As the healthcare industry continues to learn from and adapt to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA) has maintained its advocacy and support for the state’s hospitals and the communities they serve. High costs of supplies, labor, and pharmaceuticals combined with near-stagnant reimbursement rates have challenged hospitals, especially in rural Arkansas. Nonetheless, AHA has implemented programs and initiatives to ensure Arkansas hospitals continue to provide high-quality care to their patients. Bo Ryall, AHA president and CEO, recently visited with us on AFMC TV to discuss these programs.

Recent provisional data from the CDC’s National Vital Statistics System reveals that in 2022, Arkansas’ cesarean delivery rate is above the national average of 32.2%. Many cesarean deliveries are unnecessary, causing women to experience postpartum stress, trauma, and morbidities that could be prevented with the right information and support. Too few women have the information they need to make an informed decision about their delivery options. Trained and Certified Doulas, like those at Ujima Maternity Network in Conway, can provide the education and support women need to make an empowered and informed decision about their health and the well-being of their unborn baby. 

Arkansas is 47^th in the nation in health system performance, according to the Commonwealth Fund 2023 Scorecard. Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate and the third-highest infant mortality rate in the nation. This ranking has prompted legislation to take action against several public health issues, including maternal mortality.

Arkansas Representative Mary Bentley joined AFMC TV this week to discuss maternal health. Rep. Bentley’s history includes a passion and drive to support efforts that increase maternal health outcomes for Arkansas women.

We spend our whole lives writing our story: what school we go to, what job we have, who we spend time with. Many times, we fail to write the last chapter. The last chapter is the best part! It’s where the loose ends get tied up. Where the mystery is solved. Yet, most of us don’t have a plan or know where to turn when we or our loved ones become incapacitated. Arkansas Hospice offers a wide range of services for patients and families so that, in healthcare crises, patients can still receive quality care.

Katy comes from a family of physicians. Her uncle, father, and brother are all practicing physicians. Her grandfather was a physician before he passed. She wants to carry on the legacy, too, creating memorable relationships with patients and saving lives. When Katy begins to research the path to medical school, however, her motivation dwindles. Katy learns of the unprecedented U.S. physician shortage, which has continually increased post-pandemic. The path ahead seems uncertain, and that scares her. How can a student like Katy, so passionate about the field, continue her journey to medical school with several unknowns?

You may have heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” Science shows that this may not be too far from the truth: what you eat greatly impacts your health. Michael Fuller, a graduate research assistant for the University of Central Arkansas’s Master of Science in Dietetics & Nutrition Therapy program, has learned more about the interesting connection between food and health. As a physician, understanding this research will help you provide resources and support to patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, three of Arkansas's most common disease states.