Dr. Joe H. Gay achieves American Board of Internal Medicine milestone
Dr. Joe H. Gay
Over 30 years ABIM specialty certification
December 29, 2025, Marianna, FL. Dr. Joe H. Gay was recently recognized by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) for over 30 years certified in the specialty and may now use the 30-year designation. He has held ABIM certification since 1990.
Furman S. McDonald, MD, MPH, President and CEO of the American Board of Internal Medicine and ABIM Foundation and Professor of Medicine said in his December letter to Dr. Gay, “This year marks 35 years of you being certified by ABIM. To stay certified throughout your career, and to continue to maintain board certification today, demonstrates your commitment to staying current with the knowledge, skills and judgment essential for excellent patient care. And to do this for over 30 years is a remarkable accomplishment.”
In 1990, Dr. Gay opened Chipola Medical Associates a private, Adult Internal Medicine practice after completing his Residency and returning home. His contributions to the medical community include maintaining privileges on the Jackson Hospital Medical Staff on which he served as both Chief of Medicine and Chief of Staff. He says, “It is inspiring to work with fine physicians and other clinical staff who are devoted to rural healthcare and this community.”
He was an early supporter of the initiative between Jackson Hospital and The Florida State University’s School of Medicine in their development of a Rural Health Care training site and served along with Jackson Hospital Medical Staff on faculty as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine precepting third-year medical students.
Dr. Gay served as member at-large of the Jackson Hospital Board of Trustees for over 20 years and was Chairman of the Board from 1999 to 2001. He says, “Working with these community leaders over the years has helped advance Jackson Hospital’s medical outreach and innovate its technology and services.” A key initiative important to him was the Medical Student Stipend program aimed at recruiting local students pursuing medicine to return to the area to practice.
Dr. Gay is a graduate of Marianna High School, a Marine Corps Veteran, and the recipient of undergraduate degrees from the University of South Florida and the University of Oklahoma. His post-graduate studies include a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Barry University in Miami, FL, and an M.D. degree from the University of Miami (FL) School of Medicine. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at the University of North Carolina.
In addition to his private practice at 4215 Kelson Avenue, Suite E, Marianna, Dr. Gay is the Medical Director for Emerald Coast Hospice and Centerwell Home Health.