2026 Physician Award Winners Honored
Hattiesburg Clinic announces the recipients of its third annual Physician Awards, recognizing physicians for their contributions in 2026 to their specialties and their commitment to patient care. The honorees were celebrated at a recent awards ceremony, where their accomplishments and contributions to the clinic were recognized by their peers. The awards highlight the important roles physicians play in supporting patients and colleagues throughout Hattiesburg Clinic.
The 2026 Physician Award winners are:
- Hattiesburg Clinic Rising Star Physician of the Year 2026
R. Jackson Ross, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Pulmonary Medicine and Hattiesburg Clinic Critical Care Medicine
- Hattiesburg Clinic Department of Medicine Physician of the Year 2026
Catherine “Charel” Hulsey, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Hospital Care Service - Hattiesburg Clinic Department of Primary Care Physician of the Year 2026
Michael G. Vanderloo, DO, with Hattiesburg Clinic Lincoln Road Family Medicine and HealthWorks, LLC, a service of Hattiesburg Clinic and Forrest General Hospital
- Hattiesburg Clinic Department of Surgery Physician of the Year 2026
Richard A. Pecunia, MD, FACS, with Hattiesburg Clinic Plastic Surgery
Bryan N. Batson, MD, chief executive officer of Hattiesburg Clinic, said, “Recognizing these physicians is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and contributions they bring to their work each day. Their commitment to their patients, support for their colleagues, and knowledge and expertise in their specialties are an important part of what makes Hattiesburg Clinic successful and health care in our community uniquely outstanding.”
Hattiesburg Clinic congratulates this year’s Physician Award recipients and thanks them for their service to patients and to their respective specialties. The clinic also recognizes the physicians across all specialties whose knowledge, teamwork, and dedication to patients and each other help ensure continuity of care. Their collective efforts remain an important part of Hattiesburg Clinic’s mission to serve patients and support the health of the communities it serves.
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About Hattiesburg Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.