News

The 74th Annual Scientific Assembly is in the books and we are happy to report that our first hybrid meeting was a success. Our keynote speaker was Dr. Gary LeRoy, AAFP Board Chair. Dr. LeRoy also presided over our Fellowship Convocation and Installation of Officers and Directors. The opening ceremony included Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe and Governor Asa Hutchinson who declared the day to be “Arkansas Family Physician Day”! Members also enjoyed a tribute video that was a compilation of many healthcare leaders showing their appreciation for family doctors leading us through the pandemic.

We are proud to announce the following members received the Degree of Fellow:

Stephen Carney, M.D. of Van Buren

Deborah Deere, M.D. of Fayetteville

Darren Freeman, M.D. of Conway

Jerry Harvey, D.O. of Cabot

M. Eddy Hord, M.D. of Stuttgart

Christopher Johnson, M.D. of Rogers

Anil Kopparapu, M.D. of Little Rock

William McGown, M.D. of Springdale

Newly installed President Eddy Hord, M.D. presents Dr. Bala Simon with a plaque from AAFP recognizing him for his service.

Congratulations to you all and thank you for being champions of family medicine!

During the Annual Business Meeting, the membership in attendance voted to confirm the following officers and new directors to the board:

President: Eddy Hord, M.D. of Stuttgart
President-Elect: Tasha Starks, M.D. of Jonesboro
Vice-President: Leslye McGrath, M.D. of Paragould
Secretary/Treasurer: Garry Stewart, M.D. of Conway
Delegate: Jeff Mayfield, M.D. of Alexander
Alt. Delegate: Len Kemp, M.D. of Paragould
Director: Amanda Deel, D.O. of Jonesboro
Director: Marcus Poemoceah, M.D. of Gravette
Director: Jodan Weaver, M.D. of Batesville

We are especially appreciative of our sponsors who make this event possible. A big thank you to our friends at
AFMC, SVMIC, Baptist Health and Arkansas BCBS. Another big thank you to all of our exhibitors who willingly moved to the hallway for social distancing. A lot of work went into this hybrid event but hybrid is not possible without a top-notch AV team. Kudos to Greg Merriweather and techs at On-Time Audio!

Next year is our 75th anniversary so we hope that everyone will plan to attend our big celebration!