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Teri Oakes Dyess MD, FACP, FHM wears
two hats: as physician/director of hospital
medicine, and the co-chief medical officer
for St Dominic’s Hospital. Originally from
Ocean Springs, Dr. Dyess lives here with
her blended family of five ranging from
21 to 32 years old.
Dr. Teri Dyess
St. Dominic’s
How does she live a healthy life?
“Practicing what I preach! I work out before
work, so that time does not get in the way
of exercise. I eat a healthy diet. I do not
ask my patients to do anything that I do
not do myself. When asked why she is
fighting cardiovascular disease, Dr. Dyess
said, “I’ve committed my life’s work to
healthcare as a physician in hospital
medicine. As a doctor dedicated to caring
for patients during their time in the hospital,
I see firsthand the impact that heart
disease and lifestyle choices have on our
loved ones. I also see the potential to
find new ways to prevent and treat these
conditions through research and education
offered by organizations like the
American Heart Association.”
Dr. Janet Harris
UMMC Professor Emeritus
Dr. Janet Young Harris DNP, RN,
NEA-BC, spent 45 years in nursing. She
and husband Joe Mac Hudspeth Jr will
celebrate a 40-year wedding anniversary
soon. They have a son and two granddaughters.
Time spent with family “makes
my heart sing, but I also love helping
others—I’ve been so blessed. I give back
through community involvement and
service to organizations that I care about.
I also love my involvement with Lakeland
Presbyterian Church.”
Dr. Harris is has been involved with the
American Heart Association serving as a
former Go Red for Women chair and as
a Circle of Red member since the group
began. When asked why, she offered, “I
have dealt with hypertension for over 40
years. I take meds every day to prevent
stroke and heart attack. Secondly, my
51-year-old dad had a massive heart
attack in 1970. He survived but suffered
congestive heart failure until he died
years later. Lastly, I do it for my grandgirls.
When we stand together, there are three
of us. And, one in three women will
suffer from heart disease. I believe in
being a part of change so that other
mothers, children, sisters, and friends do
not have to suffer or die early from this
disease - our #1 killer!”
Jamie Higdon
TempStaff
Jamie Higdon is the vice-president and
co-owner of TempStaff, a local staffing
agency. She and her husband, Scott, live
in Florence where they are raising two
active daughters. What sparks joy in this
family of four? Jamie says, “We love
traveling as a family, solving escape
rooms, or cheering on the Mississippi
State Bulldogs. We are also involved in
various ministries at First Baptist Church.”
She is committed to bringing awareness
to the American Heart Association
as a Woman of Impact because, like so
many people, “There is a history of heart
disease in my family. Bringing awareness
of the signs of heart disease and promoting
preventative care will help both the men
and women in my family and others to
live long and healthy lives.”
Hometown RANKIN • 15