Lee McCallum, M.D., was born in Jackson, Tennessee and raised in Henderson, Tennessee. He received his B.S. degree from Rhodes College in Memphis. After performing bladder cancer research for two years in Memphis with a nationally known urologist, he completed his medical training at the University of Tennessee, Memphis.

Dr. McCallum attended the Family Medicine Residency program in Jackson, Tennessee and is board certified by The American Board of Family Practice. He has practiced with The Family Physicians Group, P.C. since July of 1988. He enjoys golf and spending time with his family.

Role model? My father, Oscar McCallum, who practiced family medicine for over forty two years.

What motivates you? A sense of accomplishment, hard work, making a difference in my patients’ lives.

If you were not a doctor? I truly do not know. I have known from an early age that medicine would be        my career choice.

What is the most exciting medical breakthrough you’ve witnessed in your career? The many landmark trials research has given us and the tremendous impact on healthcare – healthier patients, longer life spans.

How do you maintain a work/life balance? Being a member of The Family Physicians’ Group with       multiple providers allows me the ability to enjoy more time at home with my family, because we share evening and weekend call.  Technology, such as beepers and cell phones, also plays an important role, allowing me to attend more family functions.

What is your greatest accomplishment? My two children, Michael and Mark

What is your favorite quote? Illegitimi Non Carborundum, a Latin phrase, which loosely translated means “Don’t let life’s stressful times get you down”.

Where do you see your specialty in 10 years? Back where it started – “nuts and bolts” medicine, coordination of care, taking care of patients on a daily basis, not necessarily ordering numerous tests.

My patients… know I care.

How do you actively support the community? My associates and I treat hundreds of Church Health Center patients yearly and we help teach medical students at our office. Personally, I also donate to various local charitable organizations.

Good health advice? Obesity is a major problem in our society today.  It is a risk factor for many diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.  The key to weight loss is not diet.  It is eating sensibly and exercise.  I advise my patients to try some form of cardio exercise 30 to 60 minutes, five to seven days a week.