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
- Create an exceptional learning environment through an unwavering commitment to achieving academic and clinical excellence in all facets of the residency program;
- Maintain a faculty composed of clinically active, experienced physicians and other interprofessional healthcare providers that together strive to provide learning experiences centered on patient care and evidence-based medicine;
- Utilize teaching methods that emphasize patient-centered care, evidence-based medicine, practice-based learning, effective communication skills, and professionalism;
- Demonstrate a high level of community service in and around our service area; and
- Produce graduates that deliver accessible, compassionate, high-quality patient care while being good stewards of available healthcare resource.
EC-HealthNet Family Medicine Residency offers the following curriculum in each year of residency:
- Health Systems Management = Holiday Intercession (December 25 – January 4)
- Medicine Selective: Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Neurology
- Surgery Selective: ENT, Urology, Vascular Surgery
- Track Options: Women’s Health (OB), Rural Health, Sports Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Ambulatory Medicine
- Other: Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) certification program, Lifestyle Medicine certification program
The Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum (LMRC) is a comprehensive, applicable, and flexible virtual curriculum that prepares residents to make evidence based, lifestyle behavior interventions. Upon completion of the education and practicum components, residents qualify to sit for the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine (ABLM) certification exam.
A collaborative initiative of Loma Linda University Health and American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
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 Malpractice
*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
Onaola Adedeji, MD
Caribbean Medical University of Medicine
Ravi Lamichhane, MD
Nepal Medical College
Peter Nwankwo, MD
St. George’s University School of Medicine
Dennis Sanders, MD
University of Mississippi School of Medicine
Caleb Schedule, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Shanique Scott, MD
St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine
Meet Our Residents
PGY 2
Smriti Lamsal Lamichhane, MD
Kathmandu University School of Medicine
Brandon Coats, MD
Ross University School of Medicine
Crystal Nikole Ibetoh, MD
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, MD
Universidad Adventista del Plata Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud
Meet Our Residents
PGY 3
Michael Beard, MD
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Raymond Beiner, DO
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Shelby White, MD
Windsor University School of 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
Meet Our Staff
Melissa Stephens, MD, MS, FAAFP, DABFM
Program Director
Tonya Creech, DO
Associate Program Director
Allison Doyle, DO
J. Lee Valentine, DO
Jay Johnston, MD
Robert Berg, MD
Angie Burks
Designated Institutional Official
Deena Carpenter
Program Coordinator
Norma McGowan
GME Administrative Assistant
Alumni
2024
William Carey University 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
2023
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
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?
3 full months of adult inpatient care.
Do residents follow Nursing Home patients?
Yes, PGY-2 and PGY-3 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 service related. The residents spend time serving at the local free health clinic, volunteering to assist with sports physicals with local schools, participating in health awareness campaigns and other initiatives such as the homeless coalition, food pantry, local church organizations and health fairs. Many other volunteer opportunities are available with the local boy scouts, sheriff department, trauma region, and the Mississippi State Health Department campaigns.
What is Health Systems Management?
During the holiday intercession (December 25 – January 4), residents are given the opportunity to participate in a series of special educational and wellness activities.
What is the Didactic Schedule?
Didactics is on Friday morning 8:00 – 12:00 and includes journal club, board review study questions, lifestyle medicine lectures, primary care lectures, specialty lectures, practice management lectures, morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences, and grand rounds. There are simulation and skills labs included in the didactic schedule throughout the year. Special events such as a difficult airway course, cadaver lab, and a course on the management of obstetrical emergencies are also provided.
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?
Residents receive 21 days of paid time off each year. Additional time is provided for educational leave and holidays. The program allows 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