Dear JMSMA Editor:
I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations—and my sincere thanks—to the Mississippi State Medical Association for electing Dr. Sarah Katherine Pannel as the President of MSMA. This historic milestone is not a coincidence. It is a recognition of the qualities and characteristics of leadership, service, and advocacy that Dr. Pannel has consistently embodied throughout her career as a physician and champion for Mississippi’s health. Her election represents a moment of genuine transformation not only for the MSMA, but also for the physician workforce across our state.
Dr. Pannel’s presidency is also a reflection of the clarion call within our healthcare system: Mississippi’s most pressing challenges require strong, community-centered, primary care solutions. For decades, our state has struggled with a lack of access in rural areas, shortages in the primary care workforce, and a growing burden of chronic diseases—all of which disproportionately affect underserved communities. Addressing these challenges demands physicians who understand the unique cultural, geographic, and economic landscapes of Mississippi. It demands physicians who can lead with compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to service.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are trained precisely for this mission. The osteopathic curriculum emphasizes whole-person care, preventive medicine, and hands-on training that encourages physicians to treat not just symptoms, but the underlying causes of illness—including social determinants of health that affect so many Mississippians. DOs are taught from day one to see patients in context: their families, their communities, their environments, and the barriers that stand in the way of wellness. This philosophy aligns directly with the needs of our rural and underserved regions, where comprehensive and relationship-centered care is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
At William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, nearly 80% of our graduates enter primary care fields, and the majority remain in Mississippi or the Gulf South region to practice. Many of these graduates go on to serve in communities that have long been designated as health professional shortage areas. DOs are uniquely positioned to thrive in rural settings because their training equips them to work collaboratively, think holistically, and build long-term trust with their patients. These qualities are especially critical in areas where access to specialists is limited, distances are long, and the physician may serve as not only a caregiver, but also an advocate, leader, and anchor for the community.
National trends reinforce this trajectory. DOs represent the largest percentage of growth among U.S. physicians, and today 1 in 4 physicians in America is a DO. Our profession plays a major role in expanding access to primary care and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in medically underserved areas. Even the current White House physician is a DO— further evidence of the rising prominence and respect earned by osteopathic physicians across the country.
This growth reflects a greater understanding that compassionate, community-focused medicine is needed now more than ever. In Mississippi— which ranks among the nation’s lowest for physician-to-patient ratios and highest for chronic disease burden— the role of DOs is especially significant. Whether practicing family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, or other fields, DOs bring a philosophy of care that aligns with Mississippi’s most urgent priorities: expanding access, improving preventive care, and strengthening the health of entire communities.
When I arrived in Mississippi 13 years ago, I was frequently asked, “What is a DO?” The question came from patients, community leaders, and sometimes even other healthcare professionals. Today, I can answer proudly and unequivocally: a DO is the President of the Mississippi State Medical Association. That statement captures how far our profession has come—and how deeply it has become woven into the fabric of Mississippi healthcare.
We at WCUCOM celebrate Dr. Pannel, her leadership, and the bright example she sets for our learners, our state, and the osteopathic profession. Her presidency marks a meaningful step forward— one grounded in empathy, service, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Mississippians. We look forward to the continued impact she will make as she leads with the same spirit of compassion and courage that defines the osteopathic profession.
Sincerely,
Italo Subbarao, DO, MBA
Dean, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine