2024 PROFILES IN HEALTHCARE
Do South® is proud to recognize the expertise and contributions of healthcare providers in our community who set the bar for excellence with their professionalism and quality of service. These healthcare specialists are committed to providing the very best to those in their care.
2024 PROFILES IN HEALTHCARE
Do South® is proud to recognize the expertise and contributions of healthcare providers in our community who set the bar for excellence with their professionalism and quality of service. These healthcare specialists are committed to providing the very best to those in their care.
Baptist Health Radiation Oncology-Fort Smith
Baptist Health Radiation Oncology-Fort Smith recently invested in new technology and equipment to provide better and more precise treatment for cancer patients in the River Valley.
This new system utilizes Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT), a multi-angle camera system that communicates in real-time with the treatment machine. This technology offers a more comfortable, non-invasive experience without compromising precision or effectiveness, with many treatments being completed in just one session.
SGRT is particularly beneficial in certain breast cancer treatments. When coupled with specialized breathing techniques, as instructed by Baptist staff, it can target other areas of the body while protecting vital organs like the heart from radiation.
"Cancer care is evolving and improving rapidly," said Dr. Daniel Schroyer, a radiation oncology specialist. "In order to provide the
best treatments, hospitals and healthcare systems need to invest and improve their equipment. I'm very excited about our ability to treat patients locally with cutting-edge treatments rather than sending them out of the community.
"Going through cancer treatments can be challenging enough from an emotional and physical standpoint, so telling a patient they must travel hours away for treatment compounds all those issues. Our goal is to provide cutting-edge cancer care close to home for the River Valley."
Dr. Schroyer is board-certified and serves as the medical director of radiation oncology at Baptist Health-Fort Smith. He has more than twelve years of clinical experience. Baptist Health Radiation Oncology-Fort Smith is located at 1502 Dodson Avenue. For more information about Dr. Schroyer and the services he provides, visit Baptist-Health.com or call 479.709.7190.
Arkansas Vision Development Center
Dedicated to personalized care, the medical professionals at Arkansas Vision Development Center believe that optimal vision and visual health are essential to overall health. The state-of-the-art facility provides a wide range of eye care services, including dry eye treatments, developmental vision testing, specialized vision therapy, eyeglasses and contact lenses, and routine eye exams, all under one roof.
Developmental optometry is a specialized field within optometry that focuses on the visual development and processing abilities of individuals. Vision therapy can provide a non-invasive approach to treating a lazy eye, or a strabismus, and improve eye tracking, focus, eye-hand coordination, and depth perception.
The doctors at Arkansas Vision Development Center serve patients of all ages, including infants and those with special needs. Leading this revolutionary practice are Dr. Wanda Vaughn and Dr. Katherine Ramey, two of Arkansas' six boardcertified developmental optometrists who provide skilled, compassionate care in a friendly, patient-centered environment. "Our approach is to understand each patient's unique needs," says Dr. Vaughn. "As physicians, we are committed to creating personalized treatment plans tailored to promote wellness, enhance visual skills, improve visual performance, and foster overall well-being."
Advanced technologies at the doctors' disposal include corrective lenses in glasses and contacts, Neurolenses, and other special prism lenses for patients suffering from headaches and visual stress, and electrodiagnostic testing to assist in diagnosing amblyopia, also known as lazy eye. Advanced computer programs, including VIVID, a specialized virtual reality 3D program, are also utilized along with Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment of dry eye and, coming soon, Botox or Xeomin to address ptosis or lid droop.
Dr. Ramey emphasizes the importance of a team-based approach, highlighting the skills and compassion of the center's staff. “Together, we help families make informed decisions about their overall visual health. Our team is essential to this effort," she explains. "Vision is more than just 20/20.”
Dr. Vaughn earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. She is a Fellow of the Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association. Dr. Vaughn serves as an adjunct professor at three universities and is the clinic's supervisor for the residency program.
Dr. Ramey graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry. She completed her Bachelor in Biochemistry at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and her residency in vision therapy, rehabilitation, and pediatric optometry at Arkansas Vision. She is a Fellow of the Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association and a co-supervisor of the residency program.
