Take a Look Inside Correctional Medicine in Arkansas
"I tell new hires or interviewed applicants that it's like working in a third-world country," said Nannette Vowell, MD, of her work as medical director of the Ouachita River Correctional Unit's Special Needs Hospital. “It’s basic medical care, with basic equipment and dedicated staff. If you approach it…
Physician Outreach Update by Tereasa Holmes
Accepting AFMC/AMS Physician Outreach Specialist position is one of the highlights of my professional career. I have gone full circle as I began my career over 25 years ago with a leading insurance carrier. This path has taken me from provider educator, clinic administrator, educator, advocate for the…
Patient Safety at Risk: Safe Surgery Arkansas Seeking Signatures to End Optometry Eye Surgery Act
Safe Surgery Arkansas, a coalition of medical doctors with years of extensive surgical training, announced the formation of a ballot question committee to coordinate a statewide referendum challenging Act 579 of 2019. The coalition includes members from the Arkansas Ophthalmological Society and the Arkansas Medical Society. To suspend…
ADH Update on TB Testing
The Arkansas Department of Health is in the process of updating its Tuberculosis (TB) rules based on latest guidelines released by CDC for screening and testing healthcare workers (these include staff at hospitals, nursing home, medical offices, clinics and other related medical facilities). We are also updating rules…
UAMS Chancellor Patterson Invested in Harry P. Ward Chancellor’s Distinguished Chair
Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), was invested on June 3 as the third recipient of the Harry P. Ward Chancellor’s Distinguished Chair. Created in 2005, the Ward chair became the first chancellor’s chair endowed at an Arkansas university. I.…
Historic Flooding in Arkansas: How Can We Help?
Over the past two weeks, Arkansas has experienced record-breaking flooding affecting many Arkansans all the way from Fort Smith to Pendleton. While some are just now starting to get back to their homes and businesses, others are still waiting for the flood waters to recede. AMS wants to…
Looking Back on a Difficult Legislative Session – Read it Now in the June Issue of the Journal
“This was probably the most challenging legislative session faced by the Arkansas Medical Society, at least in my 35-year career,” began AMS Executive Director David Wroten from the conference room of the Society’s Little Rock office. Having come from months of daily work at the Capitol, Wroten and…
Holmes joins AMS as Physician Outreach Specialist
Tereasa Holmes, CMPE, has joined the Arkansas Medical Society as a physician outreach specialist. She has over 25 years’ experience in all phases of clinical practice management, and in her role, she will be a liaison for our members needing assistance with Medicaid. She will also be available…
Telephone Scam Involving Practitioner Licenses
A number of licensees have called the Arkansas State Medical Board regarding phone calls they have received stating that their Arkansas license could be in jeopardy. In some of these calls, the person poses as a DEA agent or states that they are calling on behalf of the…
New Board Members Installed at Annual Meeting
At the 143rd Annual Membership Meeting of the Arkansas Medical Society on Friday, April 26, AMS newly elected board members were sworn into their positions during the President's Inaugural Gala. Those members are: President-Elect Chad Rodgers, MD (Little Rock); Vice President Seth Barnes, MD (Hot Springs); District Trustees Stacy…
Yelvington Installed as 2019-2020 AMS President
Stuttgart Family Physician Dennis Yelvington, MD, began his year as President of the Arkansas Medical Society on April 26, 2019. Dr. Yelvington has been a member of the AMS for 34 years and has held numerous offices, including a seat on the Board of Trustees since 2007 representing…