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The Jackson Clinic
Home » The Jackson Clinic 75th Anniversary

Specializing in You Since 1950


For 75 years, we've been more than just a healthcare provider—we've been a trusted partner in the lives of families across West Tennessee. From first steps to life’s milestones, we've been here, offering compassionate care when you need it most.

Our mission has always been simple—enhancing lives by delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare. But beyond the care we provide, it's the relationships we've built and the trust you've placed in us that truly define our journey. Every smile, every handshake, and every story shared within our walls is a reminder of why we do what we do.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives for the past 75 years. Your trust, support, and partnership inspire us every day to continue our mission of making healthcare better—today, tomorrow, and always.


Dr. Jere Hammond

"I came to the Jackson Clinic in 1981; my brother-in-law, Dr. Russell Robbins, and my brother, Steve Hammond, preceded me. I joined a strong and talented group of internal medicine doctors and got to meet some of the original founders as well, including Dr. Leland Johnston and Dr. Baker Hubbard..."

75 Facts for 75 Years


Welcome to a celebration of our journey, innovation, and commitment to quality care over the past 75 years. Check back over the course of the year to learn all 75 facts about The Jackson Clinic!

Card with text: On September 23, 1949, construction began on The Jackson Clinic, setting the stage for Tennessee’s first multi-specialty group practice and a new era of healthcare in West Tennessee. We opened on November 6, 1950, with a commitment to high-quality care. 75 years later, we’re still here to Specialize In You.
Card with text: In the early years, we partnered with GM&O Railroad for our first managed care contract, laying the foundation for future collaborations in providing accessible, quality healthcare. Dr. Paul E. Wylie and Dr. John R. Thompson weren't just colleagues – they were birthday twins! Even more incredible? Their wives, Virginia Wylie and Lena Thompson, shared a birthday too!
Card with text: We expanded our diagnostic capabilities in 1987 by introducing CT scans, enhancing precision, and advancing patient care. We expanded our services in 1989 with the opening of a new location in North Jackson, providing Family Practice and Dermatology care to better serve the community.
Card with text: Furthering our commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare in the region, we opened a new loaction in Humboldt on August 1, 1992. Launched in 2023, our Medical Assistant Program invests in our team by offering employees a 16-week path to career growth through guided study, hands-on training, and clinical experience.
Card with text: Marking a new chapter on July 16, 1996, we launched our Milan location – expanding access to our high-quality healthcare for the surrounding community. Our first location at 616 West Forest Avenue featured 24 exam rooms, a lab, pharmacy, library, and business office. Built by H&M Construction for $300,000 – more than the founders or their bank could secure locally – it laid the foundation for decades of growth.
Card with text: Convenient Care began in 1984 as the region's first after-hours service for acute minor emergencies, providing walk-in access to quality healthcare when it was needed most. This pioneering approach helped us deliver timely, patient-focused care beyond regular office hours. Electronic medical records became part of our practice in 1999, marking the culmination of a 10-year project to streamline care and enhance patien access to health information.
Card with text: In 1986, we expanded our commitment to patient care by joining BlueCross BlueShield's CareChoice network and adding a new wing to serve Pediatric and OBGYN patients. In 1967, we completed our first building expansion, marking a significant milestone in our continued growth and commitment to providing healthcare to West Tennessee.
Card with text: In 2012, we became the first in Jackson to perform da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery, bringing greater precision, smaller incisions, and innovative care to our surgical patients. In February 2012, we expanded our commitment to medical advancements by establishing a Research Department, fostering innovation and improving treatment options for our patients.
Card with text: We opened our South Jackson location on November 1, 1995, strengthening our commitment to convenient, high-quality healthcare across the community. In August 2008, we welcomed our first Mohs surgeon, expanding our dermatology services with advanced skin cancer treatment and surgical precision.
Card with text: Healing got a helping hand in 2019 with the opening of our Wound Care Management Clinic at the North location – focused on chronic wounds and complex care. By 2017, we streamlined the patient intake experience with the launch of Phreesia Check-In, bringing faster, more convenient digital check-ins to our clinics.
Card with text: In September 2020, we introduced Mobile Check-In, giving patients the ability to check in remotely for a faster, safer, and more convenient visit. In 1973, we purchased the Hicksville Cotton Gin, transforming a piece of Jackson's agricultural past into new space for patient care and future growth.
Card with text: In 1988, we turned a new page in patient care with the opening of our Forest Cove building, home to Ophthalmology and Psychiatry/Psychology services – bringing clearer vision and stronger minds to the community. In 1997, we shook up inpatient care by launching West Tennessee's first hospitalist program – bringing patients more personalized care and a smoother hospital experience.
Card with text: In 2019, we changed the way Medina gets care – first with walk-in Convenient Care in October, then full-time Primary Care by December. One clinic, two ways to put your health first. At just 26 years old, Carl Rudd became CEO of The Jackson Clinic in 1976 – and led the way for the next 40 years, the longest-serving CEO in our history.
Card with text: In fall 2020, we launched our first drive-thru flu clinic at multiple locations, providing a safe and convenient way for patients to receive their annual flu vaccinations. We earned a 5-star Medicare Quality Plan rating in 2019, reflecting our high standard of care.
Card with text: Dr. Charles Story was hired as The Jackson Clinic's first medical director in 1985, playing a pivotal role in guiding the clinic's commitment to excllence in patient care and medical leadership. In February 2001, we moved into a new building in Humboldt, improving our ability to serve patients with expanded space and upgraded facilities.
Card with text: In 2004, we expanded our services by introducing Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, led by Dr. Jere Hammond, to better support patients in recovery and extended care settings. In 1977, the first angioplasty patient in the United States was later cared for by Dr. Clifford L. Garrard Jr. at The Jackson Clinic, highlighting our legacy of expert and innovative patient care.
Card with text: With the introduction of Medicare, Dr. Blair Erb established the first coronary care unit in Jackson, reinforcing our dedication to advancing cardiac care. On November 6, 2000, we reached our golden anniversary, 50 years of delivering care with heart, purpose, anda deep commitment to the people we serve.
