This year, AMP readers selected 85 health-care professionals and institutions across the state to be recognized as Champions of Health Care in 17 categories ranging from physicians and RNs to rural hospitals and allied health-care providers. As they continue to work the front line to help keep us all safe, we salute these true Champions of Health Care.
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
Fort Smith
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) is a not-for-profit institution located on 500-plus acres in Fort Smith. ACHE is fulfilling its mission of educating future healthcare professionals through its programs: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM), Master of Science in Biomedicine (MSB), Master of Public Health (MPH), School of Physical Therapy (ACHE PT), and the School of Occupational Therapy (ACHE OT). The ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center (RIHWC) just celebrated the opening of the first floor in the 317,000 square foot facility.
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Chris Blackmon
Blackmon Chiropractic
Amanda Bledsoe
Bledsoe Chiropractic
William F. Hefley, MD
Arkansas Surgical Hospital
Arkansas Surgical Hospital was founded in 2005 by surgeons seeking a more direct and rewarding experience for their patients. The hospital continues to be physician-owned, meaning surgeons are the decision-makers. Champion William F. Hefley Jr., an orthopedic surgeon and physician owner, specializes in minimally invasive surgeries of the knee, hip and shoulder, including arthroscopic and joint-replacement procedures. Hefley has led clinical research trials and served on design teams that help develop new implants for hip and knee replacements.
Derek Lagemann, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT
Physical Therapy Institute
Physical Therapy Institute (PTI) is a growing private practice with five locations throughout central Arkansas, providing physical, occupational and speech therapy. Its goal is to provide the highest quality rehab services through hands-on care and medical exercise training, educate the patient on their specific pathology, and provide the patient with lifelong self-management.
Rob Tillman
Ortho Rehab & Specialty Centers
Kevin Burton
Unity Health-Jacksonville
Kevin Burton serves at Unity Health–Jacksonville as administrator, where he leads with integrity and shares his expertise, experience and encouragement. Burton holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harding University. As a leader, Burton believes it is vital to learn how to listen, serve and value others. Burton is a thoughtful leader with a passion for serving the Jacksonville community and providing the best in health care.
Carson Coplen
Cornerstone Clinic for Women
Rebekah Fincher
Conway Regional
As chief administrative officer, Rebekah Fincher is responsible for strategy, growth and business development for Conway Regional Health System. In her role, Fincher provides executive oversight of the organization’s physician enterprise including clinic sites, medical staff affairs, physician relations and recruitment, corporate health services and marketing and public relations. Fincher received her undergraduate degrees in political science and public relations from the University of Central Arkansas and holds a master’s degree from University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Brian Fowler
Arkansas Surgical Hospital
Arkansas Surgical Hospital CEO Brian Fowler champions healthcare by ensuring staff and physicians are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to address the unique needs of every patient and their families. Fowler, along with the hospital’s surgeons and the leadership team, is focused on providing Arkansans with state-of-the-art orthopedic and spine procedures in a caring and compassionate environment. Under Fowler’s leadership, ASH continues to rank in the top 95th percentile for patient experience.
Mike Perkins
Baptist Health Medical Center
Mike Perkins is president of Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock. He has additional oversight for Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute (BHRI), Baptist Health Extended Care Hospital (BHECH) and Baptist Health College Little Rock. Since joining Baptist Health more than 30 years ago, Perkins has served in various titles including president of Baptist Health Medical Center-North Little Rock; vice president and administrator of BHRI; and vice president and administrator of BHECH.
Shane Frazier
Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System
Located in Little Rock, Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare brings hope and healing to children and adolescents by providing compassionate care to positively impact their emotional and behavioral health. Champion Shane Frazier, CEO, said the organization holds high expectations for employees, patients and families to ensure patients’ needs are met, that patients believe in their potential for success and that families are supported in a way that allows patients to thrive.
Adam Head
CARTI
As president and CEO, Adam Head has been instrumental in guiding CARTI to achieve its vision of being “the cancer treatment destination.” Under his leadership, the not-for-profit provider has grown to 18 treatment locations across the state and recently opened Arkansas’ first dedicated cancer surgery center. Today, CARTI offers leading-edge medical, radiation and surgical oncology, interventional radiology and specialty services, including audiology, breast care, cancer genetics and risk management, dental care, imaging, urology and more.
