Biographical Info (hometown, experience, specialty): 

Conway Arkansas Group practice Ophthalmology currently with 5 retinal subspecialist, 2 Comprehensive Ophthalmologists and 2 Optometrists. 

What other leadership positions have you held (AMA, Specialties, PACs)? When?  

I have served in various organized medicine roles over the past 20 years: Past President – Arkansas Medical Society, Past Board Chair – Arkansas Medical Society, Past President – Pulaski County Medical Society, Past President – Arkansas Ophthalmology Society, and Past Arkansas Councilor – American Ophthalmology Association. Community Service: Past Conway Civil Service commission member, presently serving on Conway Arkansas Aviation Commission, currently second term Arkansas General Assembly, District 72. 

Which Program (Campaign School/Candidate Workshop) did you attend?   

2009 Candidate Workshop 

Have you run for public office? What was the result? 

Yes, I lost my first election in 2010 then had successful campaigns in 2012 and 2014 for the 72nd District seat in the Arkansas General Assembly. 

Why did you decide to take part in the AMPAC program? 

Another graduate of the Campaign School recommended that I take part. 

Have the programs helped in your political/advocacy career? How? 

The knowledge gained is of great benefit, especially when the campaign season comes around. I still refer back to the written materials. Campaigns are really a foreign creature to how we are trained as physicians. Just being a great doctor doesn’t translate to success on the campaign trail. There really is a method to the madness and educating ourselves about all the nuances of a campaign is vital. 

What was the most beneficial component of the AMPAC program for you? 

Campaign finance, time management, and building relationships. 

What would you say to members of the medical community thinking about becoming involved in politics? 

Of all the roles in which I have been involved, Public Service as an elected official has been a true honor and privilege. To represent not only my district but all the patients in our great state as the only physician in the General Assembly carries great responsibility. As I represent our patients, I also represent our profession. We need more physicians or their spouses to strongly consider running for office. Attend the AMPAC courses. Become involved in your local community. Get to know your local political folks from city hall to the courthouse. It’s never too late to nurture relationships. Step out of your comfort zone and work to develop those relationships. Doctors are still well respected, but you really must think outside the box. Political involvement means getting out of the comfortable rut in which we reside and exploring new ideas and opportunities.