Card with text: A dedicated Blood Pressure Clinic opened at our North location in March 2019, offering focused care for patients managing hypertension. In September 2020, we brought on our first social worker, expanding how we care for the whole patient, with deeper support for life's challenges beyond the exam room.
Card with text: Our Midtown location opened on October 2, 2024. On April 1, 2025, it began offering walk-in Convenient Care six days a week to expand access to same-day care in central Jackson. On June 30, 2010, we purchased the former Lifeline Blood Services building at 828 North Parkway. It became home to Administration, Finance and Payroll, IT, the Contact Center, Purchasing, the Mail Room, Human Resources, and the Business Office, helping centralize support and strengthen patient care.
Card with text: On February 10, 2020, we opened the Vein & Vascular Clinic, offering minimally invasive procedures for patients with venous disease. In 20017, to meet the needs of our growing patient community, we expanded our North Jackson campus by 30,000 square feet, increasing access to quality healthcare.
Card with text: Dr. Cindi Swaim was named Assistant Medical Director for Health and Wellness in April 2014, later serving as Chief Quality Officer for 11 years. Her leadership helped strengthen our focus on quality patient care. In August 2018, we expanded our services to include allergy testing, giving patients more options for diagnosing and treating allergy-related concerns.
Card with text: 2013 brought the introduction of the Follow My Health Patient Portal, giving patients direct access to their medical records and enhancing communication with their healthcare providers. An Endoscopy Suite was introduced at our North Campus on Highway 45 Bypass in May 2014, providing a dedicated space for advanced GI procedures.
Card with text: Dr. Marcie Daniel Lewis joined our team on May 9, 2016, as our first optometrist, enhancing our ability to provide comprehensive eye care services. During the spring of 2020, we began offering rapid COVID-19 testing, ensuring timely diagnosis and care for our patients during a critical time.
Card with text: The Jackson Clinic operates 14 locations across ten counties in West Tennessee, providing accessible healthcare services to a broad community. Dr. Chelsey Wylde joined our team on September 26, 2016, as our first pediatric psychologist, strengthening our commitment to children's mental health and developmental care.
Card with text: During Carl Rudd's leadership, The Jackson Clinic grew from 25 physicians to one of Tennessee's largest multi-specialty group practices, expanding access to quality care. To better serve patients requiring anticoagulation therapy, we introduced a Coumadin Clinic at our Humboldt location in February 2020.
Card with text: Mark Allen led the development of the Jackson Clinic Baptist Outpatient Campus, a 155,000-square-foot facility that opened in November 2023 to expand access to advanced care. On January 1, 2025, Dr. Nancy Utley was named Chief Quality Officer, continuing our focus on clinical excellence and leading efforts to improve patient outcomes across all areas of care.
Card with text: With a focus on preventative health, we launched an Immunization Clinic in 2016, improving access to essential vaccinations for our patients. In 2018, we performed our first CoolSculpting treatment, offering patients a non-invasive option for targeted fat reduction and body contouring.
Card with text: In May 2019, we began offering telehealth live video consultations, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for added convenience and accessibility. We welcomed patients to our new Family Practice Clinic in Bolivar on January 6, 2020, strengthening our commitment to accessible primary care in West Tennessee.
Card with text: In December 2013, our Oncology and Chemotherapy departments began seeing patients at the Alice and Carl Kirkland Cancer Center, enhancing access to advanced cancer treatment in a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility. We took a bold step into the digital age with the launch of our first website in the late 1990s, making it easier for patients to access clinic information, find physicians, and stay connected to their healthcare.
Card with text: On September 19, 2011, we welcomed our first patients to the new medical office building at 700 West Forest Avenue, consolidating departments previously housed at 616 West Forest Avenue. In 2010, under Carl Rudd's leadership, The Jackson Clinic launched its first value-based contract, paving the way for population health initiatives focused on improving patient outcomes and reducing costs.
Card with text: Mark Allen has led as CEO since January 1, 2017, after serving as Chief Operating Officer for three years. With more than a decade in clinic administration, his leadership continues to shape the future of healthcare. In August 2019, we opened our Aesthetics Department at 87B Murray Guard Drive, providing a range of cosmetic and skincare treatments tailored to patient needs.
Card with text: To better serve our patients, we introduced an after-hours primary care clinic our North location in April 2019, available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Dr. John Curlin began offering tubal reversal surgery at The Jackson Clinic in the 1980s. Since 1999, Dr. Lisa Rogers has continued that work, performing over 500 procedures and welcoming patients from across the country.
Card with text: On May 5, 2025, we opened a new location in Martin, Tennessee. The clinic provides Family Medicine and Convenient Care and is our 4th location with extended hours, making care more accessible for patients in northwest Tennessee. On January 1, 1998, we opened a new clinic in Huntingdon, strengthening our commitment to providing quality healthcare in West Tennessee.
Card with text: In the fall of 2020, we introduced drive-thru flu shot clinics at several locations. This safe and efficient model kept vaccinations accesible during the COVID-19 pandemic while serving a high volume of patients. The Jackson Clinic opened a second North Jackson location on September 1, 1996, offering dedicated care in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics to support the growing patient population.
Card with text: We now have over 165 providers across 25 specialties, reflecting decades of growth and diversification in the care we offer. In 1990, we were recognized for having some of the most advanced diagnostic technology in the state. From filmscreen mammography to cardiovascular ultrasound, Argon laser eye care, and on-site lab testing, we set the standard for early detection and innovative care in West Tennessee.
Card with text: In 1958, we established our first in-house laboratory services, giving patients faster results and physicians the tools to make more timely decisions about their care. By June 2019, patients could schedule appointments online through the Follow My Health portal, making it easier than ever to manage their healthcare.
Card with text: In 1971, we introduced our first in-house Pharmacy, giving patients the convenience of filling prescriptions on site and strengthening continuity of care between doctors and patients. From breaking ground in 1949 to opening our newest clinic in Martin in 2025, we've grown from a single building into one of Tennessee's largest multi-specialty group practices. Seventy-five years later, our story is still about one thing: providing high-quality, patient-centered care for the families we serve.

