Shermer, Chester D., M.D.

Specialties: Children's Emergency Medicine, Adult Emergency Medicine

Gender: Male

Biography: I was born and raised in Natchez, MS. I completed undergraduate training at Mississippi State University with a degree in Chemistry/Pre-Med. I was accepted to medical school at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and completed my training despite being diagnosed with cancer in my second year of school. I am a 27 year survivor!

I began my Emergency Medicine career in 2001 after completion of residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). I joined a private group at MS Baptist Medical (MBMC) practice where I treated patients for over 14 years. Throughout that time, I continued work at UMMC where I enjoyed working with residents at various levels of training. I also chose to work at various other ERs in the state to add some variety to my practice.

During my practice, I developed a great interest in cardiology and orthopedics. With additional training, I developed expertise with joint and fracture reduction. In close consultation with the MBMC Cardiology, we evaluated and treated numerous myocardial infarctions and acute decompensated heart failure.

In 2008, I was recruited by the US Army to serve our country during the War on Terror. I joined the MS Army National Guard and have deployed around the world in service. I have enjoyed learning military medicine and developing relationships with many of our men and women in uniform. I have enjoyed my time in the Army and I will retire from military service.

In 2014, my private group at MBMC dissolved and I was recruited by Dr. Alan Jones to come back to UMMC to work as an attending. Since being back, I have taken on many challenges. I continue to challenge myself while training the next generation of Emergency Medicine physicians. Bedside teaching is fulfilling and it is great to watch each senior class graduate with the necessary training to take care of our citizens in a safe, competent manner.

Soon after my arrival back at UMMC, I was asked to become the medical director of the observation unit. Upon my arrival, chest pain was the only diagnosis that was being evaluated in the observation unit. With the help of my colleagues, we have developed an additional twenty (20) diagnoses that are managed with unique protocols. The observation is a closed unit that only our attending physicians can utilize. The observation unit expanded from two (2) beds to five (5) beds and has been instrumental in reducing unnecessary hospital admissions while allowing further evaluation and care in the ED.

In 2020, I assumed the role of medical director of the TelEmergency program. We currently are affiliated with twenty (20) sites throughout the state of MS. We provide education and training to advanced practice providers that staff these sites and are able to consult our attending physicians via advanced technology in real-time. We have active research grants associated with the TelEmergency program.

Unfortunately, also in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck our world and created a healthcare crisis in many countries around the world and in our home state. I have never been more proud to be affiliated with a health care system than when our institution became the state’s center of excellence for the pandemic. Our department really provided top-notch, expert medical care on the frontlines of a severe pandemic.

In closing, the arc of my career will likely end with retirement from UMMC many years down the road. I am excited to come to work and train young physicians and nurses and look forward to improving the healthcare of MS for many years to come.