MISSISSIPPI ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS | | Newsletter - August 1, 2025 | | |
The MAFP wants to thank all who attended our 2025 Annual Scientific Assembly. We hope you enjoyed the CME and networking opportunities that it provided.
As we reflect on the Annual Conference, we are already looking forward to our next gathering, our Fall Conference in Gulf Shores. Check out the link in this newsletter to reserve your room at The Lodge at Gulf State Park!
| | 2025 MAFP Family Physician of the Year | |
The Family Physician of the Year award is presented annually to the physician contributing the most to the development of Family Medicine in the state. This honor recognizes a physician that provides his/her community with compassionate and comprehensive medical service on a continuous basis.
We are proud to announce that this year's MAFP Family Physician of the Year is Dr. Sue Simmons of Maben. Dr. Simmons earned her MD degree from the University of Mississippi Medical School and then interned at the Med Center. She then owned and operated her own hospital, delivering nearly every baby in town!
After returning to her home town, she worked in county health departments before opening her own Family Clinic where she still practices today. Dr. Simmons currently serves as Chief of Staff of her local hospital and is the Southern Regional Medical Director of North MS Medical Clinics. She has served as President and Secretary of our Academy and is a member of MSMA.
Today, after 50 years, she remains a beloved family doctor, and has been known to say, “Who else gets paid for visiting their friends every day?” Outside the clinic, she spends time with her growing family which includes more than ten grandchildren who call her “Honey”. It’s said that for her a simple trip to the grocery store turns into a social event. Her dedication, compassion, and pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on her community.
| | 2025 MAFP New Physician of the Year | | |
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.
Our New Physician of the Year for 2025 is Dr. Hannah Ray of Indianola. Dr. Ray has already become an invaluable member of her clinic and local hospital. Recognizing the importance of competent family physicians, she continues to provide residency training and remains a staunch advocate for women’s health issues. She is heavily involved in community service as a way of “paying it back” to her patients. Dr. Ray championed her hospital’s campaign against Covid, teaches Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics, and conducts several women’s health outreaches in her community. Congratulations Dr. Ray!
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The Humanitarian Award is given to family physicians that exhibit a commitment to the ideals of family medicine by striving to improve access and to fill gaps in the health care delivery system for underserved populations in Mississippi. Recipients of this award show outstanding commitment to patients and communities in need and use their leadership in addressing issue of social justice regarding access to health care.
This year’s MAFP Humanitarian Award winner is Dr. Paul Sheffield. What began as a partnership with the Jackson Free Clinic soon morphed into a blessing for patients and staff alike. Dr. Sheffield dedicates many of his weekends supervising students at the clinic, ensuring that uninsured patients receive quality healthcare. He models the mission of the Free Clinic, combatting injustices in our systems and expanding healthcare access. According to his nominator, “You can find him in the clinic teaching students, chatting with patients, or draining abscesses!”
| | 2025 Katie Patterson Award | | |
In 2022, the MAFP lost one of best cheerleaders and mentors for family medicine, Dr. Katie Patterson of Indianola . The MAFP created an award in her honor and memory to be given to a physician who provides guidance and encouragement to medical students and residents.
Our 2025 recipient is the consummate example of a Family Physician: an active clinical practice, selfless community service, MAFP and AAFP involvement, and tireless efforts to mentor medical students and Family Medicine residents alike in the power to transform communities for the better
We congratulate Dr. Brent Smith, recipient of the 2025 Katie Patterson Award for Excellence in Physician Mentorship. From his roots in the Mississippi Delta to the national stage as an AAFP Board Member, Dr. Smith has inspired the next generation of family physicians through tireless mentorship, leadership, and service. His commitment to the future of Family Medicine perfectly honors the legacy of Dr. Katie Patterson.
