Family Medicine Residency

Ochsner Health Center - EC HealthNet is a family medicine residency clinic that offers a convenient solution for the entire family.

EC HealthNet Family Center is a family medicine residency clinic that offers a convenient solution for the entire family. 

Part of the EC Health Network Family Medicine Program, the clinic provides an opportunity for residents to gain experience with patients in a continuity clinic setting while the residents rotate through many different specialty rotations throughout the 3-year residency program. One of the many benefits of choosing a resident as a primary care physician is that they can treat patients in the clinic and continue care if that patient is admitted to the hospital. The family medicine residency clinic is the only family medicine clinic in the area that offers this benefit. 

Services offered in our clinic are as follows:

  • Acute care
  • Chronic care
  • Preventative health/wellness
  • Women’s health
  • Physicals (adults and children)
  • Minor procedures
  • Home-visits
  • COVID-19 vaccine site
  • COVID-19 testing (No appointment needed)

Clinic Address
905C South Frontage Rd., Meridian, MS 39301

Clinic Hours
Monday – Friday

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To Schedule an appointment call 601.482.4955

For more information: https://www.ochsnerrush.org/clinics/ec-healthnet-family-health-center/

Our Program

A Message from Our Director

It has been said that family medicine is the center of primary care. While other specialties may focus on a specific organ or disease, family physicians are specialists trained to provide comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages – from cradle to grave. Research has shown that access to a regular primary care physician has been associated with lower infant mortality; higher birth weights; above national average immunization rates; lower overall health care costs; and longer, healthier lives.

The mission of the EC-HealthNet Family Medicine Residency Program is to improve health access and health status for rural, minority, and underserved persons living in Mississippi by providing residents with comprehensive medical training.

Our residency program is located in Mississippi’s Queen City. Meridian is a vibrant city that boasts a rich history in arts and entertainment. It is also the county seat of Lauderdale County and the principal city of the Meridian, Mississippi Micropolitan Statistical Area. Meridian is also the proud home of two military facilities – Naval Air Station Meridian and Key Field.

Our residents have the unique opportunity to train in a variety of local healthcare facilities including but not limited to those operated by Ochsner Rush Health System and Baptist Anderson Regional Health System. This allows our residents to participate in clinical rotations in both urban and rural settings while staying close to home.

As a residency program, we strive to help each resident identify their personal career goals, and then we assist them in developing an individualized learning plan that will allow them to capitalize on their strengths and identify areas for growth so that they can successfully achieve their goals. We also seek to maintain a positive workplace environment that supports the needs and overall wellness of our residents. We want our graduates to look back and see our residency program as the place where they gained the skills and knowledge required to launch their careers as happy, successful family physicians.

We welcome you to come visit Meridian to see our community and residency program for yourself.

We are confident you will find that at EC-HealthNet we put the “family” in family medicine.

Sincerely,

Melissa R. Stephens, MD, MS, FAAFP, DABFM

Program Director

Curriculum

  • EC-HealthNet Family Medicine Residency will provide the residents with a comprehensive and well-structured cognitive and clinical education that will enable them to become competent board- certified family medicine physicians, who are able to provide high quality patient care to the community, and to relieve the regional and national physician shortage.

  • EC-HealthNet Family Medicine Residency will offer the residents training opportunities in rural Mississippi communities that will give them not only the knowledge but the confidence to practice rural medicine in small towns with limited access to care.

  • The program will accept applications through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) and participates in the National Matching Program.

  • EC-HealthNet Family Medicine Residency Program offers a structured curriculum with supervision of the resident facilitating ethical, professional and personal development, while ensuring safe and appropriate care for patients. Family Medicine Residents will be exposed to excellent education rotations combining teaching, clinical service, compassionate patient care, and research. Progressive supervision of residents by qualified faculty/preceptors and adherence to proper working conditions and duty hours shall be in compliance with the standards and requirements.

