Slowly moving his hunting rifle upward, Dr. Brent Whiddon adjusts his camouflage garb as he squints his eye through the scope to properly find his target, while his three sons watch excitedly. To Vaughan Regional Medical Center’s newest OB/GYN addition, nothing is better than the outdoors

“I enjoy the outdoors,” Whiddon said. “I try to hunt as much as I can … during Christmas … turkey season. It’s more a way of life than recreation. I would rather be among the trees and outdoors than on concrete.”

When not admiring his prized buck or gearing up for hunting season, Whiddon trades in his rifle for a stethoscope and white coat. Whidden’s practice, Selma Women’s Health, will open Aug. 1.

“I enjoy what I do … I love every minute of it,” Whiddon said. “I get to be a special part of someone’s life. If you’re going to be up until 3 a.m., there’s nothing greater than delivering a baby.

“To do that for a living, there’s nothing like it.”

Whiddon completed his medical training at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and his OB/GYN residency at the University of Texas. He is also a former Selma firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT).  For Whiddon and his wife of 12 years, Olivia, Selma is home.

“My wife is from Selma … we just love Selma,” Whiddon said. “It’s the place we wanted to raise our children. We like the small town.”

Whiddon said his desire is to offer the same quality healthcare found in other major cities.

“The Vaughan has done a good job in getting quality physicians that could’ve been anywhere — giving care in Birmingham or wherever but decided to give back to their hometowns,” Whiddon said. “Why go to Birmingham when you don’t need to, when you can get the same care here?

“There’s nothing like having care in your hometown,” Whiddon said. “Our goal is to give women in Selma and Dallas County the confidence in us that you will get that same care. You shouldn’t have to leave home to be comfortable in the care you’re getting.”

Vaughan director of community relations Merrill B. South said the hospital is pleased to have Whiddon join its team.

“Dr. Whiddon will be an asset to Vaughan’s medical family as well as the Selma and West Central Alabama communities,” South said. “As with all of our medical staff, Dr. Whiddon takes great pride in providing quality patient care …  He is eager to be a part of Vaughan’s mission to make our community a healthier place.”

Selma Women’s Health is located on the third floor of the Vaughan Medical Tower, suite 301. Opened Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Whiddon’s office is currently accepting appointments.