FEATURE
Text and photos courtesy of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
UAMS in Northwest Arkansas: Committed to a Better State of Health
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The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is shaping the future of health care in Northwest Arkansas through an unprecedented commitment to education, research and clinical care. As the state’s only academic health center, UAMS is laying the groundwork for a transformative era in regional health services that will not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.
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At the helm of this ambitious vision is Ryan Cork, MSHA, the newly appointed vice chancellor for the UAMS Northwest Arkansas Region. With more than 20 years of health care administration experience at leading institutions such as Cleveland Clinic and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital, Cork brings a wealth of expertise to the role.
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Prior to joining UAMS, Cork served as executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s health care transformation division, a group established after an impact report revealed Northwest Arkansas was losing nearly a billion dollars per year in health care outmigration.
Ryan Cork, MSHA, vice chancellor for the UAMS Northwest Arkansas Region
Dr. Ramon Ylanan, program director of UAMS’ Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, also serves as head primary care sports medicine physician for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks
This type of collective effort from all the hospitals, clinics and medical education facilities to build a robust regional health care workforce still informs Cork’s ambitious and transformative leadership style.
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“Everyone deserves world-class care, and I do not believe one institution will solve our challenges,” Cork said. “It’ll be us collectively together.”
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A Vision for a Growing Region
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Recognizing the rapid expansion in Northwest Arkansas, UAMS has adopted a regionally focused approach to offer an integrated system of care that spans all three of its mission areas — education, research and clinical services.
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Education remains a cornerstone of UAMS’ mission in Northwest Arkansas. Established in 2007, the regional campus has steadily expanded its educational offerings. With almost 350 students representing eight health care professions, the Fayetteville campus trains health care professionals in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiologic imaging sciences, diagnostic medical sonography and genetic counseling.
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To address a nursing shortage in the state, UAMS Northwest now offers an accelerated 15-month Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for individuals seeking a rapid transition into nursing from other career paths. In addition, the College of Medicine now offers both a three-year accelerated program and its traditional four-year curriculum.
Each year, UAMS Northwest College of Medicine students on the Fayetteville campus undergo scrub training at Washington Regional Medical Center
​UAMS’ expansion of residency and fellowship training is a critical element in building a sustainable regional health care workforce. UAMS’ family medicine residency, founded in the 1970s, is affiliated with Washington Regional Medical Center and Northwest Medical Center. The university added an internal medicine residency program in partnership with Mercy Hospital and the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks in 2016. In 2023, two new programs opened: an internal medicine residency program at Washington Regional and a family medicine rural training program based at Washington Regional and Mercy Hospital in Berryville.
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Plans are underway to introduce new programs in emergency medicine, neurology and transitional year training, with additional subspecialty fellowships on the horizon.
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​“These initiatives are vital,” Cork said, “given that most physicians tend to practice within 60 to 100 miles of their training site.”
​Currently, UAMS operates a dozen clinics specializing in areas such as family medicine, internal medicine, orthopaedics and sports medicine, psychiatry, transplant follow-ups, concussion management, adult genetics, and physical, occupational and speech therapy. UAMS is also the official orthopaedics and sports medicine provider for the Arkansas Razorbacks and many other collegiate and high school sports programs. The state-of-the-art UAMS Health Orthopaedics & Sports Performance Center in Springdale is expected to be completed in 2027.
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A Collaborative Path Forward
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In addition to clinical and educational expansion, UAMS is at the forefront of community health research and outreach. The Institute for Community Health Innovation plays a pivotal role in this effort by spearheading projects that tackle health disparities, promote healthy food systems, and address maternal and child health issues across the state. These programs are designed to integrate community engagement with leading-edge research.
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In a nutshell, Cork’s vision for UAMS in Northwest Arkansas is one of collaboration, innovation and proactive investment in the future.
“As the region’s population continues to soar,” Cork said, “the integrated efforts of UAMS, its health care partners and community organizations will be essential in providing the education, clinical care and research necessary to keep pace with demand.”