EC-HealthNet Family Medicine Residency offers the following curriculum in each year of residency:

  • EC-HealthNet Family Medicine Residency will provide residents with ethical, professional, and educational backgrounds in which the curricular requirements, as well as the relevant requirements for the residents’ work environment, scholarly activities, and competencies can be achieved.

  • EC-HealthNet Family Medicine Residency is committed to keep the right balance between education and service, as evidenced by work hour schedules inclusive of academic and research opportunities and attendance at clinical training and educational activities.

  • EC-HealthNet Family Medicine Residency is committed to our residents with an effective curriculum that includes seminars, teaching lectures by the faculty and visiting lecturers, continuous case conferences, journal clubs, and individual supervision. The program offers a difficult air-way course (RCAM a practical guide to managing airways in the rural setting) that is followed up with a cadaver lab where residents practice skills with hands on training from local physicians and Sam Marshall (author of the curriculum). The program also offers an Electrocardiography Course for family physicians (The Essentials) taught by Dr Tom Milhorn (author of the curriculum).

 

 

Program Benefits


Salary Package

PGY1        $50,000 salary plus over $10,000 employer paid benefits for a total package of $60,000

PGY2        $51,000 salary plus over $10,000 employer paid benefits for a total package of $61,000

PGY3        $52,000 salary plus over $10,000 employer paid benefits for a total package of $62,000



In addition to salary, EC-HealthNet provides

*Health Insurance

*Dental Insurance

*Vision Insurance

*Life Insurance

*Medical Mal-Practice

*Individual Medical Insurance

*State License Fees

*DEA Fees

*Membership Dues

*Educational Stipend

*Conference Registration Fees (PGY3)

*Required Course Fees

*Benefit amounts vary by PGY year as well as age for insurance, license, DEA and conference fee

Residents will also have the option to purchase benefits including:

Long-term disability

Short-term disability

Cancer Policy

Residents/Faculty

What is a Resident?

The physicians in our program have all finished medical (allopathic or osteopathic) school and are all licensed physicians. This program provides these physicians with three additional years of training to reinforce their specialty and subspecialty education and allows them to become board-certified physicians through the American Board of Family Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board for Family Physicians.  The residents are supervised and have access to many faculty/preceptors in each specialty of medicine.

Meet Our Residents

PGY 1

Smriti Lamsal Lamichhane

Kathmandu University School of Medicine

 

                       Brandon Coats                            Ross University School of Medicine

Crystal Nikole Ibetoh
Windsor University School of Medicine

Stacey Rhodes, MD
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science

Syeda Mariam Shahid, MD
Dow Medical College

Diego Dos Santos Wolff
Universidad Adventista del Plata Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud

Meet Our Residents

PGY 2

Michael Beard, MD
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts

Raymond Beiner, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Shelby White
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Andrew Rinek, MD
Poznan University of Medical Sciences Center for Medical Education

Andre Ruela, MD
Faculdade de Medicina da Campos, Brazil

Hoifung Kelvin Wong, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

PGY 3

Steven Burkett, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Charlotte Haley, MD
University of Limerick Medical School

Joe Deylamipour, MD
Medical University of the Americas – Nevis

Joel Jules, DO PhD
Edward College of Osteopathic Medicine via Auburn Campus

Caleb Mason, DO
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Diana Wilmoth, MD
University of Medicine and Health Sciences St. Kitts

Meet Our Staff

                       Dr. Melissa Stephens                        Program Director

                      Dr. James Lee Valentine                        Associate Program Director

 

Dr. Allison Doyle

Dr. Tom Millhorn

Dr. Jay Johnston

Dr. Robert Berg

Angie Burks
Designated Institutional Official

Trisha Richter
Program Coordinator

Norma McGowan
GME Administrative Assistant

Alumni

 

2023

Tiffany Chapman, DO
Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn
 

Jisun Kang, DO
Lincoln Memorial University- Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Susie Mao, DO
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jose Menendez, DO

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Urooj Shahid, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Bailey Strope, MD
University of Alabama School of Medicine

