superheroes, our crowd-favorite Superhero Parade and movie, exciting rounds of Kids and Adult Bingo, and the annual Awards Luncheon where we recognized outstanding physicians and proudly welcomed our 2026–2027 leadership.
| | A very special thank you to Dr. James Ervin and his entire family for fully embracing our Superhero theme! Thank you Dr. Ervin for your leadership as President of the MAFP this past year, your commitment to serving family physicians and our communities in Mississippi, and reminding us that family physicians are the original superheroes. | | Free CME Webinar Next Wednesday! | | Join Us in Point Clear, AL for the MAFP Fall Conference! | Our MAFP Fall Conference is coming up next October 30 - November 1. We hope you will make plans to join us at The Grand Hotel for more CME and networking. Registration will open soon, but go ahead and click the link below to reserve your room today! | | Introducing Our 2026-2027 MAFP President,
Walter Burnett, MD, FAAFP | | |
A dedicated family physician for more than four decades, Dr. Burnett has spent the last 35 years caring for patients in Yazoo City—just three blocks from where he was born. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to delivering compassionate, comprehensive care while advocating for the importance of family medicine in Mississippi's communities.
"I am deeply honored to accept the role of President of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians," said Dr. Burnett during his installation address. "It is a privilege to serve and represent a profession that has defined my life's work for 42 years."
Dr. Burnett reflected on the people who shaped both his life and career, beginning with his wife of 45 years, Marilyn, whom he credited with saving his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest 12 years ago. Her quick action performing CPR ultimately led to his recovery following triple coronary bypass surgery. The health setback prevented him from serving as MAFP President at that time, making this installation especially meaningful.
He also recognized the support of his sons, John and Andrew, their wives, Kaitlyn and Sarah, and his five grandchildren, whom he described as his legacy.
Drawing from both independent and employed practice experiences, he
emphasized that regardless of a physician's practice model, patients simply want exceptional care from a trusted family physician. As MAFP President, Dr. Burnett plans to champion the strength of hometown family medicine by supporting physician-led, team-based care and advocating for the future of the specialty across Mississippi.
"Our patients don't care if we're independent, employed, or direct care," Dr. Burnett said. "They just want the best care. We need to continue our hometown practices as medical-care teams with the family doctor leading the way. This is our opportunity not just to preserve family medicine, but to revive it, empower the next generation of physicians, and restore autonomy to those who have felt forced to surrender it."
We want to congratulate Dr. Burnett, and we are excited to watch him lead the MAFP in the year ahead.
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MAFP Members Earn Degree of Fellow | |
MAFP is pleased to have three members achieve the Degree of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Sarah Sams of Dublin, Ohio,member of the American Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors, presented the Degree of Fellow during the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Annual Meeting. The following members receiving their fellowship included:
Ardarian Pierre, MD, FAAFP, Madison
Amanda Rice, MD, FAAFP, Jackson
Katherine Royals, MD, FAAFP, Hattiesburg
Established in 1971, the AAFP Degree of Fellow recognizes family physicians who have distinguished themselves through service to family medicine and ongoing professional development.
| Nominations Deadline for AAFP Commissions is October 15th | |
Bring your passion and ideas to help strengthen the AAFP and family medicine as a whole.
The commissions of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) play a key role, generating new strategic ideas and specific recommendations for action to the AAFP Board of Directors. AAFP commissions process referrals from the board, the AAFP Congress of Delegates (COD), National Conference of Constituency Leaders (NCCL), National Congress of Family Medicine Residents (NCFMR) and National Congress of Student Members (NCSM).
For more information, click here. Nomination Procedures are found at the link below.
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Join Your Family Medicine Colleagues at the
MSMA Annual Session
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If you're attending the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) Annual Session, be sure to connect with your fellow Family Medicine physicians during our MAFP Caucus Luncheon on Saturday, August 8.
The MSMA House of Delegates will convene on Friday, August 7, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Flowood.
Several MAFP members are candidates on the 2026 MSMA ballot, including Dr. Scott Hambleton, who is a candidate for President-Elect. As you cast your vote, we encourage you to consider your fellow MAFP members.