Gary Paxson, FACHE, RN, BSN, MS
White River Health
Gary Paxson, RN, BSN, MS, FACHE, is the president and CEO for White River Health in Batesville. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the Board of the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care and the Arkansas Hospital Association. He is also a member of the Lyon College Board of Visitors, where he serves as chair of the Finance Committee. He also sits on the Arkansas Health Executives Forum board.
Michael Stewart
Saline Memorial
Michael Stewart has served as CEO of Saline Health System since 2018. Prior to joining Saline Health System, Stewart had been CEO of Navarro Regional Hospital in Corsicana, Texas, since 2014. Stewart previously served as COO and administrator for Northwest Health System in Springdale and spent seven years in various hospital leadership roles in California and Florida.
Brian Thomas
Jefferson Regional
As the health care industry continues to evolve, so does Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff. In the last two years, an all-inclusive cancer center has opened, three new robots have been added to the surgical department, several new clinics have been launched and construction began on a free-standing behavioral health and rehabilitation hospital. South Arkansas has never had more comprehensive medical care available. Champion Brian Thomas serves as president and CEO of Jefferson Regional.
Troy Wells
Baptist Health
Troy Wells has been president and CEO of Baptist Health since June 2014. Prior to that, he served as senior vice president of administrative services for the Baptist Health system. Wells also previously served as CEO of the Arkansas Health Group and vice president of Practice Plus, which are divisions of Baptist Health that specialize in physician staffing within the system and the management of affiliated physician clinics. Wells earned a master’s degree in health-services administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Arkansas Urology
Conway Regional
Established in 1921, Conway Regional Health System provides complete health care services to the growing communities of north-central Arkansas. Conway Regional operates 17 specialty-care medical clinics; 9 primary-care clinics; 3 locations dedicated to after hours and emergency care; 4 locations providing imaging and lab services, and 5 rehab and therapy centers.
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center Claude Parrish Cancer Center
Harrison
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center staffs more than 850 employees, including 32 physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses. The Harrison-based Claude Parrish Cancer Center stands as a model health care facility, offering a comprehensive range of services including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hematology, nutritional support, social services and travel aid to patients in the community and surrounding areas.
Unity Health-Cardiology Clinic
Searcy
The Unity Health–Cardiology Clinic provides world-class care, close to home. The award-winning clinic features expert cardiologists who provide treatment and diagnosis for a vast majority of heart and blood vessel conditions, from coronary artery disease to heart failure, irregular heartbeats and high cholesterol. With state-of-the-art technology, this expert cardiology team provides an array of heart health services to patients locally.
Wellness Recovery Medical of Fayetteville
Fayetteville
Arkansas Nurses Foundation
Little Rock
Arkansas Urology Foundation
Little Rock
Blue & You Foundation
Little Rock
The Blue & You Foundation creates a state of better health for all Arkansans by investing in community-based organizations and grantee partners who are committed to improving the lives of the people they serve. By strategically focusing its grant funding on community-based solutions, the foundation hopes to nurture community health leadership, foster collaboration and innovation and leverage financial, human and community resources to produce a measurable, positive impact.
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary
Harrison
The volunteer auxiliary of the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center is a commendable group that provides valuable support to the health care system through a variety of activities ranging from staffing information desks to crafting booties for newborns. Volunteers are also responsible for managing Nightingale’s Gift Shop and their thrift shop, the profits from which benefit the hospital.
Unity Health Volunteer Services
Searcy
As the hospital’s volunteer program, the Unity Health Auxiliary includes local residents who give of their time and talents toward helping Unity Health’s patients and their family members, guests, and associates. Auxiliary members donate thousands of hours of service to the hospital every year by providing assistance to various departments and information desks throughout the hospital among other important projects and duties.
Arkansas Children’s
Arkansas Children’s is the only health care system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas’ more than 700,000 children. The private, non-profit organization includes two pediatric hospitals, a pediatric research institute and USDA nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics and many education and outreach programs — all focused on fulfilling a promise to define and deliver unprecedented child health.
Baptist Health
Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 250 points of access that include 11 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; a graduate residency program; and access to virtual care. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs.