Dr. Wanda Vaughn
Dr. Katherine Ramey
Baptist Health Women's Clinic-Fort Smith
Michael Colgrove, MD, and Tiffany Alexander-Rawlins, MD, recently joined Baptist Health Women's Clinic-Fort Smith. Each brings a unique perspective to obstetrics and gynecology but shares the same passion for empowering women to take control of their reproductive and sexual health.
Dr. Colgrove has over twenty years of experience caring for women, although he initially planned to become a general surgeon. "During residency, I fell in love with delivering babies," Dr. Colgrove said. "The best part of my job is sharing that moment when a couple becomes a family."
In addition to caring for mothers, Dr. Colgrove also provides care for women who are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause that affects their quality of life. "Decreased libido and sexual dysfunction are common in women but often overlooked because it's hard to talk about," Dr. Colgrove said. "But, I tell all of my patients to listen to their bodies and never be afraid to ask questions of their care team."
Dr. Alexander-Rawlins' experiences as a patient during early adulthood inspired her to advocate for women's health. "I like my patients to have a lot of information when it comes to their reproductive goals," she said. "I highly recommend preconception counseling for women who want to become pregnant in the future so that we can address all aspects of health that could later impact their ability to become pregnant."
She recommends women start seeing a gynecologist when they become sexually active or by age 21. She also evaluates and treats teen girls who experience issues with their menstrual cycles.
Dr. Alexander-Rawlins stresses the importance of regular visits with a gynecologist. "My biggest piece of advice is to get your annual exams and go to followup appointments if you've had an abnormal pap smear," she said. "I've seen patients ignore recommendations and later get diagnosed with cervical cancer."
The physicians, certified nurse midwives, and staff at Baptist Health Women's Clinic-Fort Smith provide a supportive atmosphere where women can be heard and address their health at every stage of life. "Life can be stressful in many ways for different people; the goal is to make sure our patients are as healthy as they can be in their current situation," Dr. Alexander-Rawlins said. "Don't wait until there is a problem; let's work toward the best outcome together."
Both board-certified physicians offer a variety of services, including prenatal and pregnancy care, hormone and menopause management, routine wellness exams, and treatment for abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence. Baptist Health Women's Clinic-Fort Smith is located at 1500 Dodson Ave., Ste. 230. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 479.709.7490.
Tiffany Alexander-Rawlins, MD
Michael Colgrove, MD
Center for Hearing and Balance
When Dr. Kelley Linton opened Center for Hearing and Balance, she envisioned a medical audiology clinic unlike anything the River Valley had ever seen. Twenty-six years later, the practice continues to set the bar for audiological care, including cuttingedge treatments usually reserved for much larger practices.
"We are deeply rooted in faith here," Dr. Linton emphasizes. "Every step taken since 1998, has been with a sense of divine guidance. We believe in being the best at what we do, driven by our love for the community and our commitment to delivering the best care possible."
This philosophy is not operated in a vacuum, as evidenced by Center for Hearing and Balance's success in adding top specialists to its staff. The clinic now has four audiologists, the most recent being Dr. Kailey Thompson, who joins Dr. Linton, Dr. Trace Cash, and Dr. Lori Boyd. Committed to providing the most cutting-edge testing and treatment plans, the doctors continually educate themselves on new ways to provide the best hearing care.
Balance and vestibular testing, unveiled in 2022, is among the services offered. Most recently, the practice gained the additional distinction of being the first and only provider in Arkansas for Lenire, a proven and FDA-approved treatment to reduce the effects of bothersome tinnitus. Tinnitus is a constant noise that might sound like ringing, crickets, or roaring and can hinder a person's sense of well-being. In addition, Center for Hearing and Balance offers the latest innovations in hearing aid technology.
"There have been a lot of advances in hearing aids," Dr. Linton says. "Some of the newest generations of aids give the wearer the ability to understand speech while filtering out noise in a way that we are very excited about.
"Seeing people who have struggled with hearing issues for years light up when they can hear clearly is one of the blessings of the work we do. As audiologists, we know that improving a person's hearing greatly improves their quality of life, and we love being able to help our community in this way."
