Wayne P. Cockrell, Jr, MD

With a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Wayne P. Cockrell, Jr., M.D., is bringing his extensive medical knowledge to the National Spine and Pain Centers beginning in spring 2025.

He began his higher education career earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He completed a family practice internship at The University of South Alabama Medical Center and an anesthesiology residency at the Medical College of Georgia.

For 16 years, Dr. Cockrell was a part of a general anesthesia practice in Mobile, AL, where he served as president, a member of the board of directors, and medical director of their mobile surgery center. He later worked for six years at a general anesthesia practice in Jackson, MS, where he also served on its board of directors. For the past two decades, he has focused his career on interventional pain management, including working at a practice in Mississippi for four years, as an independent contractor in Alabama for a year, and at a clinic in Alabama for more than 15 years.

Dr. Cockrell is excited to be joining the National Spine and Pain Centers network, as he can work with physician partners to provide a comprehensive approach for his patients.

He was first drawn to anesthesiology and pain management specialty through a desire to interact with patients and be a part of their journey to improve their quality of life as well as their functional performance. “My father was a well-respected physician in the Mobile (AL) area, and I followed in his footsteps,” he said. “Becoming a physician and caring well for patients has always been my life goal.”

Advancements in spinal cord stimulation have him eager for the future of pain management. When putting together a treatment care plan, Dr. Cockrell enters into a physician/patient partnership that is patient-centered and focused. The part of his job that he enjoys the most is helping patients maintain optimal functionality and quality of life.

When not seeing patients, Dr. Cockrell is on the golf course playing a round, as well as spending time with his family.