The Physicians’ Lounge
Welcome to The Physicians’ Lounge - a podcast of the Mississippi State Medical Association. The Physicians’ Lounge was created to provide ease of access to information and resources on current topics affecting healthcare. For over 150 years, the Mississippi State Medical Association has served the state’s physicians as a trusted health policy leader and professional development resource. We advocate for our members and their patients at the state and federal levels, provide information on healthcare legislation and regulatory changes, offer professional development and continuing medical education opportunities, and promote campaigns for public health.
Episodes

Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
This episode provides information on HIV in the state of Mississippi and current treatment options.Joining us today are Dr. Paul Byers, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, and Dr. Ben Brock.Dr. Byers is the former State Epidemiologist with the Mississippi State Department of Health and currently working at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Preventive Medicine in the School of Population Health.Dr. Dobbs is the former State Health Officer and the Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.Dr. Brock is an Associate Professor of Medicine in Infectious Diseases at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.Accreditation Statement:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council or Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Mississippi State Medical Association and The Mississippi State Department of Health. The Mississippi State Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council or Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The MSMA designates this enduring activity for a maximum of .5. AMA PRA Category 1 Credit (s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.Objectives:
Understand the epidemiology of HIV in Mississippi
Identify the current statistics and trends to HIV prevalence and incidence in Mississippi.
Describe the antiretroviral therapy options available for people living with HIV in Mississippi.
Examine the role of healthcare providers and specialized clinics in offering HIV treatment and care.
Analyze the barriers to accessing HIV care in Mississippi
Identify state-run programs aimed at improving HIV care, prevention and education in Mississippi.
To claim your CME credit, please visit this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C5CNMD2 to complete the evaluation. If you have any questions, please contact Jenny White at JWhite@msmaonline.com.
Produced by Kathleen Seeberg, MSMA Director of Communications & Media.

Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Exploring the medical history of Mississippi can offer valuable insights into the development of healthcare systems, medical practices, and public health initiatives in the state. Examining trends in disease prevalence, healthcare infrastructure, advancements in medical technology, and efforts to address public health challenges provides a comprehensive understanding of Mississippi's healthcare landscape. Additionally, studying historical events such as epidemics, healthcare reforms, and social determinants of health can inform current healthcare policies and practices aimed at improving health outcomes for Mississippians.
This episode provides insight into the medical history of the state of Mississippi.
Joining us today are Dr. Paul Byers, Dr. Daniel Edney, and Dr. Michael Trotter.
Dr. Byers is the former State Epidemiologist with the Mississippi State Department of Health and currently working at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Preventive Medicine in the School of Population Health.
Dr. Edney is the Mississippi State Health Officer with the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Dr. Trotter is a thoracic surgeon from Greenville, Mississippi and a member of the MSMA Medical History Group.

Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
Exploring women’s health risks in Mississippi sheds light on various factors affecting women’s well-being in the state. Issues such as access to healthcare, prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, reproductive health disparities, and socio-economic factors can significantly impact women’s health outcomes. By understanding these risks, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions to address the specific needs of women in Mississippi and improve overall health equity.
This episode provides an overview of women’s health risks.
Joining us today are Dr. Paul Byers, Dr. Jennifer Bryan, and Dr. Catherine Lowe.
Dr. Byers is the former State Epidemiologist with the Mississippi State Department of Health and currently working at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Preventive Medicine in the School of Population Health.
Dr. Bryan is a family physician with Hattiesburg Clinic Flowood Primary Care and President-Elect for MSMA.
Dr. Lowe is an interventional cardiologist with Jackson Heart Clinic.
Produced by Kathleen Seeberg, MSMA Director of Marketing & Communications.

Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Maternal health is a significant issue, and Mississippi, like many places, may face its own set of challenges in this regard. Access to prenatal care, maternal mortality rates, and disparities in healthcare outcomes are often focal points of discussion when addressing maternal health. Understanding the specific factors at play in Mississippi can help tailor interventions and policies to improve outcomes for mothers and babies in the state.
This episode provides an overview of maternal health in Mississippi.
Joining us today are Dr. Paul Byers and Dr. Jaleen Sims.
Dr. Byers is the former State Epidemiologist with the Mississippi State Department of Health and currently working at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Preventive Medicine in the School of Population Health.
Dr. Sims is a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology with Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center and serves as an Associate Program Director for Wellness, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the University of Mississippi Medical Center OBGYN Residency Program. Dr. Sims is a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Produced by Kathleen Seeberg, MSMA Director of Marketing & Communications.

Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
Mental health awareness, especially in high-stress professions like medicine, is crucial. Female physicians often face unique challenges that can contribute to burnout, such as balancing career and family responsibilities. Bringing attention to these issues can help foster support systems and strategies for self-care within the medical community.
This episode provides an overview of mental health issues and burnout among women, focusing on female physicians.
Joining us today are Dr. Paul Byers, Dr. Katherine Pannel, and Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale.
Dr. Byers is the former State Epidemiologist with the Mississippi State Department of Health and currently working at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Preventive Medicine in the School of Population Health.
Dr. Pannel is a Psychiatrist and medical director for Right Track Medical Group in Oxford, Mississippi. She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Lauderdale is a board-certified internist practicing with Hattiesburg Clinic in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
Produced by Kathleen Seeberg, MSMA Director of Marketing & Communications.

Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 13, 2023
This episode provides an overview of the public health priorities in Mississippi.Joining us are Dr. Paul Byers and Dr. Daniel Edney.Dr. Byers is the former State Epidemiologist with the Mississippi State Department of Health. Dr. Edney is the State Health Officer for the Mississippi State Department of Health. Dr. Edney is well known for his more than 30 years experience in private practice in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine, and as a former President of the Mississippi State Medical Association.This episode will describe and list the public health priorities in Mississippi and provide an understanding of the role of healthcare providers to address public health priorities.The Mississippi State Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.MSMA designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this live activityTo claim the CME credit, please go to the MSMA's website to register for the CME and receive the required evaluation. If you have any questions, please contact Jenny White at JWhite@msmaonline.com.In compliance with the ACCME and MSMA Standards for Commercial Support, today’s speakers have asked me to advise you that they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.Planners of this activity were also asked to disclose relevant financial relationships concerned with the content of this activity and they have nothing to disclose.Produced by Kathleen Seeberg, MSMA Director of Communications & Media.

Friday Jul 07, 2023
Friday Jul 07, 2023
This episode provides an overview of some of the sexually transmitted infections in Mississippi, more specifically Syphilis, and where the state stands with these diseasesJoining us are Dr. Paul Byers and Dr. Thomas Dobbs.Dr. Byers is the former State Epidemiologist with the Mississippi State Department of Health. Dr. Dobbs is the former State Health Officer with the Mississippi State Department of Health and the current Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health with the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Dobbs has a clinical position within the Division of Infectious Disease, working specifically in the fields of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections.The Mississippi State Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.MSMA designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this live activityTo claim the CME credit, please go to the MSMA's website to register for the CME and receive the required evaluation. If you have any questions, please contact Jenny White at JWhite@msmaonline.com.In compliance with the ACCME and MSMA Standards for Commercial Support, today’s speakers have asked me to advise you that they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.Planners of this activity were also asked to disclose relevant financial relationships concerned with the content of this activity and they have nothing to disclose.Produced by Kathleen Seeberg, MSMA Director of Communications & Media.

Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
This episode addresses caring for the person with HIV. We are partnering with the Mississippi State Department of Health's Ryan White Part B: Ending the HIV Epidemic.
Featuring Dr. Paul Byers, State Epidemiologist with the Mississippi State Department of Health, and Dr. Kamir Boodoo, Assistant Professor and Attending Physician with the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
The Mississippi State Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
MSMA designates this live activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this live activity.
To claim your CME credit, please visit this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BYBKK6V to complete the evaluation. If you have any questions, please contact Jenny White at JWhite@msmaonline.com.
Produced by Kathleen Seeberg, MSMA Director of Communications & Media.

Thursday Jun 08, 2023
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
This episode addresses ending the HIV epidemic. We are partnering with the Mississippi State Department of Health's Ryan White Part B: Ending the HIV Epidemic.
Featuring Dr. Paul Byers, State Epidemiologist with the Mississippi State Department of Health, and Dr. Kamir Boodoo, Assistant Professor and Attending Physician with the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
The Mississippi State Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
MSMA designates this live activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this live activity.
To claim your CME credit, please visit this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6WGS77H to complete the evaluation. If you have any questions, please contact Jenny White at JWhite@msmaonline.com.
Produced by Kathleen Seeberg, MSMA Director of Communications & Media.