Enjoying the Friday night Tailgate Reception were Melissa and Dr. Allen Martin, Dr. Dustin and Dawn Gentry, and Dr. Luke and Louise Lampton.

Former Presidents At Fall Conference

There are always former presidents at MAFP events, but having 14 at one event is a big deal! MAFP Fall Conference had 14 former presidents in attendance. We had them wear their distinguished green jackets for this photo. They included, back row: Drs. Word Johnston, Sue Simmons, Bill Jackson, Susan Chiarito, Steven Brandon, James Griffin, John Mithell, Ed HIll, Jennifer Gholson and Randy Easterling. Seated: Drs. Joe Johnston, Ben Kitchens, and Carlos Latorre. Not pictured is Dr. Luke Lampton.

State Senator Boyd Attends Conference

State Senator Nicole Akins Boyd of Oxford (far right) attended the MAFP Board of Directors meeting in Oxford on Oct. 28 and stayed for our tailgate reception to meet and greet members. She is pictured with Beth and Dr. Stephen Hammack of Madison, and Nalini and Dr. Carlos Latorre of Vicksburg.

Roundtable Discussions on Hot Topics

Roundtable discussions were a featured hourlong event during this year's Fall Conference allowing physicians to share ideas and learn from each other. Each physician rotated to the different tables featuring topics of interest including: Women in Medicine (left), Financial Pearls (right), Giving Back: Precepting the Next Generation, Coding Tips and Tricks, and Direct Primary Care.

Ervin Named to OMPW Board of Directors

Crystal Springs family physician James W. Ervin, MD, FAAFP has been appointed by the MAFP Board of Directors as its representative on the Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce (OMPW) Advisory Board, which has as its mission to reduce the shortage of primary care doctors in the state. The 21-member board is comprised of representatives from 15 organizations spelled out in statute.

Dr. Ervin has been a MAFP member since 1989 and has served on the Board of Directors for two terms representing District 3, a position he currently holds.

Other MAFP members serving on the board include Jennifer Gholson, MD, of Summit; Thomas Joiner, MD, of Brandon; Luke Lampton, MD, FAAFP, of Magnolia; Shannon Pittman, MD, of Jackson; and Melissa Stephens, MD, FAAFP, of Hattiesburg.

Tribute Video to Dr. Katie Patterson Shown at Fall Conference - See Below

MAFP Staff at the Fall Conference including Kristen Kern, Beth Embry and DeAnna Dillard.

Goodbye to MAFP Staffer Kristen Kern

After 5 1/2 years at the Academy, Public Awareness Director Kristen Kern's last day was October 31. Her duties included management of the Web site, Journal, member directory, and social media, plus the design of logos and promotional pieces. She also handled on-site duties regarding event speakers and helped plan and execute events.

"I have truly enjoyed serving the family physicians of Mississippi," Kern said, "and I want to thank Beth Embry for giving me the opportunity to work at MAFP. Beth has been a role model for me since I met her in 1997 and I continue to learn so much from her about how to lead others, how to foster community in an organization, and how to have fun! I will miss seeing all of you and I wish you the best."

Beth Embry, Executive Director, shared, "Kristen and I have worked together now for two associations and I have enjoyed our time together. She has always been supportive of changes, or any theme or new ideas I like to try. She makes it happen and makes it look easy. She did an incredible job of representing MAFP over the past 5 years, helping us achieve many strategic goals. She used her creativity and skills to communicate our passion for family medicine. She will be missed, and will always be a friend to the MAFP."