I took an interest in medicine early in life from my mother who was very accomplished in nursing.  She has some great photos that I hope to get my hands on and put on the website one day.  Both of my parents were extremely supportive of my pursuit of medicine, but Mom’s influence was pivotal.   I’ve always had an interest in helping others and in science so things happened naturally.  I also have to credit my Aunt Jean who taught me the importance of listening.  She encouraged me to listen well to people and they give you the answer.  Patience pays off and is much more rewarding. 

In college I tried other studies, starting out with a major in physics, but soon realized I would much prefer spending time with people than with pure mathematics.  To be sure I was going in the right direction I volunteered at the university hospital ER where I was suturing, participating in procedures, watching surgeries and helping deliver babies before I was even enrolled in medical school.  This was for me.

In college I met the girl of my dreams, stayed in Mobile for medical school on an Air Force scholarship so we could finish school together, we married in 1993.  Best thing I ever did.  During medical school I had the opportunity to work in the small town of Geneva, Alabama where Dr. David Arnold showed me how wonderful Family Practice can be. I also got to work at Eglin AFB and got my first F16 ride.  9G’s hurts.

Residency followed at the University of Alabama Birmingham campus in Huntsville, Alabama.  It was living in Huntsville that we fell in love with the Nashville area and part of the reason we settled here.

Following residency I served just over 3 years in the Air Force at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY.  This is where we had our twins, Brooke and Trent, in 1999.   September 11th was one of our last days serving in Wyoming, and since our household goods were already shipped they graciously let us leave and return to civilian life.  If you’ve never been to Wyoming before try to go in July, it’s beautiful then and the rodeo is great fun in Cheyenne.

We made a few bad turns here and there but are so happy we are settled in Hendersonville and are proud of our clinic.  My whole approach to medicine is team based.  Providers and patients need to understand each other to make any progress.  It’s important to understand what is happening, not just be told what to do.  That is why I try to explain everything to the best of my ability and why we invested in an electronic medical record system so notes are clear and legible.  Lab results are available online and patients may ask questions or even participate in the creation of their chart by submitting comments or questions directly in their medical record.

Thank you for your interest in Tennessee Family Medicine and we certainly value your feedback. 

John Millspaugh, MD

askdrjohn@comcast.net

Pictures:

Top: Actual view from exam room today

Top right: Christmas 2007

2nd down: Our dog Jack

3rd down: Ocean Springs, my hometown, down on the bayou.

4th down: Medicine Bow, Wy.  We hiked to the top of that

5th down: Fountain in Fairhope, AL

6th down: Church in Ocean Springs, MS where I grew up

7th down: Great vacation, first in years! 

8th down: Kids with my mother in Pensacola