Dr. Steve Threlkeld: From a Family Legacy in Osteopathic Medicine to Leading Infectious Disease Care
Dr. Steve Threlkeld is known for his infectious disease expertise, and became the go-to source for information on COVID-19 when the global COVID pandemic started in 2020. He is the medical director of infectious diseases for Baptist Memorial Health Care and president of the medical staff at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. He graduated magna cum laude from Rhodes College in Memphis, then earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham in 1990. He completed his post-graduate training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Threlkeld was board certified in infectious disease in 1997 and became a managing member of Threlkeld Infectious Diseases with his brother Mike.
Threlkeld has a long and impressive medical legacy, coming from two generations of doctors of osteopathic medicine. His grandfather opened a doctor’s office on the mezzanine of the Peabody Hotel in 1925 after returning to Memphis after completing his medical training in Chicago. His office was the first place to open for business in the historic hotel.
Those familiar with the Peabody Hotel in Memphis know of the famous duck march that takes place in the lobby twice a day. Dr. Threlkeld recalls a story from his grandfather where he was leaving work late on Saturday evening when he crossed paths with a local Chevrolet dealer and the assistant manager of the hotel — both of whom were holding their live duck decoys after a long day of duck hunting. As a joke, his grandfather said these hunters left their ducks in the lobby fountain that night. When they revisited the lobby in the morning, hotel guests were enjoying the ducks so much the hotel decided to leave them and make them the permanent fixture that we know and love today.
Threlkeld’s father joined his grandfather to practice medicine in the Peabody Hotel in 1954, and they remained in practice there until the 1960s. He credits his father for showing him the importance of positive doctor and patient relationships.
“Dad always had a good-natured humility about him, but at the same time, a commanding presence that really made sick people feel more confident and hopeful,” said Threlkeld. “He certainly had a big influence on my brother and me in our decision to practice medicine.”
Threlkeld looks forward to the opportunities Baptist College of Osteopathic Medicine will provide for not only prospective students, but also for the region. Providing students the opportunity to gain primary care experience while working with a large patient base will let students gain extensive experience while increasing access to quality health care in the Mid-South.
