The Myrlie Evers Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities has named Dr. Nora Gough-Davis ('99), fa as its 2018 Rural Health Champion.
Gough-Davis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from Mississippi Valley State University in 1999 and was as the valedictorian for the graduating class. She continued on to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Delta State University.
Gough-Davis opened her own family practice clinic in Shaw in 2012 where she supervises four nurse practitioners. She also oversees Gough Family Medical in Drew.
According to Gina Hamilton, program administrator with the Myrlie Evers Williams Institute, the Rural Health Champion Award goes to an unsung hero, who makes significant contributions in the promotion of physical activity in a rural population.
Gough-Davis, she said, was nominated for the Rural Health Champion award by a patient in Drew.
“Through her dedicated contribution of time and effort to the health of the Shaw community, Dr. Nora Gough-Davis is a perfect example that one individual can make a difference,” Hamilton said.
Gough-Davis has partnered with a local fitness trainer in Shaw to provide individual physical activity regimens for patients of all ages who are obese and with a counseling service to provide on-site counseling for behavioral and mental health issues stemming from poor health.
“By providing individual physical activity regimens and other unique on-site services for youth and adults at her family practice clinic, Dr. Gough-Davis goes above and beyond quality primary care for her patients,” added Hamilton.
Gough-Davis, who holds a doctor of nursing practice degree, opened her own family practice clinic in Shaw in 2012 and supervises four nurse practitioners at her clinic.
She also is owner of Gough’s Family Medical Clinic in Drew, a business created by her father, the late Dr. Walter C. Gough.
Gough-Davis said she was inspired by her father to pursue nursing and dedicates her award to her father, as well as her mother, Mae Gough, who she cites as the real champions.
Gough-Davis said she is dedicated to improving health care for patients in the Delta and will continue to show compassion for their needs.
“I will continue to plans to continue to make efforts to improve the quality of healthcare delivery in the Delta, which would include recruiting more primary care providers to coordinate programs that educate patients on ways to improve their health,” said Gough-Davis.