Two DOs Lead Mississippi Medical Associations

Two Women, Two Presidents: A Historic Year for Osteopathic Leadership in Mississippi

The Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association is proud to highlight a remarkable moment in Mississippi healthcare leadership. In a historic alignment, two Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine now lead the state’s two major physician organizations — showing the growing influence of osteopathic physicians and women leaders across Mississippi.

Dr. Tiffany Worthington, DO, serves as the new President of the Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association (MOMA), while Dr. Katherine Pannel, DO, serves as President of the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA).

This rare moment reflects not only professional achievement, but also the expanding role of osteopathic physicians in shaping healthcare policy, medical education, and patient care throughout the state.

Leadership That Reflects Service and Collaboration

Dr. Worthington and Dr. Pannel represent physician leaders committed to collaboration, advocacy, and patient-centered care, advancing the osteopathic profession across Mississippi. Together, they exemplify the strength of women in medicine and the expanding leadership role of osteopathic physicians in the state.

Photo above: Left to right, Katherine Pannel, DO and Tiffany Worthington, DO at the Mississippi State Capitol for Capitol Day 2026

Dr. Tiffany Worthington, DO

President, Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association

Dr. Tiffany Worthington received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (UP‑KYCOM) in May 2006. She has a special interest in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and completed a one‑year scholars program in the Osteopathic Principles and Practices department during her time at UP‑KYCOM.

She completed her Internship and Residency training in Family Practice‑OMT through Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky, Ohio, in 2009. Dr. Worthington practiced rural primary care in Wiggins, Mississippi, until December 2017 and served as an ambassador for the National Health Service Corps from 2012 to 2015.

She is full-time faculty at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she serves as Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences. She has been a consistent advocate for the osteopathic profession at both the state and regional levels.

Dr. Katherine  Pannel, DO

President, Mississippi State Medical Association

Dr. Sarah Katherine Gantz Pannel is the 158th President of the Mississippi State Medical Association and a board‑certified psychiatrist. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Delta State University and her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU‑COM).

She completed her psychiatric residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with a geriatric psychiatry specialty. She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has practiced psychiatry in North Mississippi since 2010.

She continues to advocate for mental health care and physician advocacy across the state. She currently serves as Chair of the MOMA Advocacy Task Force and has been an active part of MOMA’s leadership.

About moma

The Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association was founded in 1980 and serves as Mississippi's only physician organization exclusively devoted to the representation of osteopathic physicians in Mississippi.