Alumni Focus

We are pleased to spotlight two UMMC residency alumni, Drs. Neelam Patel and Maureen Offiah, who recently provided us updates on life post residency.

Dr. Neelam Patel

Since completing residency at UMMC, Dr. Patel has moved back to Tennessee where she grew up. She started her own dermatology practice, Magnolia Dermatology Clinic, in Clarksville (40 miles outside Nashville). She named it Magnolia Dermatology Clinic as both a tribute to the state of Mississippi where she received her dermatology training and to Magnolia Lane at Augusta National Golf Club, where her favorite major golf tournament is held annually. Dr. Patel noted, “It has been rewarding to make a meaningful impact in my hometown community that is underserved for general dermatologic care. Having my own practice has also provided me the flexibility to balance being a mom of 3 youngins’. I’m eternally grateful for the skills, knowledge, and confidence I gained from the University of Mississippi Department of Dermatology. There isn’t a day that goes by in clinic that I don’t think of them and feel blessed that I am in this position.”  

Dr. Neelam Patel, center, pictured with her family.

Dr. Maureen Offiah

After completing her residency at UMMC, Dr. Offiah joined a private practice, Dermatology West at The Hattiesburg Clinic. Her busy practice is mostly general medical, surgical, as well as cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Offiah noted, “I’m grateful to work with the best physician partners and one of a kind clinic staff, caring for the wonderful patients in South Mississippi. It is an honor to be a part of the training of UMMC residents, whom I enjoy teaching at the VA medical center in Jackson. Hattiesburg is now home sweet home to my husband, Jude, our children, Kamsi (15), Somto (13), Chukwudike (12) and I. Our greatest joy is watching our children excel at school; sports such as softball, cheer, soccer, track/field and basketball; as well as service organizations like Girl/Boy Scouts, Spirit Girls, Crown Club and Independent Club of Hattiesburg. We also enjoy traveling and introducing our children to new cities.

I feel truly blessed and fortunate to have been a part of the dermatology residency program at UMMC. Ours was a high-quality residency program with a variety of brilliant, dedicated faculty, in a supportive environment. The specializations and unique clinical practice styles of the faculty helped shape me into the confident dermatologist that I am today. I often find myself thinking of each faculty whenever I’m incorporating a management style or procedural technique that I learned specifically from them. I’m also thankful for my encouraging co-residents, the amazing clinical and administrative support staff at UMMC dermatology, who made my residency experience an overall great one.”