 

2022

William Brown, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jennifer Geiger-Brown, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Elena Louie, DO
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Zeke Nichols, MD
University of Alabama School of Medicine

Minh Pham, MD
University of Mississippi Medical Center

2021

Claire Harper, MD
Trinity School of Medicine

Andalib Danandeh, MD
University of Mississippi Medical Center

Dennis Matthews, MD
American University of Antigua College of Osteopathic
Medicine

Ronni Naramore, DO
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Daniel Khakshooy, MD
Ross University School of Medicine

Brody Leblanc, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic
Medicine

Jason Brown, MD
American University of Antigua

 

 

2020

Leslie Rutkowski, DO
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Danielle Parker, MD
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jennifer Ashley, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Robin Conley, DO
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lindsey McCormick, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
 

 

2019

Samantha Mosby, DO
University of Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Patrick Barber, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jenisus Owens, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Matthew Ward, DO
University of Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Taylor Eisenmenger, DO
University of Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Moumita Biswas, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

2018

John Thames, DO
University of Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Gabriel Madu, DO
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine

Matthew Roberts, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hunter Harrison, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Matthew Capalbo, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Christopher Moore, DO
Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine

2017

Jason Farrar, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jonathan Fuller, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Owen Ulmer, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Angela Bevill, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

How many months of Inpatient Service for Interns?

4 full months of adult inpatient care and 2 weeks of pediatric inpatient care.

Do residents follow Nursing Home patients?

Yes, the residents are assigned patients at a local nursing facility and residents are required to follow them monthly or as needed at their own schedule.

What type of Community Outreach is available at EC-HealthNet?

The residents participate in many local community events both healthcare and community related.  The residents conduct monthly educational programs with the local free clinic as “A Healthy You”, sports physicals with all local schools, health awareness campaigns, homeless coalition, food pantry, local church organizations and health fairs. There are many volunteer opportunities with the local boy scouts, sheriff department, trauma region and the State Health Department campaigns.

What is Systems Management?

The week prior to and the week of Christmas, all residents attend daily lectures that cover such topics as resident wellness- mental and physical, billing and coding, financing homes, student loan re-payment, practice options, contract negotiations, banking and finance for physicians, financial planning, lectures from EC-HealthNet Alumni- “Life After Residency”, skills labs- suturing, casting, OMT, ultrasound

What is the Didactic Schedule?

Didactics is on Friday morning 8:00 – 12:00 and includes physician lectures, journal club, case presentation, board review study questions, grand rounds monthly. There are skills labs included in the didactic schedule throughout the year.

What is the area like and is there to do outside of residency?

Meridian has a small town feel with all the amenities you would expect in a larger town.

Meridian is centrally located with an airport and easy access (2-4 hours) from the beach- Gulf Shores AL, Biloxi MS, New Orleans LA, Birmingham AL.

Residents enjoy attending entertainment at the Riley Center, the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience, the Meridian Symphony, the Meridian Little Theatre and there are many outdoor activities such as Bonita Lakes- Please visit www.visitmeridian.com

What benefits beyond the salary package are included?

The base salary is just that- many benefits are reimbursed to the resident instead of included in the salary.  The program reimburses the resident for medical license, DEA registration, Board Exams, Study Materials- per year, lab coats, conference registration-travel-lodging (upon approval).

How Much Family/Personal time do residents get?

21 days total… The program allows sick days and FMLA according to ACGME regulations.  EC-HealthNet is a family friendly environment.

Where do most residents live?

Meridian and surrounding area.  Most of the residents choose to live in Meridian or Lauderdale County. There are many housing options from apartments, duplex housing, rental houses and some residents have chosen to purchase a home.  We have contacts with local realtors and bankers to help residents in the housing market.  There are many housing options in the surrounding counties also- Newton, Philadelphia, Dekalb, Enterprise, Quitman and West Lauderdale.

What are the benefits of being an “unopposed hospital?”

