NMMC Internal Medicine Residency Program Dedicates Lecture Hall to Dr. Harvey
TUPELO, Mississippi – Dr. Ken Harvey has returned to the halls of North Mississippi Medical Center.
The North Mississippi Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency Program formally dedicated its lecture hall to retired internist Ken Harvey, M.D., on Jan. 12. A plaque bearing Dr. Harvey’s likeness now hangs outside the Internal Medicine Residency Program area on the first floor of the hospital.
“We hope Dr. Harvey’s example will inspire you to continue his legacy of excellence,” said David Pizzimenti, D.O., residency director.
Dr. Harvey retired in 2021 after a 37-year career in medicine. In addition to caring for his patients, Dr. Harvey served as a physician leader and continues to serve on the board for North Mississippi Medical Clinics. Creating a training program for internal medicine in Tupelo was among his top concerns.
“He advocated for an internal medicine residency for years,” said David Barber, president of North Mississippi Medical Clinics. “He never gave up on that dream.”
Internal medicine is an important primary care specialty; it also serves as the foundation for many subspecialties, such as cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology and rheumatology. Having an internal medicine program in Tupelo helps NMHS attract and retain physicians for its hospitals and clinics, Dr. Harvey said.
During a lunch with retired colleagues, NMHS leadership and internal medicine residents and faculty, Dr. Harvey reflected that the medical community in Tupelo has long been focused on ensuring patients had access to the best care.
“We all stand on the shoulders of the people who came before us,” Dr. Harvey said, saluting the physicians who founded IMA-Tupelo – Drs. Eugene Murphey, Antone Tannehill, F.L. Lummus and Bill Wood.
Though much changed during his decades as a physician, the heart of the profession has not, Dr. Harvey told the residents.
“To me, being a physician and having a patient come to you for care is a sacred trust,” Dr. Harvey said. “They are trusting you to make the right choices for them. You can’t let those folks down.”
