Get to know Dr. Ben Billingsley, PGY-IV fellow in Digestive Diseases and die-hard Mississippi State fan. Here, he shares his path to UMMC and fellowship and a bit about what he loves at UMMC.
First, tell us about you.
I grew up in Senatobia, MS. After high school, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Engineering from Mississippi State University. After that, I worked in the medical device industry in Memphis, TN for 1.5 years, but I realized I wanted to do something different. I later attended medical school at VCOM in Auburn, AL where I met my lovely wife, Elizabeth. I was fortunate enough to return “home” to Mississippi where I completed my internal medicine residency at UMMC.
When did you know you wanted to pursue digestive diseases?
My medical school had a systems-based curriculum and I really enjoyed the GI/Liver related curriculum. During the clinical years of medical school, I worked with a few GI physicians and I sought opportunities to shadow other GI physicians in the community. After that, I knew GI was IT for me!
What do you like most about UMMC?
The cliché answer is “the people,” but that is what I like most. Southern hospitality really is a thing here. Plus, the ultimate goal of medical training is to prepare for independent practice. I feel that both the internal medicine residency and the digestive diseases fellowship do a good job in preparing trainees for their futures.
What advice would you give to the interns?
Despite how hard it can be at times, never forget where you came from and how many people would love to be in your shoes, doing what you are getting to do. Go into residency with an open mind. Learn from your mistakes (because you will make some) and take advantage of the great teachers around you. If you have fellowship interests, try to become involved in research early in your residency. Most importantly, when you are on vacation, turn off Epic notifications and spend time with your family/loved ones.
What could you give a 40 minute presentation on without preparation?
Memphis-style BBQ or Mississippi State athletics. Eating is what I do best, and growing up close to Memphis, there was never a shortage of good food. I am a huge Bulldog fan. My main interests are football and baseball, but if I have time, I’ll watch/attend just about any sporting event that is Mississippi State related.
What is something you wish you knew more about?
The most appropriate answer is finances, but the fun answer is traveling/foreign cultures. My wife loves to travel and I am beginning to get into it as well. We went to Portugal earlier this year, and that trip really helped me to broaden my horizons.
What are some small things that make your day better?
Coffee in the mornings, phone calls from my friends and family, being outdoors, working the garden, spending time on my family’s cattle farm.
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
Every family pet we’ve ever had was a dachshund/weenie dog. I don’t know what it is, but my family seems to be obsessed with them. They have strong personalities and want to be the dominant members of the household, but we’ve loved them all.
Progress Notes 