CHI St. Vincent
CHI St. Vincent is a regional health network serving central and southwest Arkansas. It has served the people of these communities since 1888 with a history of many firsts. The CHI St. Vincent networks include primary care, specialty clinics, urgent care, hospitals, home health, rehabilitation and surgery centers. With more than 4,500 employees, 1,000 medical staff members and 500 volunteers, it consistently receives praise for advancements in care.
Conway Regional
Established in 1921, Conway Regional Health System provides complete health care services to the growing communities of north-central Arkansas. In addition to the award-winning Conway Regional Medical Center, the network operates a medical center in Dardanelle. Conway Regional also operates more than 40 clinics, therapy centers, imaging centers and emergency care facilities throughout the region.
Unity Health
Unity Health is an award-winning, Arkansas health care system serving eight counties with four hospitals, 13 family practice clinics and 15 specialties including the Cardiology Clinic, Orthopaedic and Spine Center, Cancer Center and inpatient and outpatient behavioral health and physical rehabilitation. As a leading health care provider, with more than 2,300 associates, 150 specialized physicians and the second largest residency program in the state, Unity Health is serving its communities with expert, compassionate care.
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
Fort Smith
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) is a not-for-profit institution located on 500-plus acres in Fort Smith. ACHE is fulfilling its mission of educating future healthcare professionals through its programs: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM), Master of Science in Biomedicine (MSB), Master of Public Health (MPH), School of Physical Therapy (ACHE PT), and the School of Occupational Therapy (ACHE OT). The ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center (RIHWC) just celebrated the opening of the first floor in the 317,000 square foot facility.
Arkansas SHARE
Little Rock
SHARE, the Arkansas State Health Alliance for Records Exchange, is the statewide health information exchange that securely and efficiently gathers and shares medical records from different health care providers. This allows participating hospitals, doctors, nurses and other health care professionals to better coordinate care and correct potential mistakes, especially in emergencies. SHARE makes the process of sharing health records easier, faster, and more secure than past less secure methods like fax, email or postal mail.
Elder Independence Home Care
Bryant
Superior Senior Care
For more than 38 years, Superior Senior Care has served thousands of families across Arkansas. As the first licensed and nationally accredited caregiver referral service in the state, it has blazed a path by not only providing better care, but also pushing for and attaining higher safety and performance standards in the industry. Superior’s goal is to serve clients and their families the way they need it — safely, dependably and affordably.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock champions health care innovation in Arkansas. In June, UAMS opened the Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital, bringing together orthopedic, spine and pain-management experts under one roof to transform how musculoskeletal health care is provided in Arkansas — and beyond. A month later, UAMS opened a new radiation oncology center with expanded capabilities, including the state’s first proton center, to provide advanced radiation treatments for children and adults with cancer.
CHI St. Vincent
Little Rock
CHI St. Vincent is a regional health network serving central and southwest Arkansas anchored by CHI St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, opened in 1888. It has served the people of these communities since 1888 with a history of many firsts. The CHI St. Vincent networks include primary care, specialty clinics, urgent care, hospitals, home health, rehabilitation and surgery centers. With more than 4,500 employees, 1,000 medical staff members and 500 volunteers, it consistently receives praise for advancements in care.
Conway Regional
Conway
Conway Regional has grown to become one of the state’s largest and most respected hospitals and health care systems. It recently completed its $10 million Growing Together Capital Campaign, which raised funds to expand innovative services and access and recruit new specialists. It also fully funded the expansion of the hospital’s clinical laboratory and a 24-bed intensive care unit at Conway Regional Medical Center.
Unity Health-White County Medical Center
Searcy
Unity Health–White County Medical Center is the largest health care provider in an eight-county area. The 245-bed hospital includes a full array of medical services and provides patients with outstanding, compassionate care. Since 1967, the hospital has consistently expanded and remains the largest employer in the area. With expert physicians and state-of-the-art equipment and procedures, Unity Health-White County Medical Center provides world-class care locally and includes Unity Health Graduate Medical Education.
