For 150 years, the Arkansas Medical Society (AMS) has been the voice of Arkansas physicians and a champion for patient care. From its start in the late 19th century to its current initiatives and future vision, AMS continues to shape Arkansas healthcare with professionalism, advocacy, and compassion.
To honor this 150-year milestone, we spoke with three physicians whose experiences reflect the full scope of AMS’s legacy: Dr. Sam Taggart, historian and retired family physician; Dr. George Connor, outgoing AMS president; and Dr. Bradley Bibb, current president-elect. Together, they illuminate how AMS has evolved and why its mission remains as critical as ever.
The Past: A Tradition of Professionalism and Public Health
Dr. Sam Taggart, a retired family practice physician and 50-year AMS member, brings to life the society’s 19th-century roots and the challenges it was formed to address.
“It started out as a way to seek professionalism... Just like you want when you call a plumber, you want to know your plumber is certified... That’s what the Medical Society was all about.”
Founded in 1875, AMS emerged amid fierce debate over medical licensing and education. Back then, many physicians lacked training from a recognized, legitimate medical school, often apprenticing or attending unregulated programs. AMS set out to change that by establishing membership standards.
“To be a member of the Arkansas Medical Society, you had to have graduated from a recognized medical school... The very first licensing body for doctors in the state was created just a few years after AMS formed.”
AMS also made its mark during public health crises, such as the devastating yellow fever epidemics of the 1870s. Dr. Taggart explained how the society’s early leaders helped form the first state Board of Health, giving it the authority to enforce quarantines.
“That gave this new organization some legitimacy... They then were able to limit the impact of yellow fever.”
Beyond emergencies, AMS played a key role in founding Arkansas’s first medical school—an achievement born of necessity and vision.
“Six or seven of the guys got together... and the next spring they graduated the very first class with one student.”
The Present: Serving Doctors, Supporting Patients
Dr. George Connor, outgoing AMS president and a family physician in Forrest City, has been an active member since 1987. He didn’t set out to become a leader in the society—but quickly realized how essential it was.
“Every time I do [go to a meeting], I realize how important it is... If we don’t [get involved], then it hurts the patients ultimately.”
One of AMS’s key contributions today is helping doctors navigate the complexities of running a practice—from managing insurance to understanding new laws. Dr. Connor highlighted the society’s legislative advocacy and direct support for physicians’ offices.
“We have, over the years, had a lot of legislation we've helped to modify to help physicians... We also have practice management conferences and a yearly insurance conference that really helps.”
Recruiting new doctors to rural Arkansas is another urgent challenge. Dr. Connor, who practices in a small town, spoke candidly about the realities:
“You're asking a young doctor to come to a small rural town... and entice him to do that [with less money and more hours]. We need help... not just spending more money, but new ideas.”
The Future: Advocacy, Innovation, and Physician Voice
Dr. Bradley Bibb, president-elect of AMS and CEO of Access Medical Clinic, looks ahead to how the society will meet future challenges. He credits AMS with giving physicians a voice at the legislative table.
“The most important function... is that the Medical Society advocates for physicians and our patients in the legislature.”
That voice is especially vital in an age of rapid change and information overload.
“There’s lots of noise in the healthcare world now... Our goal is to make people healthier, and the Medical Society’s goal is to help physicians achieve that.”
Dr. Bibb emphasized the importance of AMS’s support for future physicians, even as they focus on training.
“It’s hard to be involved in policy discussions... but these are things that are going to affect students and residents for the next 30 or 40 years.”
As AMS celebrates its 150th anniversary, Dr. Bibb is honored to be part of its next chapter.
“It’s pretty awesome to be part of an organization that’s been around 150 years... With that comes responsibility. I need to do everything I can to help keep it on this path of success.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Across generations, the Arkansas Medical Society has upheld its mission: to elevate medical professionalism, improve patient care, and amplify the voices of physicians statewide. Whether by launching Arkansas’s first medical school or pushing for policy reforms in Little Rock, AMS continues to make a profound difference.
“Supporting the Arkansas Medical Society is supporting healthcare for Arkansans,” Dr. Bibb said simply—and powerfully.
As AMS steps into its next 150 years, it remains guided by the same principle Dr. Taggart shared from a 1927 essay that still resonates today:
“The secret to the care of the patient is caring for the patient.”
