Hometown Rankin - February & March 2016

Worthy of Merit
Dr. Barry Moss
Chief Executive Officer, Merit Health Rankin
With an expansive career in health care administration, Barry Moss has a great
vision for Merit Health Rankin. We recently had a chance to ask Barry a few questions
about his life after coming to Rankin County and here's what he told us . . .
Q. What lead you to want to serve
as a hospital administrator?
A. I grew up in a health care family and saw the
significant role they were able to play to positively
impact the lives of others. I deeply value the opportunity
to work for an organization, which is an instrumental
part of the wellness of our community. In addition,
health care takes on such a team approach and I
really enjoy working in a team-based environment.
You never know when you may be able to help
someone in need.
Q. Since moving to Rankin County,
what are some things that you
particularly like?
A. It is a great county that pushes to reinvest for
long-term success and development. Rankin County
is an exceptional place of balance, with access to
progressive growth and innovation while maintaining
the relationships of the past. Also, we are fortunate to
have a wonderful partnership with Merit Health River
Oaks and Merit Health Woman’s Hospital that allows us
to serve our neighbors in a variety of settings and roles.
My family moved here with me from Hattiesburg and
we have been proud to call Mississippi our home for
the past several years. In Rankin County, we’ve been
especially pleased with the warm welcome we have
received from local residents. It feels as though our
family has just become part of an even bigger family.
Q. What are your hobbies, or
what do you enjoy doing when
you’re not at Merit Health?
A. One of the great things about Rankin County is
the endless high school sporting events to attend.
It is fun to see those student athletes playing out their
dreams by representing their schools and hometowns.
Q. What are your plans for Merit
Health Rankin?
A. Over the 60 years since the hospital opened,
Merit Health Rankin has provided quality access to
healthcare with physicians and support staff who live
in our neighborhoods. This community-centered
approach has worked very well for our hospital and
the other hospitals in the Merit Health network share
the same philosophy.
With that said, our goal at Merit Health Rankin is to
expand our services and medical specialties to serve
the needs of our local residents. For example, we just
opened a Merit Health Medical Group clinic onsite at
Merit Health Rankin with a nurse practitioner who
specializes in gerontology. This niche of care is crucial
for our area. Over the past year we also added an
orthopedic surgeon, gastroenterologist, neurosurgeon
and general surgeon to our staff.
Q. Where did you grow up and
what’s a favorite childhood
memory?
A. I was blessed to grow up in a small town called
Winfield, Alabama. In a small town you remember the
great friends and families, the summers on the lake,
and the relationships that last a lifetime.
Q. What impact would you like to
make on Rankin County?
A. I am honored to be part of this community and
Merit Health Rankin. We are proud to be part of the
Merit Health network and will do everything we can
to continue to provide patients with an excellent
experience during their stay. Merit Health Rankin is
blessed to be located here in Brandon and I am excited
about meeting and working with local leaders and
organizations to ensure Merit Health Rankin continues
to be a very active member of our Rankin County. n
Hometown Rankin • 61