UAMS Medical Center
Little Rock
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is Arkansas’ only academic health center. In addition to its Little Rock hospital and clinics around the state, UAMS includes five colleges and a graduate school; nine regional campuses, including one in northwest Arkansas; and seven institutes of excellence. UAMS has 538 beds, including 410 adult beds, 30 adult psychiatric beds, 10 pediatric psychiatric beds and 64 bassinets at the medical center and 24 beds at the newly opened Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital.
White River Medical Center
Batesville
Located in the heart of Batesville, White River Medical Center (WRMC) is a 224-bed regional referral center and the flagship facility of White River Health (WRH). WRMC’s growth over the years has included the addition of a multi-story women’s center in 2005, a four-story tower in 2012 and, in 2023, the beginning of an expansion of the White River Health Oncology and Infusion Center to enhance the healing environment. WRMC is a participating hospital of the UAMS Institute of Digital Health & Innovation Stroke Program and is a part of Arkansas’s Trauma System with a Level III designation.
Belvedere Nursing & Rehab
Hot Springs
Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Little Rock
Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at Good Shepherd
Little Rock
A champion of long-term care, the Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at Good Shepherd in Little Rock provides residents with private and semi-private accommodations, as well as full-time transportation to and from medical appointments, a calendar of activities, nutritious meals, and free wireless internet. The facility also offers short-term rehabilitation that helps patients return home by providing nursing and therapy in a comfortable atmosphere.
Unity Health-Advanced Care Hospital of White County
Searcy
Advanced Care Hospital of White County offers compassionate medical treatment for seriously ill patients as they transition from a general hospital setting back to their original residence. This highly trained team serves patients with around-the-clock care, focusing on long-term care needs. A wide variety of treatment options are available specific to each patient including respiratory, post-surgery, in-room dialysis and wound management, as well as occupational, physical and speech therapies among other specialized services.
Presbyterian Village
Little Rock
For more than 50 years, Presbyterian Village has provided comprehensive continuing care for older adults that promotes health, comfort, security and spiritual well-being in a living environment that fosters personal dignity and independence. From independent living to skilled nursing and rehabilitation and everything in between, Presbyterian Village strives to offer a healthy, secure and joyful environment for all residents.
Argenta Counseling
North Little Rock
Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare
Little Rock
A champion of mental health care, Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare in Little Rock provides psychiatric care to individuals ages 5 to 17 who are experiencing emotional and behavioral issues including anxiety, depression, mood swings, grief and high-risk behaviors. The facility offers individualized mental health treatment in a secure and nurturing environment.
Renewal Ranch
Conway
Renewal Ranch is a faith-based residential addiction recovery program for men 21 and older. Founded on the belief that addiction is a spiritually rooted issue, residents are given the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Located on 138 acres near Conway, the program provides men with housing, meals, biblical teaching, counseling, job skills and life skills in order to overcome addiction, reunite with their families and be productive members of society.
The BridgeWay
North Little Rock
Unity Health-Behavioral Health
Searcy
Unity Health–Behavioral Health uses a holistic approach to care for its patients through inpatient and outpatient services. With a team of licensed psychiatrists, licensed mental health counselors, psychiatric nurses, and other specialists, patients are provided with medication management, counseling and therapy services as well as psychological testing for all age groups. Unity Health–Behavioral Health consists of outpatient counseling and inpatient treatment for ages 4 and older, featuring an adolescent unit, adult unit and geriatric unit.
Michelle Boone
Compassion Health and Wellness
Summer Brackett
Arkansas Children’s
Arkansas Children’s is dedicated to making children better today and healthier tomorrow. Safety, teamwork, compassion and excellence are the hospital system’s four core values and inform every decision made at Arkansas Children’s. Summer Brackett, CNP, practices endocrinology at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock and Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale.
Angela Foster
Conway Regional
Angela Foster practices at Conway Regional’s Mayflower Medical Clinic. She was voted among the top three nurse practitioners in Arkansas by readers of AY Magazine in 2020. Her specialty is family medicine. Foster served for more than 30 years in the Army Reserves and Arkansas National Guard, including four deployments. She is a past board president for the Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas, a domestic violence shelter in Conway.
