MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Chaney, Burton, Clarke, Kirby, Hewes, Dearing, Posey, Thames, Dawkins, Williamson, Thomas, Jackson (32nd), Frazier, Michel, Gordon, Simmons, Lee (35th), Wilemon, Pickering, Nunnelee, Tollison, Davis, Browning, Butler, Flowers, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (11th), Jordan, King, Little, Mettetal, Walls, White

Senate Concurrent Resolution 587

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. J. EDWARD HILL, A FAMILY PHYSICIAN FROM TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HIS SELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

     WHEREAS, J. Edward Hill, MD, a Family Physician from Tupelo, Mississippi, was elected three times to the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees, and became its Chair in 2002.  Dr. Hill was elected President-Elect in June 2004, and assumed the Presidency in June 2005; and

     WHEREAS, prior to his election to the Board of Trustees, he served as an AMA Delegate from the Mississippi State Medical Association since 1984 after beginning service as an Alternate Delegate in 1979.  In 1990, he was appointed by the Board of Trustees to the AMA's Council on Legislation and served as its Vice Chair from 1995 to 1996; and

     WHEREAS, in addition to his active participation in the AMA, Dr. Hill has served in a variety of leadership positions in other medical organizations.  He has been Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of the Mississippi State Medical Association, President of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians, an Alternate Delegate and Delegate to the American Academy of Family Physicians, and President of the Southern Medical Association; and

     WHEREAS, born in Omaha, Nebraska, Dr. Hill was educated in the public schools of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and received both his BS and MD Degrees from the University of Mississippi.  He completed his internship while serving four years as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Navy, in addition to serving as a General Medical Officer in a Naval Destroyer Group; and

     WHEREAS, a board-certified Family Physician, Dr. Hill began his professional career in the rural Mississippi Delta town of Hollandale, where he practiced for 27 years.  In addition to full service family practice, Dr. Hill developed and directed a local maternal child health program that resulted in lowering the fetal mortality rate from one of the highest in the United States to below the national average, where it remained.  Due to his wealth of medical practice experience and recognition as a role model for young doctors, Dr. Hill was asked in January 1995 to become the Director of the Family Practice Residency Program at North Mississippi Medical Center, which is the nation's largest rural hospital.  He stepped down from the Directorship in July 2001, remains on the faculty full time and has an active practice; and

     WHEREAS, in addition to his busy professional life, Dr. Hill is also an active participant and leader in community activities.  He has served as President of the Mississippi Affiliate of the American Heart Association, Chair of the Industrial Development Committee for his local Chamber of Commerce, member of the Advisory Board for his county Head Start Program, President of his local school board and a member of the Board of Directors of his church; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Hill and his wife, Jean, are the parents of two daughters and five grandchildren, who also reside in Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this landmark achievement and the humanitarian contributions of this Mississippi physician who has brought honor to his profession, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. J. Edward Hill, a Family Physician from Tupelo, Mississippi, upon his selection as President of the American Medical Association and for his civic and humanitarian contributions, and we extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Legislature in his future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Hill and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.