Staying Ahead of Cancer at Any Age Diligence is often rewarded, and few things demonstrate that more clearly than diligence with one’s health. Kay Valentine has always been proactive about her health. She routinely saw longtime South Central Family Medicine physician, Jack C. Evans, MD, who ensured she was following all appropriate medical protocols. Kay […]

As Medicare open enrollment approaches, understanding your options is more important than ever. Join South Central Regional Medical Center for “Medicare & You,” an informative seminar presented as part of our Your Health Explained series. This session is designed to help individuals learn about the different types of Medicare plans available, understand key coverage options and […]

Understanding the Gallbladder and When Removal May be Necessary About the Gallbladder? The gallbladder is a small organ located below the liver that stores bile. The gallbladder is an important tool for digestion because it stores, concentrates and releases bile to help break down fatty foods. The gallbladder, although useful, is non-essential and can be […]

Welcome, Carrie Allen, MD! Carrie Allen, MD, earned her medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 2022. She then completed her family medicine residency at UMMC in 2025. Upon graduation, Dr. Allen began working as a family medicine physician at Ochsner Rush Health in Meridian. South Central Regional Medical Center is […]

South Central’s skilled nursing facilities are staffed by experienced nurses, physicians, therapists and dedicated support teams who provide exceptional care every day. “At Jones County Rest Home, we want you to feel like it is home,” Director of Nursing at Jones County Rest Home, Tobie Williams, RN said. “We love your residents as you love […]

Welcome, Jacob Simmons, MD! Jacob Simmons, MD, earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 2023. He then completed his internal medicine residency at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 2026. He will be working as a hospitalist at South Central Regional Medical Center.

South Central Regional Medical Center recently received The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Gold award. This designation is given to organizations that meet certain criteria for caring with patients who are experiencing a stroke. South Central is proud to provide timely, exceptional care to patients experiencing stroke symptoms.

Recognizing Hernia Symptoms By: Seth Ladd, DO Hernias can sometimes be difficult to identify, and most people do not really understand how they can present. Many patients simply know they are in pain, and our goal as physicians is to reduce their pain with a surgical or non-surgical solution. Hernias typically worsen with time and, […]

Dr. Jovanovic, a native of Serbia, earned his medical degree from the University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine in 2016. He later relocated to the United States, where he completed an Internal Medicine Residency Program at Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg in 2024. During his residency, he distinguished himself as Chief Resident, demonstrating exceptional leadership […]

South Central Receives Renewal of Its Baby-Friendly® Designation  LAUREL, Miss. — September 10, 2026 — South Central Regional Medical Center has recently earned its Baby-Friendly® recertification, a distinction achieved by only a select group of health care organizations committed to meeting the highest standards in maternity and infant care.  The Baby-Friendly® designation is awarded to hospitals […]