Get to know Dr. Jeremy Morgan, PGY-2 internal medicine resident. Here, he shares his journey to UMMC, along with his love of animals, the great outdoors, and hunting…..
Tell us about you.
I proudly grew up right here in our capital city, Jackson. I attended Jackson Preparatory School for high school followed by The University of Mississippi for undergraduate. There I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Following my time at Ole Miss, I went on to medical school at UMMC and graduated in 2024. I married my wife, Kennedi, the summer before starting residency and we have two dogs, Rigley and Ginger.
Why did you choose UMMC for residency?
Choosing UMMC for residency was one of the easiest decisions I have made in my medical career. This place is my home and I am proud to have the opportunity to serve patients in the state I care so much about. The faculty and residents that make up the internal medicine department feel more like family each day. I aspire to pursue a fellowship in gastroenterology and our liver transplant program offers an invaluable opportunity to care for these patients during our residency training. After training, my plan is to remain in my home state to serve its people, making UMMC the perfect place for me.
Tell us about a memorable experience from training.
One of my most memorable experiences so far during my training was my time on the hematology service. During my time on this service, I had the privilege to make close connections with patients and their families as our team cared for them during what was an incredibly difficult time for most. During this time, I had the opportunity to care for some of the sickest patients in the hospital that are not in the ICU, which was both intimidating and rewarding as an intern. I was able to work alongside one of my good friends, Stephen, for the month, making the experience even more memorable.
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
I could give a 40 minute presentation with no preparation on reptiles and amphibians of North America. Growing up, I had an extensive reptile collection consisting of more than 50 snakes and even more turtles. I had various other exotic animals as well including large monitor lizards, iguanas and caimans. When I was 14 years old, I gave a lecture to a large audience at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science on our native turtle species at the museum’s first World Turtle Day event. I have had a passion for animals and wildlife conservation from a young age and this remains a large part of my life today.
What are some small things that make your day better?
Small things that make my day better at work include caffeine, seeing friends around the hospital, and cafeteria runs. As far as patient care goes, I love being able to resume diets for patients post-op and discharge them back home once they’re ready.
Where could we find you when you are not at the hospital?
When I am not in the hospital, I am in the woods. It does not matter what time of year it is, I love experiencing the outdoors. Whether it’s calling in turkeys in the spring, sitting in a tree stand come fall or hunting ducks with my dog, Rig, in the winter, I seize every opportunity I can to be outside in God’s creation.
What profession would you have chosen if you weren’t a physician?
If I weren’t a physician I would likely be a farmer. I have a great respect for the American farmer and the hard work they put in to help feed our country. I spent a month after college working on a cattle ranch in New Mexico and learned a lot about raising cattle. Growing up, my family had a farm in the MS Delta. I spent much of my life out there learning about growing row crops and experiencing all the Delta has to offer. I would have loved to carry on the family tradition in another life.
Progress Notes 