New Provider Spotlight
Coming Home to Care: Dr. Flake Returns to Philadelphia to Serve the Community That Raised Her
For Dr. Flake, becoming a physician was never simply about choosing a career. It was about answering a call that began in childhood.
Growing up in Philadelphia, Mississippi, she was surrounded by examples of compassionate healthcare. Her mother and aunt both worked as nurses, giving her an early glimpse into the profound difference healthcare professionals make in the lives of patients and families. Those experiences, combined with her love of science and desire to help others, inspired her to pursue a career in medicine.
Today, that journey has come full circle as she returns home to join the medical staff at Neshoba General Hospital as a pediatrician.
"I always knew I wanted to come back home," Dr. Flake said. "This community helped shape who I am, and it is an incredible privilege to have the opportunity to care for the children and families who live here."
Her connection to Neshoba General runs even deeper than her hometown roots. While she was growing up, her mother worked as a nurse in the hospital's Emergency Department, giving Dr. Flake an appreciation for the hospital's role in serving the community long before she wore a white coat herself.
Dr. Flake earned her bachelor’s degree in forensic science with an emphasis in Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi before attending William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she received her medical degree. She completed her pediatric residency at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Pediatrics quickly became the perfect fit.
"I love that every day is different," she said. "Children are incredibly resilient and constantly surprise you with their unique perspectives. One of the greatest rewards is being able to care for patients throughout childhood and watch them grow into healthy teenagers and adults."
She believes pediatric medicine offers a unique opportunity to influence a person's lifelong health by building healthy habits early and partnering with families through every stage of childhood.
That commitment extends to every patient she sees. Dr. Flake strives to provide compassionate, individualized care while treating each child and family with the same respect and kindness she would want for her own loved ones. She has also studied medical Spanish to better communicate with Spanish-speaking families and has a special interest in caring for children with medical and developmental disabilities.
As she begins her practice at Neshoba General, Dr. Flake is most excited about building lasting relationships with generations of local families.
"One of the things I love most about pediatrics is the continuity of care," she said. "I hope to care for children as they grow and one day have the honor of caring for the children of the patients I see today."
Outside the clinic, Dr. Flake enjoys reading, traveling, and baking. Her love of travel has taken her to China, Mexico, Ireland, and Nicaragua, experiences that have broadened her perspective while strengthening her appreciation for home.
After a busy day caring for patients, she enjoys unwinding with Taylor Swift, listening to podcasts during her drive home, or relaxing with an enjoyable book or reality television.
Family is still at the center of her life. Her mother, Erica Flake, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner, while her father, Mark Flake, serves with the Neshoba County Sheriff's Department. Her brother, Jonah Flake, works with the Newton County Sheriff's Department. Together, they have instilled in her a lifelong commitment to serving others. The family attends Antioch Baptist Church in Union.
Her faith also serves as her guiding principle. She lives by the words found in Matthew 22:37-39: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... Love your neighbor as yourself."
Looking ahead, Dr. Flake hopes her impact will extend well beyond the exam room. She is passionate about preventive care, health education, and ensuring children in rural communities have the resources they need to thrive. She envisions partnering with schools, supporting community organizations, advocating for improved access to healthcare, and becoming a trusted resource for families throughout Neshoba County.
For Dr. Flake, joining Neshoba General is more than the beginning of her medical career, it is a homecoming.
By returning to the community that invested in her, she hopes to invest in the next generation of children, helping them build healthier futures while strengthening the community she has always been proud to call home.
Neshoba General Welcomes Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Shelby Phung
Neshoba General is proud to welcome Dr. Shelby Phung, a Family Medicine physician, to our medical staff.
Dr. Phung’s dream of becoming a physician began at an early age, inspired by her childhood pediatrician, a close family friend, and her uncle, who both modeled what it meant to serve others through medicine. “They were the only two people I knew in medicine,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor.”
Her love for Family Medicine grew out of the specialty’s depth and breadth, as well as the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients. “I was drawn to Family Medicine because it allows me to care for patients through all stages of life,” Dr. Phung explained. “I love that it combines continuity, variety, and community connection.”
