The Merit Health Medical Group has added a pediatrician to its staff.

Dr. Lauren McKinney, DO, will treat children from birth through 18 years of age, while also striving to answer questions, provide education and give reassurance and encouragement to patients and parents, she said.

After receiving her medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee, McKinney went on to complete her residency at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

McKinney is a native of Cleveland and said she wanted to come back to her home state to practice medicine.

“I’m a farmer’s daughter and grew up on the farm,” McKinney said, “and I came back to the Delta after residency because I love the land and the people here.”

Deciding on becoming a pediatrician was an easy decision, McKinney said.

“I became a pediatrician because I have a love for children. It started with my nieces and nephews. I love helping children to feel better,” she said.

When asked if there was one health care concern for children she would convey to parents, her response was to focus on preventative care.

“Annual wellness checks are important to try to foresee any issues that may arise in the future, and vaccination helps to protect our kids from dangerous illnesses,” McKinney said.

As a doctor with the Merit Health Medical Group, McKinney’s services will include newborn, pediatric and adolescent wellness visits; physical exams including school, camp and sports physicals;
immunizations; common illnesses including cold, cough, flu and sore throat; acute and chronic pediatric illnesses; and pediatric inpatient treatment.

McKinney sees patients at the pediatric clinic on the first floor of Merit Health River Region located at 2100 Highway 61 North.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 601-883-6001.

Same day appointments are often available.