Dr. Mary Alissa Willis, MD

Expert Publications

• Melanocortin-4 receptor-deficient mice are not hypertensive or salt-sensitive despite obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperleptinemia.
• Fingolimod therapy for multiple sclerosis.
• Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome associated with interferon beta-1a use for multiple sclerosis.
• Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
• Neurosarcoidosis.
• Acute monocular vision loss: Don't lose sight of the differential.

Media Releases

Get to know Neurologist Dr. Mary Alissa Willis, who serves patients in Jackson, Mississippi.

A prominent neurologist, Dr. Willis serves as Associate Professor and Chair of Neurology at The University of Mississippi Medical Center. Her specific areas of interest include medical education, spasticity management, and comprehensive care of the MS patient.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), located in Jackson, is the state’s only academic health science center. UMMC includes seven health science schools: medicine, nursing, dentistry, health related professions, graduate studies, population health, and pharmacy. Its three-part mission is to improve the lives of Mississippians by educating tomorrow’s health care professionals, by conducting health sciences research, and by providing cutting-edge patient care.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Willis graduated with her medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, and completed her internship and residency in neurology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Finally, she completed her fellowship in clinical neuroimmunology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

As a testament of her continued education, the doctor is board-certified in neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, which is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting high-quality patient care for the public through the initial and continuing certification of psychiatrists and neurologists.

Maintaining fellowship status, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, and Fellow of the American Neurological Association. She is also an active member of the American College of Physicians, and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Neurologists are licensed medical specialists who diagnose and treat disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles of patients. They examine a patient’s mental and physical status, conduct medical tests and scans, and evaluate the results to diagnose and treat the patient.

Among her various accolades, Dr. Willis has been the recipient of the Excellence in Neurology Award (2019), A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award (2018), Staff Teacher of the Year Award (2015), Neurology Resident of the Year Award (2011), Alpha Omega Alpha Resident teacher of the Year (2011), Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, Gold Foundation (2010, 2011), Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology (2007), Neuroscience Critical Care Achievement Award (2007), and Waller S. Leathers Award (summa cum laude) (2007).

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