Julia Ponder
VA Central Arkansas Health Care
Nikki Taylor, APRN
Unity Health-Westside Family Medicine
Nikki Taylor, APRN, currently serves at Unity Health–Westside Family Medicine clinic in Searcy and will soon transition to serving patients at Unity Health–Cardiology Clinic. She enjoys listening to her patients’ needs and fulfilling them accordingly. With her kind spirit and compassionate heart, she seeks to improve the health and well-being of her patients daily. Taylor’s patients appreciate the great care she provides.
Amanda Deel, DO
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine-Arkansas
Dr. Amanda Deel is a founding faculty member of the state’s first osteopathic medical school and is passionate about training physician leaders. A native of New Edinburg, Deel joined NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 2015. She serves as associate dean of academic affairs and is a practicing family physician. Deal has played a key role in helping grow graduate medical education in Arkansas and in helping every NYITCOM graduate earn residency placement.
Brian McGee, MD
Arkansas Diagnostic Center
Brian L. McGee was appointed to the Arkansas state medical board in 2022 and is a double board-certified gastroenterologist with a track record of excellence in diagnosing and managing digestive health conditions. Known for his meticulous and patient-centric approach, he specializes in treating disorders of the digestive organs. His dedication to advancing gastroenterology through research and applying cutting-edge treatments helps ensure optimal patient outcomes. McGee remains a valued contributor to the medical community.
Gina McNew, MD
Conway Regional
Gina McNew is a highly experienced internal medicine physician with Conway Regional Medical Center-Vilonia. She graduated from medical school and completed her residency training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She has served as a preceptor for nurse practitioner and physician assistant students from various programs. She currently accepts patients as the outpatient Internal Medical Residency Program Assistant Director at Conway Regional.
Brian Wayne, MD
Little Rock Dermatology Clinic
Anne Browne
Baptist Health Family Clinic-West
Anne Brown sees adults of all ages and children ages 5 to 18. She provides care for a variety of chronic conditions, including allergies, asthma, COPD, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, GI disorders, migraines, anxiety and depression. Brown has a special interest in diabetes, weight management and hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism. Baptist Health Family Clinic-West, located at 6015 Chenonceau Blvd., Suite 140, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Rachel Neal, PA
Conway Regional
Rachel Neal practices at Conway Regional’s Hendrix Medical Clinic on the campus of Hendrix College in Conway. Her specialty is family medicine. Prior to practicing at the Hendrix clinic, Neal had been with the Conway Regional hospitalist program since 2018. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and a degree as a physician assistant from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.
Matt Reynolds
Arkansas Dermatology
A board-certified dermatology physician assistant and Northwest Arkansas native, Matthew Reynolds received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University. He returned to Arkansas to earn a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Reynolds joined Arkansas Dermatology in 2015, where he treats a wide variety of dermatological conditions from psoriasis and acne to atopic dermatitis and skin cancer.
Abby Rice, PA-C
Unity Health-Westside Family Medicine
Abby Rice, PA-C is beloved by her patients for being caring, considerate and compassionate. She embodies the mission of Unity Health: to improve the quality of health and well-being for the communities it serves through compassionate care. Rice serves at Unity Health–Family Practice Associates in Searcy and is an important part of the Unity Health team of providers.
Megan Santiago
Wound Evolution
Ally and Zane Ferguson
Travel Nurses Across America
Founded in 1999, Travel Nurses Across America is one of the fastest growing health care staffing firms in the country. The organization partners with hospitals across the country to provide qualified nursing talent when it is needed. The agency hopes to improve the health care travel industry by providing honesty, transparency and top-notch customer service. Ally and Zane Ferguson of Conway are travel nurses who were voted Champions of Health Care.
Christen Henson
Conway Regional
Christen Henson is the supervisor in the Conway Regional NICU. She received a DAISY award for extraordinary nurses and was nominated by a mother who experienced her exceptional care first-hand. Christen also prioritizes the Arkansas Children’s Hospital alliance to better serve families in Faulkner County and collects birth data on her own initiative to better understand why complications arise and how to prepare for when babies need specialty care.
Paige Kelly, BSN, RN
Wright Plastic Surgery
Jennifer Sellers
Arkansas Children’s
Children are at the center of everything staff do at Arkansas Children’s, the state’s only hospital system dedicated solely to caring for children. The system includes two hospitals, a pediatric research institute and a foundation, as well as clinics, education programs and outreach programs. Champion Jennifer Sellers, RN, is a certified diabetes educator for Arkansas Children’s.