PROFILES IN HEALTHCARE
Dr. James E. Kelly III
One of the most often overlooked medical specialties is plastic, hand, and reconstructive surgery, a field of medicine critical to restoring form and functionality in patients suffering from birth defects, illness, or trauma. Dr. James E. Kelly III, founder and owner of Western Arkansas Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery in Fort Smith, has been a leading practitioner in this important field of medicine for decades.
"The thing I love most about this brand of medicine is how lifechanging it is for patients," he says. "We help people overcome their most difficult health experiences, restoring what an accident or disease has taken from them. It is a tremendous responsibility and a great honor to do so."
Through his private practice and affiliation with area hospitals, Dr. Kelly has helped thousands of people take that final step of recovery. This is particularly true in his skill as a hand surgeon, arguably the body's most versatile appendage, a specialty for which he is particularly distinguished.
"Obviously, there is a lot of medical training that goes into what I do, but there's another side to it as well," he says. "Plastic, hand and reconstructive procedures, unlike other types of surgery, have to consider the cosmetic elements, balancing symmetry, shape and appearance, as well as functionality."
Dr. Kelly received his medical education at Queen's University and completed plastic and hand surgical residencies at McMaster University, both in Canada. He also completed two fellowships, one in hand surgery at Kleinert Institute and one at Cosmetic Surgery Hospital. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds an additional board certification by ABPS for hand surgery.
"I was inspired to go into medicine to help people, and I have been able to achieve that," he says. "We are grateful for every patient who allowed us to be part of their healing journey, and look forward to helping many more enjoy a higher quality of life through our work."
Dr. Kendall Wagner and Kathie Wagner
In just a few years, Dr. Kendall Wagner has emerged as a leader in specialized care, serving families through his private practice, Chaffee Crossing Clinic. Now, he's teamed up with his wife, Kathie, to bring an exciting new venture to the River Valley: Aspire Aesthetics. The venture addresses skin health, vitality, and wellness to promote an improved quality of life.
Board-certified in adult and pediatric medicine, Dr. Wagner left corporate health care three years ago to form Chaffee Crossing Clinic, which provides a higher level of attention and service to the families he serves. "Prior to [private practice], I had a pediatric-heavy practice, but I wasn't able to use all my training," he said. "I wanted to provide a very high level of care, almost concierge-level, to whole families." The concept struck a chord with the community, and the practice grew considerably. At the same time, Dr. Wagner and his wife, a licensed and certified occupational therapist, spent time pursuing training in functional medicine and researching and developing nutritional and medical-grade skincare protocols.
"Functional medicine focuses on the root cause of disease and maintaining health," Dr. Wagner says. "Our focus is helping people achieve and maintain health and move beyond or away from disease."
The couple opened Aspire Aesthetics to bring that knowledge to the public. Aspire offers medical aesthetic and wellness services, including facials and injectables. The key difference is an innovative approach using research-proven, medicalgrade products and cutting-edge InMode Technology for body contouring and feminine health rejuvenation. Physician-directed bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for both men and women is also offered.
"We want to help people be more confident in who they are," Dr. Wagner says. "Aspire is an outstanding extension of the personalized care patients receive at Chaffee Crossing Clinic but expanded to a broader service line and offerings. For me, as a physician, it's exciting."
Ray of Sunshine Pediatric Therapy
Offering occupational, physical, and speech therapy services to patients aged newborn to twenty-one, Ray of Sunshine Pediatric Therapy approaches each child with unsurpassed expertise in a warm and compassionate environment. "Our mission is to meet the needs of children and their families by offering child-led therapy services at a convenient location," says Heather Ray, founder. "Our clinicians provide individualized, one-on-one care focused specifically on each child's therapy needs. Plus, we are a mobile, community-based clinic, allowing us to bring highquality care to the patient's doorstep, offering therapy at home, or at locations within the community such as daycare, preschool, or even the library."
Based in Fort Smith, Ray of Sunshine offers therapy services to clients in Arkansas and Oklahoma who are facing various developmental challenges or delays. "Our staff has been a part of Arkansas communities for more than fifteen years," Heather says. "Our clinicians have advanced training in autism, sensory integration, vision, primitive reflexes integration, kinesiology taping for pediatrics, SOS Approach to Feeding, DIRFloortime,
and burn-related needs, allowing us to best serve our families with specialized care. We also educate parents on childled play and ways to increase engagement, focus, attention, sensory integration and processing, as well as emotional/ behavioral regulation through play.” The practice's three areas of expertise, speech (language, articulation, and feeding), physical (muscular strength and endurance), and occupational (complex skills that contribute to functional independence), work in concert during normal development.
