Mississippi State Medical Association
Welcome to the podcast of the Mississippi State Medical Association. It 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

May 12, 2026
May 12, 2026
26 min
This episode explores the Healthcare without Hurdles initiative, led by the Mississippi State Medical Association Foundation, and how structured Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening is enhancing clinical insights across Mississippi communities. Drawing on insights from a provider partner clinic, the conversation reflects on how surfacing needs has prompted intentional conversations about care and practice-level reflection. The episode shares how integrating the screening tool into clinic workflows and distributing region-specific resource libraries have supported care coordination and further positioned community clinics as leaders in addressing barriers that extend beyond the visit.

Apr 30, 2026
Apr 30, 2026
35 min
In this episode, MSMA Board of Trustees member Dr. M. Craig Moffett sits down with Fernando Valencia and Dr. Brian Hart of Callagy Recovery — MSMA’s newest strategic partner — for a clear, practical breakdown of the No Surprises Act and the arbitration process physicians now face.
The conversation covers:
What the No Surprises Act requires
How Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) arbitration works
Why many practices struggle with denials and underpayments
How Callagy Recovery supports physicians at zero financial risk
Steps practices can take to strengthen their cases and recover revenue
Dr. Moffett brings the on-the-ground perspective of a rural family physician who understands how delayed or reduced reimbursement affects access, stability, and community health.Fernando and Dr. Hart share how Callagy Recovery partners with medical associations nationwide to protect practices, restore fairness, and help physicians recover the payments they’re owed.
This episode offers essential insight for any practice navigating the post-NSA reimbursement landscape.For information on how you can work with Callagy Recovery, please email Natalie Hutto at nhutto@msmaonline.com.

Apr 27, 2026
Apr 27, 2026
25 min
In this episode 3 and episode 4, MSMA Board of Trustees member Dr. M. Craig Moffett sits down with Dr. Sharon Pennington, pediatric hematologist-oncologist and seasoned private practice owner, and Dr. Brian Hart of Callagy Recovery to unpack the real-world impact of the No Surprises Act on physician practices.
The conversation explores how the law affects revenue cycle operations, insurer payment methodologies, and the shifting dynamics between providers and payers especially when initial payments fall short of fair reimbursement. Together, they discuss the risks of inaction, the operational realities of pursuing IDR, and the systems practices are using to protect revenue. The episode wraps with common misconceptions about the NSA and practical, strategic advice for administrators navigating this complex regulatory landscape.

Apr 27, 2026
Apr 27, 2026
26 min
In this episode 3 and episode 4, MSMA Board of Trustees member Dr. M. Craig Moffett sits down with Dr. Sharon Pennington, pediatric hematologist-oncologist and seasoned private practice owner, and Dr. Brian Hart of Callagy Recovery to unpack the real-world impact of the No Surprises Act on physician practices.
The conversation explores how the law affects revenue cycle operations, insurer payment methodologies, and the shifting dynamics between providers and payers especially when initial payments fall short of fair reimbursement. Together, they discuss the risks of inaction, the operational realities of pursuing IDR, and the systems practices are using to protect revenue. The episode wraps with common misconceptions about the NSA and practical, strategic advice for administrators navigating this complex regulatory landscape.

Apr 27, 2026
Apr 27, 2026
28 min
In this episode, MSMA Board of Trustees member Dr. M. Craig Moffett sits down with Dr. Tyler Stout, Anesthesiologist, and Dr. Brian Hart of Callagy Recovery — strategic partner of MSMA — for a clear, practical breakdown of the No Surprises Act and the arbitration process physicians now face.For information on how you can work with Callagy Recovery, please email Natalie Hutto at nhutto@msmaonline.com.

Dec 3, 2025
Dec 3, 2025
13 min
In Part 2 of our special series on Increasing Healthcare Access for Agricultural and Rural Families, we sit down with Dr. David Buys to explore how physicians in Mississippi can take advantage of available CME credit opportunities offered through this important grant program. These resources are designed to support physicians in addressing the unique health challenges faced by agricultural and rural communities across our state.
Hosted by Dr. Paul Byers, this episode continues a multi-part discussion focused on education, resources, and strategies to better serve rural families and improve health outcomes.
Tune in and learn how you can earn CME while making a lasting difference in Mississippi’s rural healthcare landscape.

Aug 28, 2025
Aug 28, 2025
11 min
In this episode of the Physicians’ Lounge, Commissioner Andy Gipson, Mississippi’s Commissioner of Agriculture, shared his vision for “making Mississippi healthy again.” He discussed the urgent challenges of food availability and food deserts across the state and how agricultural partnerships can play a role in improving health outcomes for rural families.
Thanks to a grant partnership with MSU Extension - Agriculture & Rural Health, MSMA physicians can access free CME credits by engaging with this important conversation. For details on how to claim credit, visit the MSMA Facebook page.

Aug 27, 2025
Aug 27, 2025
13 min
In Part 1 of our special series on Increasing Healthcare Access for Agricultural and Rural Families, we sit down with Melvin Smith to explore how physicians in Mississippi can take advantage of available CME credit opportunities offered through this important grant program. These resources are designed to support physicians in addressing the unique health challenges faced by agricultural and rural communities across our state.
Hosted by Dr. Paul Byers, this episode kicks off a multi-part discussion focused on education, resources, and strategies to better serve rural families and improve health outcomes.
Tune in and learn how you can earn CME while making a lasting difference in Mississippi’s rural healthcare landscape.

Mar 27, 2025
Mar 27, 2025
26 min
This episode focuses on the diagnosis and management of HIV.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 Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.Dr. Brock is the Medical Director of the Adult Special Care Clinic and Associate Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Division of Infectious Disease.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/QTMHGRC 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.

Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
18 min
This episode focuses on understanding the Ryan White HIV program.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 Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.Dr. Brock is the Medical Director of the Adult Special Care Clinic and Associate Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Division of Infectious Disease.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/Y5DQ9RR 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.