Megan Hightower Wilson
Arkansas Children’s
With two hospitals, a pediatric research institute and a foundation, along with clinics, education programs and outreach programs, Arkansas Children’s is a driving force for pediatric care in Arkansas. For more than a century, the hospital system has grown to meet the needs of children in Arkansas and beyond. Megan Hightower Wilson, RN, is one of the champions who cares for patients at Arkansas Children’s.
Baptist Health Medical Center Hot Spring County
Malvern
Baptist Health Medical Center-Hot Spring County is a 72-bed community hospital with a long tradition of providing great patient care since it opened in 1923. The nationally recognized, faith-based hospital joined Baptist Health in January 2014. The hospital’s Emergency Department is a Level IV trauma center, which means it has demonstrated the ability to provide advanced trauma life support (ATLS) prior to the transfer of patients to a higher-level trauma center. The staff can provide evaluation, stabilization and diagnostic capabilities for injured patients.
Cabot Emergency Hospital
Cabot
DeWitt Hospital
DeWitt
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
Harrison
Situated in Harrison, the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center stands out as an exemplary rural hospital. This progressive nonprofit health care organization additionally operates 13 clinics dedicated to serving rural populations across northern Arkansas. Driven by a goal to become the most relied upon and favored healthcare provider in the region, this medical system is committed to delivering comprehensive healthcare while upholding its fundamental principles of safety, quality, integrity and community engagement.
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital
Jonesboro
Arkansas Heart Hospital
Little Rock
Arkansas Surgical Hospital
North Little Rock
Arkansas Surgical Hospital is one of the only 5-star hospitals in the state, ranking in the top 5 percent in the nation for patient experience. The hospital features 41 private patient suites and 13 state-of-the-art operating rooms. The surgeons’ specialties range from orthopedic and spine treatments to breast oncology and interventional pain management. The physicians at Arkansas Surgical Hospital perform more joint replacement procedures than any other hospital in the state while maintaining a lower-than-average infection rate.
Howard Memorial Hospital
Nashville
Levi Hospital
Hot Springs
South Arkansas Regional Hospital
El Dorado
C. Lowry Barnes, MD
UAMS
C. Lowry Barnes is a professor and chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. He is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee joint replacement surgery and serves as the director of musculoskeletal services at UAMS Health. Barnes completed medical school and his residency at UAMS before pursuing a fellowship in total joints replacement at Harvard Medical School. Widely recognized for his expertise, he lectures nationally and internationally on total joint replacement surgery.
Pat Collins, MD
Collins Eye
Ali Krisht, MD, FACS
CHI St. Vincent Arkansas Neuroscience Institute
Ali Krisht is the director and lead neurosurgeon at CHI St. Vincent’s Arkansas Neuroscience Institute. He is the 2019 recipient of the international Herbert Olivecrona Award for contributions to the field of neurosurgery, rated among the top 1 percdent of all neurosurgeons in the United States by the rating firm Castle Connolly and editor of the journal Contemporary Neurosurgery. Krisht has delivered more than 170 presentations and lectures around the world and received honorary citizenship in Taipei, Taiwan, for his work in neuroscience education in the Taipei community. He earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut and completed his surgical residency at Emory University in Atlanta.
Dominic Maggio, MD
Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists
Dominic Maggio has published more than 30 scientific papers and won numerous national awards. He performs innovative, first-in-Arkansas surgical techniques such as si joint fusions as well as cervical- and lumbar-artificial disc replacements. One of the nation’s leaders in the development and advancement of computer and image-guided micro spine surgery, he delivers life-changing, minimally invasive neurosurgical care at Legacy Spine and Neurological Specialists, one of the most established practices in the state, providing highly-conservative neurological care.
Evan Newbolt, MD,
McFarland Eye Care
Scott Smith
Conway Regional
Scott Smith is an orthopedic surgeon in practice at Conway Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center. As part of his practice, he performs Mako robotic-arm assisted joint replacement procedures. He attended medical school and graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed his residency at Campbell Clinic in Memphis. Smith has more than 25 years of experience in his field.