Heather says parents should pay attention to any disruption or delay and bring the child in for evaluation if detected. "There are many signs a child may need therapy assistance," she says. "Difficulty pronouncing words correctly, excessive falling or bumping into things, not being able to write their name or the alphabet by age five and having difficulty responding to their name, are all common things we see in children we evaluate. We invite families to let us help their child learn, grow, and play by contacting us for a free developmental screening or further therapy needs."
Stiles Eye Group
In any healthcare specialty, experience and expertise are of the utmost importance, and when dealing with the precious gift of sight, even more so. That’s exactly what people experience at Stiles Eye Group, where Fort Smith native Dr. Steven Stiles has been protecting patients’ vision for four decades.
“I went into this profession for one simple reason – a commitment to helping people,” he said. “All these years later, I feel fortunate to have served my community in this way.”
While the medical field has advanced rapidly over the years, Dr. Stiles still maintains the same level of commitment to helping others as he did the day he hung out his shingle. That caring and compassionate attitude extends to his team, which in 2021 included the addition of Dr. Camille Friday.
“I knew I wanted to enter this field early in life,” she said. “I had a number of eye issues starting when I was a toddler, and I always appreciated the doctors I had and the way they treated me. I want to extend that same caring experience to all our patients.”
In addition to a full suite of traditional eye care services, Stiles Eye Group offers a range of innovative specialties, including myopia treatment, pediatric eye exams, dry eye syndrome, and diabetic eye health exams.
Stiles Eye Group also offers an extensive eyewear collection featuring designer frames, including Prada, Krewe, Tiffany & Co., and Tom Ford, ensuring patients find their personal style in professionally fitted eyewear.
Dr. Stiles attended Hendrix College and received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. He completed an externship at the Gesell Institute of Child Development in New Haven, Connecticut.
Dr. Friday attended Missouri State University and completed her optometric doctorate at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry in 2017. She’s also completed an externship focusing on diabetic eyecare, specialty contact lens fitting, low vision, and pediatrics.
FOCUSED ON YOU
Your eyes are as unique as your lifestyle. At Stiles Eye Group, we provide compassionate eye care using the latest imaging technology. Our patient-centered approach fosters strong connections, ensuring a more holistic and valued healthcare experience.
Udouj Orthodontics
Fort Smith native Dr. Henry Udouj III is living proof that his orthodontic patients can enjoy the best of all possible worlds: unsurpassed expertise in treatment, unrivaled customer service, and access to some of the latest advancements in orthodontia.
"We pride ourselves in treating all orthodontic cases, from simple to complex procedures that require jaw surgery," he says. One of the latest additions to Dr. Udouj's orthodontia repertoire is Invisalign, a popular straightening system that uses clear liners instead of traditional brackets and wires. For those who require more traditional hardware, Dr. Udouj is the only dental professional in the area who offers Iconix aesthetic braces, which provide the durability of brackets and wires but in a much more subtle way.
"Iconix have a coating that blends in beautifully with teeth and aren't quite as noticeable," he says. "These are particularly popular with adults who want to straighten their teeth and have
the durability of traditional braces, but are more understated than the bright silver steel variety."
Another product offered is the Synapse Dental Pain Eraser, which allows patients to escape the residual discomfort of dental procedures. "We provide this in the office as well as take-home units," he says. "It's a tool about the size of a toothbrush that patients apply to their gums and teeth, altering nerve activity. It decreases nerve activity for up to forty-eight hours, removing the pain associated with braces. We keep up with the latest advancements and continuing education courses to stay on the cutting edge."
A graduate of Baylor Dental School and St. Louis University School of Orthodontics, Dr. Udouj continues his father's legacy of dentistry by providing expert and compassionate care. "I've always believed in treating every patient like I would treat my own child," he says. "That's the standard of care we strive to live up to every single day."
Creating Beautiful Smiles