Dr. Smith was unable to attend this year's Annual Assembly, but knowing that Dr. Patterson loved working with the residency and the residents, Dr. Smith agreed (after the surprise) that the graduation ceremony was a perfect place to remember Katie. We were pleased to have Dr. Smith’s family join in on the surprise, as well as David and the boys. Congratulations, Dr. Smith.
| | We are proud to announce the New Officers, Delegates, & Directors | | MAFP members elected new board members and directors at the Annual Business Session on Monday, July 21st. We are proud to announce the 2025-26 Academy leaders: | | |
PRESIDENT
James Ervin, MD, FAAFP, Crystal Springs
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PRESIDENT-ELECT
Walter Burnett, MD, FAAFP Yazoo City
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VICE PRESIDENT
Bruce Longest, MD, FAAFP Bruce
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TREASURER
Emily B. Landrum, MD, FAAFP, Starkville
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SECRETARY
Crystal Sumrall, MD, FAAFP, Laurel
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IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
John PFH Vanderloo, MD, FAAFP, Madison
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DELEGATE
Lucius Lampton, MD, FAAFP, Magnolia
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ALTERNATE DELEGATE
Dustin Gentry, MD, FAAFP, Louisville
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DISTRICT 1
Rickey L. Chance, DO, FAAFP, Biloxi
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DISTRICT 2
Steven Burkett, DO
Ovett
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DISTRICT 3
Anna Marie Hailey Sharp, MD, Preston
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DISTRICT 4
Anthony Cloy, MD, Jackson
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DISTRICT 5
Anuj Marya, MD, FAAFP Flowood
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DISTRICT 6
Eric Wilkerson, MD, Greenville
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DISTRICT 7
Kristie Alvarez, MD, Batesville
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DISTRICT 8
Christopher Park, DO, Pontotoc
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AT LARGE DIRECTOR
Johnathan Buchanan, MD, FAAFP Carthage
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AT LARGE DIRECTOR
Patrick Whipple, MD, FAAFP, Madison
| | Susan Chiarito, MD, FAAFP Vicksburg | |  | Tonya Creech, DO, Meridian | | | Jessica Jenkins, MD Canton | |
Family Medicine to Caucus at the
MSMA Annual Session
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Family Medicine will caucus on Saturday, August 9th in Grand Ballroom A during the MS State Medical Association's Annual Session. House of Delegates will convene on Friday, August 8th at 10:30 AM.
Several MAFP members are on the MSMA ballot including Dr. Lucious Lampton (President-elect) and Dr. Chip Holbrook (Secretary/Treasurer). We encourage you to consider your fellow members when voting. The 2025 Slate of Candidates can be found here.
MAFP Resolutions to be presented during the House of Delegates meeting are linked here.
| | Room Block Now Open for Fall Conference! | | This year's MAFP Fall Conference will be held October 18th & 19th at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL. | | |
Call in reservations are processed exclusively through their Central Reservations Department at 800-618-4350. Guests wishing to book by phone should mention group code 93S when calling.
Reservations should be booked prior to your contracted cut-off date, Tuesday, September 16th, 2025.
| | AAFP 2025 Know Your Worth Campaign | | |
One of the key resources AAFP offers its members is the Career Benchmark Dashboard. It’s the only dashboard of its kind, focused solely on family medicine. In 2023, they conducted the survey for the first time, asking family physicians to share information about their role, their compensation and their job satisfaction.
It's now time to survey our members again. The 2025 Know Your Worth campaign launches today (August 1) and runs through Nov. 3. This year new questions have been added about Direct Primary Care and Obstetric Care, and the updated dashboard will allow members to compare 2023 and 2025 data.
Complete the survey today and get an exclusive download of key stats on 5 common family medicine careers.
| | ABFM 5 Year Cycle Registration | | |
Registration for the 5-Year Cycle is now available for ABFM Diplomates who will begin the new certification process in 2026.
The 5-Year Cycle is built on the same four foundational components that make up the current certification process, and includes continuous compliance with ABFM Guidelines for Professionalism, Licensure, and Personal Conduct, completion of certification activities, Continuing Medical Education, and ongoing participation in cognitive assessment.
Complete registration early to ensure you receive the maximum amount of time to complete 2026 Q1 longitudinal assessment exam questions.
Find out more and register here.
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