For nearly four decades, Dr. Charles “Chuck” Borum has dedicated his career to caring for patients throughout the Miss-Lou. This summer marks 40 years since he opened Borum Family Health Clinic, where he continues to provide comprehensive family medicine to generations of local families.
A Natchez native, Dr. Borum earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi before completing his residency training in Oklahoma. He is board-certified in both Family Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Care. Alongside a team that includes two nurse practitioners, a physician assistant, an RN, and an LPN, Dr. Borum continues to serve patients with a focus on compassionate, personalized care.
In addition to family medicine, Dr. Borum has spent nearly 20 years working with hospice patients through Compassus Hospice. His passion for hospice care stems from a belief that when a cure is no longer possible, patients deserve comfort, dignity, and the highest possible quality of life.
“Many people misunderstand what hospice really is,” Dr. Borum said. “Some think hospice means giving up, but that’s simply not true. In many cases, patients actually live longer and experience a better quality of life with hospice services. One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting too long to call.”
To help families determine whether hospice may be appropriate, Dr. Borum often asks a simple question: Would it be surprising if this person passed away within the next six months? If the answer is no, it may be time to consider shifting the focus from aggressive treatments to comfort-centered care.
He often compares hospice support to childbirth.
“When a baby is born, families rely on trained professionals to help guide them through that experience,” he explained. “Hospice provides that same kind of guidance and support during life’s final chapter.”
Hospice care extends far beyond medical treatment. Services often include skilled nursing care, pain and symptom management, emotional support, medical equipment, medications, and everyday necessities such as wound care supplies, pads, and other essential items that help patients remain comfortable at home.
Dr. Borum also encourages families to have honest conversations about end-of-life wishes long before a medical crisis occurs.
“It’s important to discuss these things with your loved ones,” he said. “Make sure they understand your wishes and know how to advocate for you if you’re unable to speak for yourself.”
These conversations may include decisions regarding advance directives, living wills, and Do Not Resuscitate orders—what Dr. Borum often prefers to describe as allowing a natural death with comfort and dignity.
After years of caring for patients and their families, Dr. Borum believes that open discussions about death are just as important as conversations about birth.
“Life includes both beginnings and endings,” he said. “Both deserve compassion, preparation, and support.”
For those considering hospice services, Dr. Borum recommends speaking with a trusted primary care provider and researching local hospice agencies. Families should ask about the agency’s experience, physician leadership, and the availability of local support services.
Borum Family Health Clinic, located in Natchez, continues to work closely with hospice providers throughout the region to help patients and families navigate some of life’s most challenging moments with compassion, dignity, and care.
For more information about Borum Family Health Clinic, visit borumfamilyhealth.com.
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