While growing up in the Strong Community, Dr. Frank Tucker had career aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. However, that changed once he moved away from the small community located near Aberdeen and West Point.
"I left the country and moved to town. I still was interested in science and medicine, so it just evolved around being a medical doctor rather than a veterinarian," said Tucker, who is staff liaison officer and surgical hospitalist at Riley Hospital.
It was a decision that he has not regretted.
"Every day of my life in medicine I've looked forward to going to work," said Tucker, who began his medical career in Meridian in 1966 and has no intentions of retiring anytime soon.
"When I get to the point where I don't look forward to it (work), I'll quit," he said.
After receiving his undergraduate degree from Millsaps College, Tucker continued his studies at the University of Mississippi Medical School. He completed an internship and four years of surgical training at University Hospital.
Tucker moved to Meridian and specialized in general surgery at Medical Arts Surgical Group, a practice he shared with Drs. Bill Thornton and Richard Riley. In 2006, he left the group and began work at Riley.
As staff liaison, Tucker handles matters between hospital staff and administration. His duties as surgical hospitalist involves handling surgical problems in the hospital on a consultation basis.
Tucker said many changes have occurred during his four decades in medicine, however meeting people is the most enjoyable aspect of his job as well as the satisfaction of doing good. He proudly notes that he and Medicare are the same age in medicine.
"Medicare started July 1, 1966, and I did, too, in Meridian," he said.
His words of wisdom to others considering a career in medicine: "If you want to work for the government, then do it. Otherwise, stay out of it."
Away from the hospital, Tucker is an equestrian enthusiast, saying he has "fooled with horses all my life – I've raced them, ridden them and jumped them." He also enjoys flying. Tucker and his wife of 45 years, Ricki, have three sons – Trey, Judd and Ricks – and six grandchildren.
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Dr. Frank Tucker never tires of serving others
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