For your convenience :
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2026 MSMA Slate of Candidates (MAFP members are highlighted) – Linked Here
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MAFP Resolution to be presented during the House of Delegates – Linked Here
We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing you at the Annual Session.
| | 2026 MAFP Award Recipients | | |
Family Physician of the Year
The Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians is proud to recognize Dr. Steven Brandon of Starkville as the recipient of the 2026 MAFP Family Physician of the Year Award for his outstanding dedication to patient care, leadership, service, and the specialty of family medicine.
For nearly 35 years, Dr. Brandon has faithfully served his patients and community while making a lasting impact on family medicine across Mississippi. A past MAFP President (2007–2008), respected preceptor, and lifelong advocate for organized medicine, he has inspired generations of physicians through his leadership and mentorship. Dr. Brandon has served on the board of trustees for the Mississippi State Medical Association, board member and chairman for the Information and Quality Healthcare (IQH) of Mississippi, as well as chief of staff for OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville.
One of the most remarkable parts of Dr. Brandon's story is his family's legacy of care. After joining his father, Dr. Leonard Brandon, in practice, he expanded and modernized the clinic, and today proudly practices alongside his daughter, Dr. Emily Brandon Landrum—representing three generations of Brandon family physicians dedicated to serving the Starkville community.
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New Physician of the Year
Craig Moffett, DO, was the recipient of the 2026 Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians New Physician of the Year Award.
Since completing his Family Medicine Residency at North Mississippi Medical Center in 2020, Dr. Moffett has distinguished himself as an advocate for patients, physicians, and the future of healthcare in Mississippi. From serving on the MAFP FamDocPAC Board of Trustees, Lieutenant Governor-appointed member of the Mississippi Medicaid Advisory Committee, a Trustee of the Mississippi State Medical Association Board, to founding Doctors Inn Care Homes, he has made an extraordinary impact by expanding compassionate, patient-centered care for rural seniors across our state.
In addition to serving as Medical Director for multiple long-term care facilities and providing leadership for home health and hospice services, Dr. Moffett continues to champion innovative solutions that strengthen coordinated care for Mississippi families.
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Katie Patterson Award
The 2026 Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Katie Patterson Award recipient was Hannah Ray, MD of Indianola.
Named in honor of the late Dr. Katie Patterson, this award recognizes a family physician who goes above and beyond to mentor and inspire medical students and residents while helping shape the future of family medicine.
As a faculty member of the Mississippi Delta Family Medicine Residency Program, Dr. Ray has dedicated her career to educating the next generation of family physicians, with a particular emphasis on obstetrics and women's health. In addition, she mentors medical students from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, helping shape the future of family medicine in Mississippi.
In a fitting tribute to this honor, she was mentored by Dr. Katie Patterson herself and had the privilege of practicing alongside her—continuing Dr. Patterson's legacy of compassionate care, teaching, and service.
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Military Service Award
John Mitchell, MD, of Pontotoc, was the recipient of the 2026 MAFP Military Service Award!
This award recognizes an outstanding family physician who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to both their local community and our nation through military service.
Dr. Mitchell first received a direct commission into the U.S. Army as a pharmacist in 1976 and later served as a Medical Corps physician in the Mississippi Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Major. After pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a physician, he graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1986, completed a Family Medicine Residency, and returned home to Pontotoc in 1994 to care for the community he proudly calls home.
In addition to his military service, Dr. Mitchell has been an active leader in both the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians and the Mississippi State Medical Association, exemplifying a lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment to Family Medicine.
| | MAFP Company Store is Live! | | |
We're so excited to offer exclusive MAFP items to our members. Our MAFP Company Store was created to provide members with an easy and convenient way to purchase quality merchandise while helping strengthen our organization's identity and sense of community. Dr. Chrystal Sumrall already is already wearing her first item!
We invite all members to visit the store, explore the available products, and represent MAFP wherever you go.
No log-in needed,click the link, add items to your cart & check out. Production time is 5-7 days and will be shipped directly to you!
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