Faculty

Jerry Sheppard, MD

Program Director

Dr. Jerry M. Sheppard is a distinguished medical professional with extensive experience in both clinical practice and medical education. Currently serving as the Baptist Hospice Medical Director and a hospitalist at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS, Dr. Sheppard has been an integral part of the healthcare community since 2016. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Biology from Delta State University, graduating cum laude, followed by earning his M.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he also served as an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine from 2009 to 2016.

Dr. Sheppard's contributions extend beyond clinical care to significant committee service and teaching roles. He has held leadership positions on various committees, including the Medical Executive Committee and the Professional Practice Evaluation Committee at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. He has been recognized for his teaching excellence with multiple awards, such as the Carl G. Evers Society All-Star Attending and Teacher accolades. A dedicated educator, Dr. Sheppard has instructed medical students and residents through courses in clinical medicine and hospital medicine, emphasizing quality, efficient, and cost-conscious patient care. His professional certifications include board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine and licensure by the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure.

Kenneth Ball, MD

Associate Program Director 

Dr. Kenneth C. Ball is a seasoned hospitalist and Regional Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Ball has demonstrated a commitment to medical education and clinical excellence. He served as an Associate Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he was recognized with numerous teaching awards, including Clinical Professor of the Year and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. His expertise extends to medical informatics, with certifications from EPIC in analytics and physician leadership, underscoring his role in advancing healthcare technology.

Dr. Ball earned his M.D. from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the same institution. He is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Ball is actively involved in community service, having volunteered at the Lantern Clinic and serving as a Sunday School Teacher and Elder at First Presbyterian Church. He lives in Madison, MS, with his wife, Mary Boothe Ball, and their four children.

Tyler Howell, MD

Inpatient

 Dr. Tyler Howell is an accomplished internal medicine physician at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS currently serving as a hospitalist and a weight loss medicine physician. He earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2018, followed by residency training in internal medicine, which he completed in 2021. Dr. Howell’s contributions are not limited to peer-reviewed publications and case reports. He has a passion for teaching and is directing ultrasound training for the internal medicine residency program. Outside of the traditional clinical setting, Dr. Howell has participated in medical mission work in Haiti and Honduras, as well as volunteered at the Jackson Free Clinic while in medical training. He is also involved in non-medical community service to make societal contributions beyond the healthcare setting. Dr. Howell has a passion for the betterment of the Jackson, MS community and the advancement of medical knowledge.

Samuel Peeples, MD

Ambulatory

Dr. Samuel H. Peeples, M.D., F.A.C.P., is a highly esteemed internal medicine physician with over three decades of experience. He currently practices outpatient internal medicine at Baptist Premier in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Peeples received his M.D. from the University of Mississippi Medical School and completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His extensive career includes private practice at Premier Medical Group of Mississippi and leadership roles such as President of Premier Medical Management of Mississippi. Dr. Peeples has been actively involved in teaching internal medicine residents at the University of Mississippi Medical Center since 1987 and serves as a preceptor for medical students at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Throughout his career, Dr. Peeples has maintained active affiliations with several professional organizations, including the American Medical Association and the Mississippi State Medical Association. He has also held various committee positions and leadership roles within these organizations, contributing significantly to the field of internal medicine. In addition to his professional commitments, Dr. Peeples is deeply engaged in civic activities, including his long-term involvement with Mission First Medical Clinic and his service at First Baptist Church in Jackson. His dedication to medicine and the community has earned him numerous accolades, including the Mississippi ACP Laureate Award and recognition as one of the Best Doctors in America.

Frank Criddle, MD

Inpatient

Dr. Frank Jefferson Criddle, III, M.D., is an accomplished internal medicine physician specializing in infectious diseases. Born in Greenville, MS, Dr. Criddle earned his M.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1991 and completed his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He further specialized by completing an Infectious Disease Fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Dr. Criddle has held various prominent positions throughout his career, including Chief of Infectious Disease at Keesler Medical Center and Medical Director of the Hospitalist Program at St. Dominic Hospital. Currently, he serves as a hospitalist with the Baptist Hospitalist Group at Baptist Health System in Jackson, MS, where he has been since 2016.

Dr. Criddle's extensive academic contributions include serving as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he has been involved in teaching and mentoring medical students and residents. His professional affiliations are notable, including membership in the Society of Hospital Medicine. Dr. Criddle is also dedicated to community service, participating in medical missions to Uganda and South Sudan with the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. His research and publications, along with numerous presentations at professional conferences, underscore his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care.

Kevin Heintzelman, DO

Inpatient

Dr. Heintzelman is a highly experienced internal medicine physician currently serving as a hospitalist at Mississippi Baptist Health System in Jackson, MS. With a robust background in both inpatient and outpatient care, Dr. Heintzelman has held significant roles throughout his career, including Medical Director at Mississippi Home Care and Department Chief at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. His tenure at Premier Medical Group of Mississippi and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital provided extensive experience in patient management and medical education, where he supervised medical students and residents. Dr. Heintzelman has also held leadership positions, including Secretary, Vice-President, and President of the Medical Staff at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, demonstrating his commitment to medical excellence and leadership.

Dr. Heintzelman holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his residency at Mercy Suburban Hospital, and has been recognized for his exceptional medical care with awards such as the Clinical Instructor of the Year and the Golden Stethoscope Award. Board-certified by the American Board of Osteopathic Internal Medicine, he is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Osteopathic Internists. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Heintzelman has a keen interest in martial arts, music, and the arts, showcasing his well-rounded character and dedication to personal growth and community involvement.

Blake Leblanc, MD

Ambulatory and Inpatient

Dr. Blake LeBlanc is an internal medicine physician practicing primary care and hospital medicine. He earned his M.D. from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). After completing training, he served as a chief medicine resident at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. 

Dr. LeBlanc has a passion for teaching and mentoring medical students and residents. He was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society during his residency and was named Intern of the Year and House Officer of the Year by UMMC's Department of Medicine. Additionally, he was recognized by the Carls G. Evers Society as Resident of the Year. Dr. LeBlanc currently serves as the American College of Physicians representative for the residency program. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.