Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 04:34 PM

More Than Medicine: Dr. Paul Megehee

Dr. Megehee, an OB-GYN with a long-standing love of the outdoors, is the perfect first feature in our More Than Medicine blog series—a look at the lives and passions of our medical staff beyond the hospital halls.

At first glance, you might see Dr. Paul Megehee in a set of green scrubs delivering babies or consulting with patients at Marshall Medical North. But on the weekends, you’re more likely to find him swapping his stethoscope for a pair of hiking boots—or a hunting rifle.

Off the Clock: A Life Outdoors

“If it’s wintertime, I try to spend all the time outdoors—hunting, hiking, or watching football,” he says.

In the warmer months, he trades camo for sunscreen and enjoys time on the lake. But if there’s one thing that truly lights him up, it’s hunting—especially for elk out West.

“I usually try to go out West every year and hunt elk,” he says. “I’ve been hunting the same area in Wyoming since 2001. The first time I was out there I saw a moose and asked our guide if people hunt those. He said, ‘Well yeah—but it takes a long time to draw a tag.’ So I started applying every year.”

This past year, after 23 years of waiting, he finally drew a coveted Wyoming moose tag.

“Moose season runs from the end of September through October, and in those three days I covered over 40 miles on horseback. I saw about 25 moose total and got one at the end of the third day. It was amazing—and with the same group of guys I’ve hunted with for years. That made it even more special.”

From Farmer Meghee to Doctor Megehee

Dr. Megehee grew up on a farm and says if he weren’t a doctor, he’d probably be a farmer.

“It’s a very rewarding type of life, but it’s a hard way to make a living. You’re always at the mercy of the weather.”

His humble beginnings led him to an Air Force scholarship for medical school. After completing a civilian residency, he served three years of active duty in the Air Force—most of it loaned to the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia.

“We weren’t independently wealthy,” he explains. “That scholarship made everything possible.”

After finishing his military service, Dr. Megehee began practicing in Scottsboro and spent 18 years there. But during that time, he began picking up occasional weekends at Marshall Medical Centers.

“I really liked the hospital and the system,” he said. “When a full-time opportunity opened up, I knew I wanted to take it.”

Life at Home

Dr. Megehee and his wife Leasha raised three children: their son, now a second-year Family Medicine resident in Huntsville; their middle daughter, a nurse in Nashville; and their youngest daughter, an industrial engineer at JB Hunt in Arkansas.

This past year brought a new and joyful title to his name: Grandfather.

“My granddaughter is 9 months old now,” he says with a smile. “She is so much fun. Almost as much fun as hunting!”

His son and daughter-in-law live in Huntsville, so the visits are frequent and cherished.

At home, the Megehee family also includes two cats, Bear and Luna—rescued as kittens from a patient whose cat had a litter.

“We’ve had them since they were eight weeks old.”

Comfort Food & Comfort Shows

When he's not in the woods or with family, Dr. Megehee enjoys winding down with a good show—currently watching Tracker, but he’s also a fan of reruns of NCIS. And when it comes to comfort food?

“A cheeseburger and fries,” he says without hesitation. “Fire by the Lake and Buffalo Wild Wings have the best.”

Lessons Beyond the Hospital

One of the biggest lessons he’s learned outside the hospital? “If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Doesn’t matter if it’s going to inconvenience you. If you committed to it, you’ve got to follow through.”

That philosophy shows up everywhere in his life—from the patients he cares for, to the mountains he’s climbed, and the family he treasures.

More Than Medicine is proud to share stories like Dr. Megehee’s—where life is lived fully both in and out of the exam room. Because here at Marshall Medical Centers, we know that our caregivers are just as remarkable in their hiking boots as they are in their scrubs.