Message from the Chief Residents

We are so glad you're taking the time to learn more about our residency program. As two native Mississippians and two Mississippians by choice, serving the people of this state and completing our residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center has been a joy and honor. None of us could have fully anticipated how deeply this experience would shape us, both personally and professionally, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share a few reflections as you consider where the next stage of your training might take you.

Mississippi is overflowing with stories of hardship, courage, resilience and triumph told by people from all walks of life with the utmost grace and gratitude. Our patients present with complex pathophysiology and a unique perspective. They are excellent teachers of lessons in life and medicine, often challenging our own worldviews and necessitating innovative problem solving. Because of this, our trainees leave with a strong foundation of medical knowledge led by curiosity, humility, and empathy for the human condition.

This shared experience, paired with the University of Mississippi Medical Center being the sole academic center for the state, has exposed us to a wide variety of diagnoses – from the common to the once-in-a-lifetime – that have more than prepared us for practice in any part of the country. Our residents have exposure to all facets of internal medicine through inpatient and outpatient clinical practice led by both general internal medicine and subspecialty faculty right here at the U. Our faculty are outstanding role models of excellent patient care. They are deeply committed to education and mentorship, ensuring our residents are well positioned to achieve their goals. Our graduates have successful matches into competitive fellowships of all medicine subspecialties and have accomplished careers in both primary care and hospital medicine. 

Mississippi is known as the hospitality state and, as residents at the U, we are fortunate to be everyday beneficiaries of this selfless and genuine spirit in our patients and staff. Our residency has adopted this mindset and cultivated an environment committed to the pursuit of excellence in patient care, education, and research. We support one another through this tough, yet wonderful, period of personal and professional development. We invite you to visit with us and see for yourself if the University of Mississippi Medical Center is the right fit for you. We are thrilled at the prospect of you joining us in caring for our friends and neighbors!

– Jason, Cara, Melanie and Niall

Chief Residents

Melanie B. Baker, MD
Undergrad School: Mississippi State University
Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Cara F. Heath, MD
Undergrad School: University of Alabama
Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Niall A. Mehaffey, MD
Undergrad School: Mississippi State University
Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Jason A. Thomas, MD
Undergrad School: The University of Georgia
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University