Board grants license waiver, approves consent order, issues subpoenas and multiple continuances

The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure approved several licensure and enforcement actions during its meeting, including a waiver granting an unrestricted Mississippi license to a radiation oncologist, adoption of a consent order for a physician with prior neurologic illness, issuance of two investigative subpoenas, and continuances in multiple disciplinary matters.

The board considered an appeal from Dr. Ishwara Kumar Mundra, a radiation oncologist practicing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center who held a limited institutional license and sought a waiver to obtain a permanent unrestricted Mississippi license. Counsel for Dr. Mundra, Doug Mercier, told the board that Dr. Mundra had become board certified by the American Board of Radiology and had obtained unrestricted licenses in Florida and Connecticut since the executive committee's earlier denial. Dr. Mundra described his clinical roles and tenure at UMMC: "At present, I am working at University of Mississippi Medical Center as an assistant professor and program director for the radiation oncology department," he said, summarizing his fellowship, faculty appointments and ABR certification.

Board counsel and staff explained the waiver standard (part 26.05 chapter 1, rule 1.2): to be considered for a waiver an applicant must graduate from an approved medical school, hold a current unrestricted license in another state and demonstrate at least three years of clinical experience; after evaluating those factors the board may in its discretion grant a waiver. After discussion the board voted to grant Dr. Mundra's waiver and approve an unrestricted Mississippi license.

The board also considered a proposed consent order for Dr. John Keith McKelvey, who previously contracted meningitis and subsequently limited his scope of practice. Dr. McKelvey testified that after his illness he completed additional testing and proctored practice but ultimately limited his clinical focus to occupational medicine. He told the board he had no complaints in his years practicing under the self‑limitations. The board voted to approve the consent order, which formalizes practice restrictions and monitoring conditions described in the consent document.

In executive session the board authorized two investigative subpoenas (designated 2026‑22 and another subpoena) and approved continuances in multiple disciplinary or licensure hearings: Dr. Maxey Gordon (first continuance), Dr. Mary Jacobson (second continuance), Dr. Joel Durinka (first continuance) and Dr. Ardarian de Riz Gilliam Pierre (second continuance). Board staff represented that new counsel, medical conditions or other procedural factors justified the continuances and that hearings were rescheduled to the November meeting cycle.

Votes at a glance - Dr. Ishwara Kumar Mundra — motion to grant waiver and issue permanent unrestricted Mississippi medical license: approved (unanimous roll call). The board relied on rule 1.2 eligibility factors and the applicant's current unrestricted licenses in other states. - Dr. John Keith McKelvey — consent order approving practice limitations to occupational medicine: approved (unanimous). - Investigative subpoenas — two subpoenas authorized (executive session): approved. - Continuances — motions to grant continuances for Maxey Gordon, Mary Jacobson, Joel Durinka and Ardarian Pierre: approved.

Board staff said granting the waiver does not eliminate monitoring authority; all licenses remain subject to the board's investigative and disciplinary processes.