Get to know Dr. F. Clarke Holmes
Please discuss your path since graduation and career goals at this point.
I am a practicing physician with a specialty in orthopedics and sports medicine. I served as a professor in two academic medical centers—the University of Mississippi in Jackson and Georgetown University in Washington, DC, before I opened a sports medicine private practice in Nashville. Patients from several surrounding states seek my opinion, and it is a privilege to care for individuals, both athletes and non-athletes, with a variety of medical conditions. Ole Miss prepared me well indeed, both academically and socially, to succeed in the medical profession.
How, when, and why did you decide to study biology?
I decided to pursue a degree in biology at the beginning of my undergraduate experience. I had intentions of attending medical school from the age of 15, and I felt that a biology degree would prepare me well for a career in medicine.
How did your experience at Ole Miss help shape your interests and future career path?
Ole Miss is a special place for me. My undergraduate experience was marked by the development of deep friendships, fantastic memories, and a challenging and rewarding academic curriculum. I distinctly recall studying long and consistent hours, particularly Sunday through Thursday, but then making time for social life once my work was done and on the weekends. I was named “Marshall” of the College of Liberal Arts at commencement, finishing with a 4.0 GPA. Upon graduation, I headed immediately to medical school at where I graduated magna cum laude. This was followed by a residency in Florida and a fellowship in Indiana.