Nearly twenty years ago, a physician in Jackson asked me to treat a patient diagnosed with what we now know as ADHD.  The family needed a physician closer to home, so I reluctantly agreed to see the child even though I had limited experience and education in this area.  After seeing the child and hearing that the current medication was unsuccessful, I changed the medication to one I had just read about in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

When the child returned for a follow-up visit four weeks later, the parents tearfully told me, “For the first time, we enjoy going places with our eight-year old son.”  This family made a profound impact on me and changed the direction of my medical practice.  I began a quest to learn everything I could about ADHD and began seeing patients in need of care.  I dreamed of establishing a regional resource center for families. 

The dream became a reality in July 2006 when I, along with Dr. Beverly Bryant, psychiatrist, and Martha Woodall, speech-language pathologist, opened the Center for Educational Excellence at Hattiesburg Clinic.  Drs. Robert Sevier and Lynwood Wheeler, psychologists, joined the Center later that year, and Joshua Hamm, a licensed clinical counselor, joined in 2007. 

In August 2007 the name of the clinic changed from the Center for Educational Excellence to Connections, reflecting the breadth of health care services provided to individuals and families. 

Our dream continues to grow.  As needs evolve, we will add new services and providers.

We are dedicated to the goal of helping families function in such a way that each individual member can reach their fullest potential – confidently and joyfully becoming all that God intends for them to be.  Thank you for allowing Connections to be a part of your journey.  New beginnings start here.

Ronald S. Kent, M.D.