AMERICUS — Dr. Malcolm Floyd’s medical practice, Phoebe Sumter Family Medicine Associates, opened Wednesday at 101-B Mayo Street in Americus. The practice is alongside the practice of Dr. Michael Raines.

A native of Albany, Floyd graduated from Albany High School and completed his undergraduate studies in Morehouse University in Atlanta. He then studied at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, where he earned his medical degree. Floyd has also served as chief resident at Phoebe Putney Hospital.

When asked what lead him toward pursuing a career in the medical field, Floyd confessed that his mother, Ella Floyd, is the main reason why he became interested in the field. His mother was a home health nurse for 25 years, and then worked with care management at Phoebe Putney Hospital in Albany. Floyd said he remembers going to see his mother’s patients in the 1980s, before the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) came into effect.

“I emulate that from my mom. She arranged for me to meet and shadow physicians,” Floyd said.

Floyd has shadowed Family Medicine Practitioner Isolene Williams and Hemotology/Oncology Practitioner Jose Tongol in Albany, and he remains in contact with his mentors, with whom he speaks on a monthly basis.

“They still give me advice and encouragement,” Floyd said. “The mentor that I talk to on a daily basis is my mother.”

Floyd is a State Medical Education Board Scholarship recipient, which requires service in an underserved area. As he explained, an underserved area means the area has a population below 35,000 people.

“This applies to Worth and Lee counties,” Floyd said. “Physicians in Albany told me about the need in Americus.”

Floyd said, “I hope to educate people about their health. I want them to be more excited about taking an active role in being healthy. I want them to be more comfortable seeing a doctor for health maintenance issues, rather than just being sick. If the patient and doctors are more conscious about this together, I think it will become more routine.

“I’m really into any sports-related event. My favorite time of the year is coming up — fall season. And I love music. My wife and I love any genre of music.”

Floyd’s wife, Kemberley, is a pharmacist at U-Save-It pharmacy in Albany.

“We’re also movie buffs,” Dr. Floyd added, smiling.

He and Kemberley have a son, Malcolm Gregory Floyd III, whom they call Trey. Trey is 7 months old.

“I would love for any aspiring doctors to come shadow me,” said Floyd. “I believe early exposure is critical for high school students, college students, whomever. And also, if anyone needs me to come out to the schools and talk about medicine, I’d be happy to do that, as well.”

Floyd is now accepting appointments for his practice.

“We see everyone — children and adults. We are open all day Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and half a day on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.”