The Journey So Far


What began in 1950 with five dedicated physicians has flourished into one of Tennessee’s largest multi-specialty group practices, now home to more than 165 providers across 25 specialties. But it's the stories, the faces, and the relationships we’ve built that truly define our journey. Explore some of the moments that have shaped The Jackson Clinic of today.


Honoring Decades of Care


For 75 years, we've been more than just a healthcare provider — we’ve been a part of your lives, your families, and your most cherished moments. As we celebrate this milestone for The Jackson Clinic, we want to recognize these hard-working providers and employees who have dedicated themselves to ensuring we can continue to offer you accessible, high-quality healthcare.

  • Jere Hammond, MD
  • Patricia French
  • James Diffee III, MD
  • Felicia Newsome
  • Carla Harper
  • Ronald Taylor, MD
  • Mary Woods
  • Russell Lents, MD
  • Sherry Gordon
  • Eric Muir, MD
  • Robert Gilroy Jr., MD
  • Mary Ann Conaway
  • Jeff Johnson
  • Lisa Owen
  • Lisa Rogers, MD
  • Arnetta Speer
  • James Payne, MD
  • Edward Hockaday
  • Andra Todd
  • Pamela Scarbrough
  • Nick Appleton, MD
  • Angela Palmer
  • Janice Shelton
  • Keith Kirby, MD
  • Donna Bishop
  • Christy Nelson
  • Cindy Barr-Rawdon
  • Cheri McAdams
  • Janet Tinnon
  • James Crenshaw Jr., MD
  • Sheree Fielding
  • Lisa Buckley
  • Valerie Mayfield
  • Marshall Banks, MD
  • Dana Hager, MD
  • Steven Thorne, MD
  • L. Kay T. Smith
  • Angela Rogers
  • Joe Ragon, MD
  • Holly Kopmeier
  • Mary Fortner
  • Todd Teague, MD
  • Lisa Anderson, MD
  • Cynthia Stepps
  • Cathy Henning
  • Mary Sykes
  • Lory Brooks
  • Evanna Proctor, MD
  • Ronnie Hazelwood
  • Amanda Reiter, MD
  • Travys Jarrett
  • Dulce Madrid, MD
  • Wanda Rhodes
  • Laura Lapierre
  • Ashley Harvill
  • Melissa Tims
  • Christopher Welsch, MD
  • Carlton E. Hays, MD
  • Phillip Coy, DO
  • Natasha Mahajan, MD
  • Wendy Bowen
  • Steven Adams
  • Mirriam King
  • Gay Butler
  • Penny Ward
  • Mindy Renfroe
  • Karen Worley
  • Caitlin Wright
  • Amy Perry
  • Kenny Fuller
  • Tracy Hart
  • Amanda Chilcutt
  • Rodney Staton, DPM
  • Bryan Tygart, MD
  • Beverly Davis
  • Donna Mays