MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Thomas, Clarke, Coleman (65th), Johnson, Hines, Burnett, Harrison, Huddleston (30th), Middleton, Straughter
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MISSISSIPPI NATIVE SON, DR. LESLIE RAY MATTHEWS, FOR ADVANCEMENTS MADE IN VITAMIN D RESEARCH AND TREATMENTS.
WHEREAS, from laughing stock amongst his circle of medical colleagues to renowned expert and highly revered research authoritarian, Dr. Leslie Ray Matthews, an accomplished mainstream trauma surgeon, would have the last laugh after making waves with his presentation and innovation health idea promoting the increased health benefits and incredible healing power of Vitamin D; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Matthews, an assistant professor of surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine and the Surgical Critical Care Director at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, won over those same surgeons who were skeptical of his cutting-edge thinking; and
WHEREAS, for those pundits who were skeptical about the research and what prompted Dr. Matthews' interest in Vitamin D research, the answer is rather simple when taken from a surgeon whose goal is to treat the patient in a holistic care approach, as his interests in wound infections and removing patients from ventilators are paramount in his provision of care to increase the healing rate and decreasing the incidence of pneumonia; and
WHEREAS, having dreamt of becoming a physician since the age of four, Dr. Matthews, whose desires to be a better healthcare provider led to his renowned work with Vitamin D, as well as his collaborative work with a team of Morehouse doctors to publish a landmark paper in the American Journal of Surgery examining the benefits of wonder vitamins use in critically ill patients, such as decreased length of hospital stays, decreased hospital costs and decreased mortality rates, and pioneering a medical therapy combination of Vitamin D, omega 3-fatty acids, glutamine, and progesterone to treat patients with concussions and traumatic brain injuries; and
WHEREAS, now in the process of writing a manuscript on Vitamin D's use in reducing the incidence of congestive heart failure, Dr. Matthews opines that "Vitamin D is an inexpensive way to increase cardiac contractility because it increases calcium absorption," which makes the heart beat better; and
WHEREAS, having met with lots of government officials who have yet to ascertain the beneficial capabilities of Vitamin D, Dr. Matthews has taken the initiative to launch a campaign to educate officials on the science and importance of the vitamin; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Matthews presided over a parent-led Vitamin D supplementation protocol at Martin Luther King, Jr., High School in Lithonia, Georgia, where his nephew was a former student athlete, and was able to convince the school to begin a nutrition program in 2011 that included a daily dose of Vitamin D, which contributed to the football team posting a two-year season record of 23-2 in a competitive 5A conference, only one concussion and almost a 100% reduction in sports injuries; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine since February 2007, Dr. Matthews received his medical degree in May 1989 from the University of Mississippi before completing his surgical residency training at Morehouse School of Medicine in 1997; and
WHEREAS, with prior residency training from Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Western Care Reserve System in Youngstown, Ohio, and the District of Columbia General Hospital in Washington, D.C., Dr. Matthews completed a two-year surgical critical care fellowship at the Mayo Clinical College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, in June 2004, before serving as a Senior Associate Consultant at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from 2004-2006; and
WHEREAS, a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery holding certifications in both general surgery and surgical critical care, Dr. Matthews research and application of his knowledge is aiding patients and the entire medical profession in achieving optimal health, athletic performance and cognitive performance by informing them of the increased health benefits on efficient levels of Vitamin D in the human body; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the success of its native sons, such as Dr. Leslie Ray Matthews, whose perseverance and professionalism, even in the midst of criticism, has pioneered a breakthrough in the medical profession, which bestow great honor and pride on him, his family and this great State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the accomplishments of Mississippi native son, Dr. Leslie Ray Matthews, congratulating him for advancements made in Vitamin D research and treatments and extending best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Leslie Ray Matthews and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.