An Interview with 2020-21 MSMA President W. Mark Horne, MD

from Journal MSMA Volume LXI | No. 8 | August 2020

KAREN A. EVERS

Each year the Journal goes behind the scenes to bring you a special inside look at your incoming MSMA president. For brevity and to accommodate more pictures, the questions have been omitted. —Ed.

Family

I was born in Laurel, Mississippi, on March 16, 1962, to Willus and Fay Horne. I have three sisters, one older and two younger. My mom is a retired registered nurse, and my late father owned and operated a garden center/nursery and landscape business. We also grew and sold catfish fingerlings and fish bait (minnows, worms, and crickets). I was raised in the family business until I enrolled at Mississippi College as a junior transfer student. These early experiences (I started waiting on customers and running a cash register at age 6) made it easy for me to meet and greet others and made learning to take a history much more comfortable.

My own family began with the excellent decision to say “I do” to Danita Culbertson. We have been married for 27years. Though it has not always been perfect, when you not only love your spouse but know they are your best friend, and you genuinely respect and trust them, it is easy to stay together. We have been blessed with three wonderful children. Sabine and Kiser are our 21-year-old twins. They just completed their junior year at Ole Miss; both are in the Honors College. Sabine is also in Lott Leadership and is a public policy leadership major. Kiser is a biology premed major. Fletcher is our “surprise” 15-year-old son, who will be a high school sophomore this fall. He attends Laurel Christian School.

**Going to the Disco, family Halloween costumes**

Education

I received an associate of arts degree in biology from Jones County Junior College ( JCJC) in 1982. While at JCJC, I worked as an orderly, then as an EMT on the ambulance service at South Central Regional Medical Center, gaining much-needed experience and exposure to the practice of medicine. I then transferred to Mississippi College, where I graduated in 1984 with a B.S. in Biology. Then it was on to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) where I graduated with my M.D. in 1988.

While at UMMC, I joined the Mississippi Army National Guard and served in a combat support hospital that was based in Jackson at that time. This allowed me to gain an appreciation for military medicine and perform clinical clerkships at Brook Army Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. From there, I completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Unit and Erlanger Medical Center.

While there, I transferred to the Tennessee Army National Guard, where I was the Battalion Surgeon for 1-181 FABN, a heavy artillery battalion based in Chattanooga. This association led to the adventure of being called up for active duty during Desert Shield and subsequently Desert Storm, with deployment to Southwest Asia with my unit to provide artillery support for the invasion of Iraq. The 6-month deployment delayed my residency completion until December 1991, after which I moved to Laurel to begin my practice.

Milestones

The most important milestone would be realizing that I was not good enough or strong enough to succeed on my own. At an early age, this discovery led to my salvation through Christ, who has led and guarded me throughout my life.

Next would be meeting and marrying my wife. Her discipline and determination are truly an inspiration. She has been the most precious of answered prayers. She is the most disciplined and tenacious person I know and has a caring heart to match that tenacity.

Learning early in life never to be afraid of hard work has carried me through many a challenge. I first knew I wanted to be a physician in the 4th grade. My great uncle (Chester Farmer, MD) was a dermatologist, and my mom was a nurse. I just could never get enough of medicine or science.

My greatest heroes have been my parents and grandparents. They demonstrated, not only with words but with deeds, that with a life grounded and instructed by true faith in God and backed by hard, consistent work, all things were possible. They were all humble but steadfast, disciplined yet fun, firm, but caring.

My proudest accomplishments are to have a lasting, loving marriage and to have been blessed to raise three children who are not just fine caring humans but who demonstrate faith in how they conduct themselves.

My best medical school memory is of Dr. Peter Blake. When flummoxed by a difficult clinical or ethical situation, his M2 and M3 students would often ask, “What should we do?” His answer was unfailingly, “Young doctor, do the right thing.” It took many years for me to realize the deep wisdom of his advice. It is incumbent on each of us seeking the title of physician to develop not only a deep body of scientific knowledge but also a moral compass to guide us when facts and answers are sparse, yet decisions must be made.

Career

The greatest challenge when I began practice was to teach myself to be a good clinic doctor. My residency was excellent at preparing me to care for the acutely ill in a hospital setting, but as most programs of that era, training in outpatient settings was scant.

More recently, the increasing intrusion of third parties into the physician–patient relationship has become an intense challenge for those of us dedicated to the special trust this bond represents.

I have been affiliated with South Central Regional Medical Center (SCRMC) since 1980, first as an orderly, then as an EMT on the ambulance service. Since January 1992, I have been a member of the medical staff of SCRMC. Over the years, I have served on most committees and as president of the medical staff.

Currently, I’m the chief medical officer of SCRMC and continue to practice, though now with a focus on diabetes and associated issues.

**Delivering meals to healthcare workers for Fletcher’s Eagle Scout project, Feed the Frontline.**

Organized Medicine

My first introduction to MSMA was by Drs. James ( Jimmy) Waites and Eric Lindstrom. Those of you fortunate enough to have known these men know that resistance was futile.

My MSMA service began with multiple councils, medical education, scientific assembly, finance, etc. Then I was elected to the Board of Trustees. I was a member of the first MSMA Leadership Academy, an amazing experience! Once on the Board, I was elected vice-chairman, then appointed to the vacated post of secretary-treasurer, and now elected as president of MSMA.

During my tenure, we have dealt with many critical events, some of which presented great challenges and threats to MSMA. With the excellent leadership provided by our full-time staff and an amazing group of leaders on the Board of Trustees we were able to overcome these challenges, and MSMA is now stronger and better able to represent its members.

I love the camaraderie of MSMA and the focus on being the primary source of leadership and care for the health care needs of Mississippians.

Community Service

I am a member of First Baptist Church of Laurel, where I have served multiple terms as a deacon and as chairman of the deacon body. I serve as the house physician and medical advisor for Mission at the Cross, a faith-based ministry to addicted men. I’m also a long-term member of the Laurel Rotary Club.

Focus

Improving access to medical care is an urgent need for Mississippi. Accomplishing this goal will require advances in insurance coverage and improved access to quality physician-led medical teams. We must increase the number of physicians practicing in Mississippi to accomplish these goals. Expanding access to current telehealth services will also serve a critical need.

Balance and Joys of Living

Enjoy most: I love blending the science of medicine with the art of the practice of medicine.

Like least: The intrusion of bureaucracy and repetitive documentation that takes so much time away from what we do best, care for the sick and injured.

**Favorite family spot: Modica Market in Seaside, Florida**

FOR THE FUN OF IT… FILL-IN-THE-BLANK

You’re most likely to see me around: Home, preferably in my kitchen.

On the weekends I love to: Hang out with family and friends, at home or church.

The high school, college or pro sports teams I root for are: Laurel Golden Tornados, University of Tennessee, University of Mississippi, and the New Orleans Saints.

If I’m watching a movie or listening to music, it’s probably: A drama/thriller or war movie. Classic rock or jazz are my favorite styles of music, though I often just enjoy listening to nature or even silence.

Latest splurge: A large outdoor covered porch and kitchen. I am passionate about: The art of medicine and human interactions—also, food and the science and practice of cooking.

Something about me not everyone knows: I have completed three marathons, including Big Sur International and Boston. Don’t be too impressed, my times were terrible, but I did finish each marathon.

Do you like to go out or stay in? Mostly stay in.

The perfect meal: Multicourse tasting menu at the Kitchen Table at Commanders Palace.

Perfect day: Wake up without an alarm, and do whatever comes to mind.

Favorite color: Blue.

Cologne: None.

Text, email, or cell phone: Text for quicker turnaround, email for detailed answers.

Pets: Definitely a dog person.

We have a mini golden doodle, Gracie.

MSMA Member since: 1992.

**Dr. and Mrs. Horne ran the Boston marathon together in 2014**

How do you make time for your personal life? When I am at work, I work. When I am home, I strive mightily to leave work at the office. It is easier said than done, but I compartmentalize fairly well.

What do I do when I’m not working? Mostly, hang out at home with my family. Work in the yard some, cook, read, travel as much as possible (not much of that recently).

What would I like members to know about me?: I want to thank them for the honor of allowing me to serve MSMA over the years and especially now as your President.