Merit Health River Region has welcomed a new doctor to its medical group.

Dr. Brandon Mizell is now practicing family medicine at the Merit Health clinic on Mission 66.

Mizell, who grew up in Moncks Corner outside Charleston, S.C., received his medical degree from the University Of South Carolina School Of Medicine in Columbia, S.C. and completed his residency at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn.

“I was thrilled to receive an interview with Merit Health in Vicksburg,” Mizell said. “Vicksburg is a special place full of history and culture and I couldn’t be happier to be here practicing Family Medicine.”

Mizell said he always had an interest in science, nature and medicine, and as a child, he said, he enjoyed exploring the woods, fishing and learning about the natural world around him.

“This curiosity about the outdoors also propelled me into the sciences — learning all that I could about chemistry, biology and physics,” he said.

Receiving his bachelor’s degree in biology and biochemistry from Charleston Southern University in 2007, and then a master’s degree in cytopathology, Mizell said he was initially set on being a researcher in the medical field, but after a few years of “sitting behind the microscope,” he decided he wanted to be a physician.

“I realized I had a true passion for helping people in person, and not just reading slides,” Mizell said. “I wanted to make a difference in the lives of those around me while pursuing my love of science, therefore a career in medicine was the obvious answer.”

And it was because of his desire to see patients of all ages, he said, that steered into family medicine.

“The ability to see all patients regardless of age or place in life, allows me to be a foundation and launching point for them to achieve better health,” Mizell said.

Although a native of South Carolina, Mizell is no stranger to Mississippi.

His wife, Catherine, is from the Jackson area and it was during visits to her family’s home that he grew to love the Magnolia state.

“We would travel to Mississippi whenever we could to be with her family and friends,” he said. “I think I fell in love with the history and people of Mississippi long before I knew I would live here, and so it was a natural fit to apply for a job here after residency.”

The couple has one daughter, Emma, who is 3.

Mizell said he encourages anyone, whether it’s a cold, a sprain, lack of energy or just not feeling like one’s self, to visit his office.

Dr. Mizell’s office is located at 1907 Mission 66. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 601-636-1173. Same day appointments are available.