Dr. Phung completed her undergraduate degree at Mississippi College, earned her medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and then completed her residency at Baldwin Health in Foley, Alabama where she was Chief Resident.
When considering where to practice, Dr. Phung was drawn to Neshoba General’s rural setting, central location, and welcoming leadership team. “I was so impressed with the administration and how the hospital operates, I knew I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to work here,” she said.
Her vision for her patients is rooted in both skill and compassion. “I hope to bring new, evidence-based practice to the community along with a friendly face that allows patients to feel heard and understood while giving them top-tier medical care.” She added that she is excited to meet her new patients, become part of the community, and continue growing as a physician.
Originally from Olive Branch, Mississippi, Dr. Phung has lived and studied throughout the state. She and her husband, Daniel, who was born and raised in Vietnam. Dr. Phung is excited to be a part of Philadelphia’s growing medical community. She and Daniel share life with their two dogs, Honey and Lady, and are joyfully expecting their first child in 2026.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Phung enjoys running, cooking, art, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. She has studied abroad in London, visited more than ten countries, and even specializes in portrait drawing. She and her husband also enjoy cruising and RV trips.
When it comes to her guiding principle, Dr. Phung keeps it simple: “Treat people the way you would like to be treated. Put yourself in their shoes and show compassion. Being kind not only brightens someone else’s day; it brightens yours too.”
Dr. Phung looks forward to serving not only as a physician but also as a role model and respected peer in the community. “I want to be a friend to all,” she said.
Neshoba General is honored to welcome Dr. Shelby Phung to our medical staff and is excited about the positive impact she is making on our patients and community.
Neshoba General Welcomes Dr. Jonathan Marks
Neshoba General is pleased to welcome Dr. Jonathan Marks to its medical staff. A long-term resident of Mississippi, Dr. Marks brings a wealth of experience, a passion for patient care, and a heart for service to the community.
Dr. Marks’ journey into medicine began with a passion for understanding the “why” behind the “what.” While working as an ER nurse, he found himself wanting to dive deeper into the reasoning behind treatments and medications. That curiosity, paired with his heart for medical missions, inspired him to pursue medical school so he could take on a greater role in caring for patients and leading medical teams.
Dr. Marks completed medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson before going on to residency in emergency medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center of Memphis, where he was Chief Resident. His training in a large, high-volume hospital system gave him extensive experience managing trauma and complex disease, skills he now brings to Neshoba General.
When asked what attracted him to Neshoba General, Dr. Marks said he appreciated the hospital’s proactive approach to recruitment and the opportunity to serve in a smaller, community-focused setting. “I plan to offer thorough and high-quality care as part of the already great team here,” he said, “More importantly, I want to be known for listening to patients and explaining everything in everyday terms.”
Family is at the center of Dr. Marks’ life. He and his wife, Sherilyn, have been married for nearly 16 years and are the proud parents of four daughters, ages 15, 10, 9, and 5. The family also has a Malti-poo named Chino, short for Cappuccino.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Marks is active in his church, The Exchange in Pearl, where he plays keyboard on the worship team and leads the medical team. He also enjoys fishing, jogging, working out, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. In addition, he participates in regular international medical mission trips, providing free care to underserved populations. “I love Mississippi and consider it my long-term home,” Dr. Marks shared. “I have no plans to move elsewhere.”
When it comes to unwinding after a busy day, Dr. Marks often takes advantage of his commute home to listen to music or podcasts before enjoying dinner and family time. “A good meal and maybe a family movie, if it’s not a school night, is a perfect way to relax,” he said.
Dr. Marks credits his faith as the guiding principle in his life and career. “I’m a follower of Jesus, and I believe He wants us to love one another,” he said. “That belief has shaped much of what I have chosen to do, including my work in medicine and on mission trips. I am not perfect by any means, but I try to live like Jesus every day.”
Neshoba General is proud to welcome Dr. Marks and looks forward to the dedication, skill, and compassion he brings while caring for patients in the community.