It wasn’t until recently when I found out that I am long past the age for a colonoscopy that I learned of Dr. Kellen Jex. And in my opinion, when a doctor is recommended highly by another doctor, that speaks volume to me.
In this case it wasn’t just one but two doctors that spoke highly of Dr. Jex. They are my General Practitioner, Dr. Chuck Borum and my Ophthalmologist, Dr. Aaron Smith.
Getting an appointment for my colonoscopy was very easy – simply book it and show up. Booking a sit-down interview to be featured in this magazine, well that’s next to impossible since Dr. Jex services is highly needed throughout the Miss-Lou area. So, I decided to send him twelve questions and these are his response.
Tell us about Dr. Kellen Jex, MD
I am a Natchez Native, and graduate of Trinity High School. I am 40 years old. I am involved in my local church and school. Currently, due to time constraints, my main hobbies include family time and light travel. When time allows, hobbies also include hunting, shooting, and horseback riding.
I completed college at the University of Mississippi in Oxford before completing medical school at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson. I stayed at my alma mater for residency in internal medicine, serving for a year as chief medical resident. Following the completion of residency, I moved to Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, where I was a clinical fellow in the Division of Gastroenterology. I am board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology.
Throughout my education and training, I earned numerous awards and distinctions, including being named Resident of the Year two years in a row, the LSU Outstanding Fellow of the Year two years in a row, the Arnold P. Goldman Humanism in Medicine Award, and the Carl G. Evers Society M4 All-Star Resident.
Tell us about gastroenterology and why it is such an important need.
Gastroenterology involves evaluating any condition or disease originating from or involving the GI tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, as well as the pancreas and liver. Some examples of common conditions include acid reflux, stomach pain, bleeding, autoimmune diseases (such as Crohn’s disease), and change in bowel habits. Also, gastroenterology includes upper and lower endoscopy (EGD and colonoscopy). These are done to look inside the body while the patient is asleep to evaluate for abnormalities such as stomach ulcers, or to remove colon polyps to prevent colon cancer.
What made you decide to become a gastroenterologist?
My earliest interest in medicine was related to growing up with a parent with cancer. Later, I was exposed to gastroenterology through my father-in-law, Dr. Randy Tillman. This exposure led me to seek out GI experiences while completing medical training. I enjoy the broad nature of GI care, which means every day is different and challenging. Also, procedures add a rewarding technical element and help to prevent cancer with colon cancer screening and polyp removal.
How long have you been practicing gastroenterology?
I have been practicing for approximately 5 years.
Is Natchez your only place of operation? If so, is there any plan for expansion to other cities in the future?
My main office is located in Natchez where I work with an amazing nurse practitioner named Kristin Foster. We both see patients in clinic at this location. I also see patients in clinic at Trinity Medical center twice a month. I complete procedures in Louisiana at both Riverpark Medical Center and Trinity Medical Center and in Natchez at Merit Health. I have privileges and see inpatient consults at Merit Health Natchez, Trinity Medical Center, and Riverbridge Specialty Hospital.
I also currently cover the GI service at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg every other weekend.
What is the greatest challenge of having your own practice and what are the perks?
Time is the greatest challenge of having my own practice. The Miss-Lou services a large surrounding area in regard to medical care, and it is challenging to keep up with the number of patients that need GI care! Perks include being your own boss, tax benefits of owning a business, and getting to work with amazing people that you have chosen/recruited yourself. Having the ability to adjust and improve your business and work environment is priceless.
What are the major insurance companies you work with?
We work with all major insurance carriers including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial carriers including BCBS. I am licensed in Mississippi and Louisiana, and accept most forms of these carriers on both sides of the river.
When should a person see a gastroenterologist?
The list is too long to write here! The most common ones are GERD (heartburn/acid reflux/indigestion), change in bowels (constipation/diarrhea), and stomach pain. Definitely call if there is blood in your stool, or if you have a low blood count (anemia). EVERYONE needs a colonoscopy at least by the age of 45 to remove colon polyps to prevent colon cancer. There are sometimes no warning signs that colon cancer is developing, and this can be prevented by periodic colonoscopy and removal of colon polyps.
Are gastrointestinal symptoms common in COVID-19 patients? If yes, how do treat these symptoms?
Yes, and most commonly include diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and early satiety (getting full quickly) due to slow emptying of the stomach. This varies quite a bit, meaning some patients have severe symptoms and some patients have none.
During 2020, when COVID related illness was at an all-time high throughout the nation.
Walk us through a normal day at your practice?
During the peak of Covid, endoscopy continued for non-elective procedures only, and a large amount of clinic was done through virtual visits. This included a video/audio call through a computer, or sometimes a telephone. So, a typical day was sitting in my office and completing virtual visits, and then completing procedures several days per week. This time period was the slowest of any time period that I have been practicing medicine (including clinic) and was very challenging.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Helping people! And working with the other amazing health care workers in our area.
What is your most memorable moment as a Gastroenterologist?
Medicine in general and gastroenterology are both full of highs and lows. There is not one shining moment that stands out, but I have had wonderful touching experiences with patients, families, and caregivers that are too numerous to count. My father-in-law Dr. Randy Tillman once told me that being a physician was an honor and a privilege. He was absolutely correct.
Words of wisdom for those who are trying to enter this same profession.
Remember what drove you to start the journey in the first place. Put yourself in your patients’ shoes at all times to help you maintain your compassionate care. Gastroenterology training is a long road (almost 15 years of training) but allows you the opportunity to have a profound impact on the people that you have the privilege to treat.
Miss-Lou GI, PLLC.
136 Jeff Davis Boulevard,
Natchez, Mississippi 39120,
Tel: 601-492-2224 Fax: 601-492-2231
