News Around the State

Cindy Jackson named Employee of the Quarter at South Mississippi State Hospital

Cindy Jackson was recently named South Mississippi State Hospital’s fourth quarter Employee of the Quarter. She has served as the pharmacist at the Purvis behavioral health program since May 2005.

“Cindy consistently exhibits integrity and trust,” said Sabrina Young, Jackson’s supervisor. “She quietly goes about her day completing her work; she is willing to stay late, come in early or work on the weekend to make sure patients have their meds. She is dedicated to the patients we serve and to SMSH.”

Jackson, currently a Forrest County resident, is a graduate of Poplarville High School in Pearl River County. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Mississippi, and is a member of the Mississippi Pharmacists Association. Prior to her employment at SMSH, Jackson was a pharmacist for CVS. “I enjoy working with a great group of people who go above and beyond to make this hospital work,” said Jackson. “Good things are done here daily, and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Away from work, Jackson enjoys spending time with her family and friends (especially her grandson), working in her yard and attending high school ballgames.

South Mississippi State Hospital (SMSH) is a 50-bed acute care behavioral health program in Purvis that offers mental health treatment and services for adults in the southern part of the state. The hospital’s Friends of SMSH organization recognizes an outstanding employee each quarter and provides service pins and incentive-related supplies and activities for hospital staff as well as needed services and events for patients. Friends of SMSH is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health and the needs of individuals with mental illness, improving the quality of life for patients, and providing recognition and support for employees.

Benjamin R. Burkett, MD, Joins Wesley Medical Group-Petal

Wesley Medical Group recently welcomed Benjamin R. Burkett, M.D., to the clinical staff of their location in Petal, MS. Dr. Burkett is a graduate of Mississippi College and earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He completed his residency in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. 

Dr. Burkett began his career as a chemistry and physical science teacher before going to medical school. He joins nurse practitioner Edye Denius in the Wesley Medical Group – Petal clinic. He is now accepting new adult and pediatric patients.

Wesley Medical Group, in connection with Wesley Medical Center, is committed to providing superior care to the Pine Belt. Through their network of conveniently located Family Practice clinics, Wesley Medical Group offers services ranging from simple immunizations to specialized care plans. The Wesley Medical Group – Petal clinic is located at 425 Highway 42 in Petal.

To schedule an appointment, patients may reach the office by calling 601-584-4309. For more information, or to find the Wesley Medical Group Clinic nearest you, visit Wesley.com.

New Family Practice Physician to Open Practice in Petal

John Kliesch, M.D. a Board Certified Family Practice physician, will begin seeing patients in his new office building on Main Street in Petal on August 29. Dr. Kliesch is a physician with South Mississippi Primary Care, a healthcare facility of Wesley Medical Center.

Prior to moving to Petal, Dr. Kliesch was the Medical Director of the Ellis Avenue Clinic of MEA in Jackson, Mississippi. He also worked at the MEA Medical Center in Clinton, Mississippi and was staff physician for STATcare, PLLC in McComb, Mississippi.

He graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1996 and completed his residency in family practice with the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kliesch please call (601) 584-4309.