There are no other residency programs in the region, so the residents have one-to-one learning opportunities with preceptors.  The program hosts medical students on 3rd and 4th year medical school rotations and there are nursing programs at the local colleges so other learners are present within the health systems. The residents get hands on training and medial knowledge which enhances the education experience on rotations.

What Moon-Lighting opportunities are available?

EC-HealthNet residents are encouraged to moon-light and have several options available for this experience.  The residents volunteer at The Free Clinic of Meridian which serves a niche patient population in the region.  The residents are allowed to work in urgent care clinics and emergency departments of local hospitals and critical access hospitals in the region.  The residents are signed off in their PGY-2 and PGY-3 year to work according to knowledge and experience and upon license and DEA registration.

How are faculty-resident interactions?

EC-HealthNet faculty and residents work together in many areas of the program, from rules and regulations, to protocols, mock codes and research.  EC-HealthNet began as an AOA accredited program but has since completed accreditation through ACGME.  This new accreditation has brought about many changes and resident input has been valuable as they have a better understanding of the rotations and what improvements will enhance the educational experience.

What do residents do for fun?

The residents gather on occasion for cookouts and art projects. Meridian has several athletic organizations, Young Professionals of Meridian, The Meridian Theatre, The Riley Center, The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center, Bonita Lakes.  There are many opportunities for concerts, art and dining experiences.  EC-HealthNet sponsors a Christmas Party and Crawfish Boil each year for residents and their families.

Criteria for Applications through MATCH

EC-HealthNet does not sponsor visa.

Applications are only accepted through ERAS.

Applicants must have a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation.

Applicants must have graduated medical school within the last 3 years.

FMG applicants must have completed at least 50% of their medical school rotations in the US.

FMG applicants must have passed Step 1, 2 and CE Exams. (no more than 6 combined attempts)

FMG applicants must be ECFMG certified. 

EC-HealthNet Rural Maternal Health Fellowship

The EC-HealthNet Family Medicine Residency Program in partnership with South Sunflower County Hospital and Wayne General Hospital are excited to announce the launch of Mississippi’s first Rural Maternal Health Fellowship in 2024. The fellowship hopes to recruit 2-3 fellows per year; all of the fellows will have completed a 3-year family medicine residency program prior to starting the fellowship. 

Fellows will complete a comprehensive, 12-month maternal health training program in a rural setting to prepare them to provide prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care to women in underserved areas while maintaining all of the proficiencies required to practice the full-scope of family medicine. 

Fellows will also gain valuable experience in the management of obstetrical emergencies including certification in Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). Special training in surgical obstetrics and ultrasound will also be important components of the fellowship. 

To qualify for the EC-HealthNet Rural Maternal Health Fellowship, you must: 

  • Hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree
  • Have completed a 3-year family medicine residency program accredited by the ACGME or AOA
  • Hold or be eligible for a Mississippi medical license
  • Hold or be eligible for family medicine board certification
  • Have a valid Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Registration Number that allows you to write prescriptions

Return the completed application with the following documents: 

  • Board certificate, if applicable
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • USMLE or COMLEX Scores
  • In-Training Exam Scores 
  • OB and GYN procedure logs
  • Personal statement describing your interest  in the program and future career goals
  • Residency certificate, if complete 
  • Medical License
  • Two letters of support, including one from your current Program Director and one from an OB-GYN physician who has direct knowledge of your clinical OB skills

Three (3) positions open every year, with preference given to recent family medicine residency graduates. 

Please note that EC-HealthNet does not sponsor visas for this fellowship.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

Contact Us

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Program
[email protected]

Chief Resident
[email protected]

How To Apply

Only electronic applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) are reviewed for interview invitations.

All PGY-1 positions are selected through the

National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)

The East Central Mississippi Health Network, Inc

NRMP number is 1202700560.

No visa sponsorships available

Address
905c South Frontage Rd.
Meridian, MS 39301

Phone
+1 (601) 484-2793