The Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) is proud to introduce Dr. James W. Ervin of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, as its President for 2025–2026. A dedicated family physician and longtime member of the Academy, Dr. Ervin has been actively involved in MAFP since joining in 1989.

Now in his 36th year of practice, Dr. Ervin traces his interest in family medicine back to his teenage years. He was inspired by two hometown physicians—Dr. Moncure Dabney and Dr. Jerry Gulledge—who left a lasting impression. “While I didn't know the details of everything they did, I saw them helping people feel better and thought, that's what I want to do,” Dr. Ervin recalled.

A proud native of Crystal Springs, Dr. Ervin earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1986 and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Alabama – DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa.

Following early career stops in Vicksburg and Amory, Dr. Ervin returned to Crystal Springs in 1996 to serve as the initial physician of the Methodist Family Care Clinic. In 2004, he and his wife, Joan, purchased the practice and established Family Medical Clinic of Crystal Springs, PLLC.

When asked why he values MAFP membership, Dr. Ervin shared, “MAFP provides me the opportunity to spend time with other physicians who share the same goals and objectives that I have. Knowing that there are others dedicated to maintaining and improving their skills while navigating the complexity of managing a medical practice gives me great encouragement. MAFP has always been a source of educational opportunities that help me stay current in how I treat patients.”

Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Ervin is a committed community leader. He currently serves as President of the Chautauqua Arts Foundation, Inc., is a Board Member of the Copiah Animal Shelter, and is a Past President of both the Crystal Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Copiah Educational Foundation Board. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with family, following college athletics, and fishing.

Dr. Ervin was officially installed as MAFP President during the organization’s 76th Annual Scientific Assembly. In his installation address, he likened Mississippi’s family physicians to Marvel superheroes—champions to their patients, communities, and the broader medical profession.

We couldn’t agree more. Dr. Ervin is a true superhero to his patients, his hometown, and now to the MAFP. We are excited to watch him lead our Academy in the year ahead.

MAFP is pleased to have seven members achieve the Degree of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.  Dr. Conrad Flick of Raleigh, NC, past President of the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians and former American Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors, presented the Degree of Fellow during the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Annual Meeting in July. The following members receiving their fellowship included:

• Eddy del Rio, MD, FAAFP, Gulfport
• Paul Pavlov, MD, FAAFP, Biloxi
• Claire Harper Moore, MD, FAAFP, Biloxi
• Bruce Longest, MD, FAAFP, Bruce
• Rickey Chance, DO, FAAFP, Biloxi
• Rasheeda Hall, MD, FAAFP, Sumrall
• Chloe Kilman, MD, FAAFP, Jackson

Established in 1971, the AAFP Degree of Fellow recognizes family physicians who have distinguished themselves through service to family medicine and ongoing professional development. This year’s fellowship class brings the total number of AAFP Fellows to more than 18,000 nationwide. AAFP Fellowship entitles the physician to use the honorary designation, “Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians,” or “F.A.A.F.P.”

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

MAFP encourages all members to work to achieve the Degree of Fellow. Any Active, Life or Inactive member, with dues and re-elections in good standing, may, upon application to the AAFP, be elected to receive the Degree of Fellow upon fulfilling the requirements. For more information on becoming a Fellow visit this link.

Mississippi brought its signature southern hospitality and family medicine pride to Kansas City for the AAFP FUTURE Conference. Several Mississippi family medicine residency programs were on hand to connect with eager medical students, including:

• Baptist Memorial Hospital – Desoto
• EC-HealthNet
• Forrest General
• MS Delta Family Medicine Residency
• North Mississippi Medical Center
• Southwest Health
• University of Mississippi Medical Center

Attendees agreed the event was a valuable opportunity for national exposure, student engagement, and networking with other exhibitors.

The FUTURE Conference offers students and residents the chance to explore residency options, meet program leaders, and engage with the latest in healthcare education and resources.