MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2022 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Jackson (11th), Barnett, Jordan, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Horhn, Butler (36th), Butler (38th), Turner-Ford, Thomas, Frazier, Norwood, Blackmon, Hickman, England, Hill, McCaughn, McDaniel, McLendon, Michel

Senate Concurrent Resolution 568

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY OF DR. JAMES OLIVER, M.D., AS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO GRADUATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.

     WHEREAS, James Oliver, a native son of Mississippi was the first African American to graduate from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine; and

     WHEREAS, a highly respected Physician, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Cardiologist in the Maryland, Virginia and District of Columbia area, Dr. Oliver is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.  After practicing medicine for 40 years, he is currently retired and living in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Oliver's career included the following impressive assignments:  United States Army, Honorable discharge, 1965-1968; Internship, Harvard University Medical Service Boston City Hospital, 1972-1973; Resident/Fellowship, Boston University Medical/Cardiology Service Boston City Hospital, 1973-1976;

Director of Coronary Care Unit Howard University Hospital, 1976-1983; Assistant Professor Howard University School of Medicine; Private practice Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Washington, D.C., 1983-2017; Providence Hospital, Washington, D.C., Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C., Cardiology attending on the teaching service; 1983-2017; Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Providence Hospital, Washington, D.C., 2017; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Oliver's education and credentials:  Mississippi Valley State, Bachelor of Science, Biology, graduated sixth in the class, 1959-1963; University of Dayton, 1963-1965; University of Mississippi, Doctor of Medicine Degree, 1968-1972; Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine; Licensed Physician in Washington, D.C., and State of Maryland.

     WHEREAS, Dr. Oliver's legacy needs to be told.  His medical career has brought honor to his profession, his family, his adopted 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 recognize the legacy of Dr. James Oliver, M.D., as the first African American to graduate from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, and extend to Dr. Oliver and his family our best wishes as he enjoys his retirement.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. James Oliver, forwarded to the Dean of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.