After completing his family practice residency at the University of Oklahoma Medical College in Tulsa, Dr. Dow moved to Trumann to begin his career in a medically underserved community, which was a requirement of the National Health Service Scholarship he had received in school.
Little did he know, his time in Trumann would change his life, when he met a young woman named LeAnn Hodges.
“LeAnn and I met at my office in Trumann, so this town will always be special to me because it’s where I met the love of my life,” Dow said.
After their wedding, Dr. Dow joined a clinic in Jonesboro, so the Dows made their home there. They also welcomed two daughters during that time.
After 20-plus years in that practice, Dr. Dow decided to take his career in a different direction: West! He and LeAnn moved to Oklahoma, where he served as a physician for the Choctaw Nation. There were no medical providers in a 50-mile radius, so Dr. Dow saw employees, townspeople and anyone who needed his services.
“We loved our time in Oklahoma, but my wife and I were ready to return to Arkansas when my contract ended,” he said.
Because LeAnn’s family lived in the area, the Dows knew they wanted to live in Trumann. When Dr. Dow learned of a new St. Bernards Family Practice clinic opening, he knew it was meant to be.
“The thing I love most about practicing in Trumann is the small-town feel,” he said. “I get to see mostly hardworking, kind people, and I get to help them live their healthiest life. When I saw this position was available, I knew we had made the right choice in moving home.”
Dr. Dow has been practicing medicine for the last 35 years and loves what he does.
“I love preventive medicine,” he said. “When I can set a child or adolescent on a path to a healthy life, that’s my favorite aspect of what I do.”
St. Bernards First Care – Trumann is located at 1300 Industrial Park Drive. To make an appointment with Dr. Dow, please call 870-418-1122.
We will be featuring a primary care physician each month, so make sure to check back in May for another doctor spotlight!