CORRECTION: Dr. Jeansonne is not the only pediatrician in the Poplarville area

About a month ago, the Pearl River County Hospital reached out to pediatricians at the Children’s International Medical Group seeking a doctor to work twice a week at their family clinic. That is when Dr. Cornel “Dr. J” Jeansonne immediately agreed to the opportunity. Before Jeansonne accepted the offer, the hospital did not have any pediatricians on staff.

Jeansonne grew up in Bunkie, La., raised by parents who stressed the importance of education.

“I was the first person in my family to go to college,” Jeansonne said. “I did well throughout high school because of my parents’ influence. I knew I always wanted to go to college and I am blessed to have had the opportunity.”

Prior to attending college, Jeansonne experienced an unusual circumstance.

“My sister was born prematurely when I was a senior in high school. When she was in intensive care for several weeks, it got me really interested in the pediatric field,” Jeansonne said. “After seeing them help my sister I knew I wanted to do the same thing for other children in need.”

Jeansonne went to Louisiana State University and then graduated from medical school in 1977. Three years later, he finished his residency.

Once he was ready to become a pediatrian, he went into the Air Force for three years in Loring, Ma., which is where he was a pediatrician on the Air Force base.

After Hurricane Katrina hit, Jeansonne moved on to join Children’s International Medical Group in Slidell, which is where he works today.

Now, the Picayune resident works there and twice a week at the Pearl River Family Clinic in Poplarville on Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the family clinic.

Jeansonne recently visited a couple of the Poplarville School District’s nurses.

“I had the pleasure of meeting all the school nurses around the area and told them that if they have any questions or if they need anything at all to call me. I want to let the community know that I am here for any pediatric needs,” Jeansonne said.

The Pear River Family Clinic will be changing its hours soon. Starting Oct. 3 on every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, the clinic’s extended hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The clinic will be open Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Pearl River Family Clinic is located at 302 Highway 11 South in Poplarville.