The MVP of the Month for January 2026 from the UAMS Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and the Primary Care and Population Health Service Line is Jamie Collier.  Jamie is a Sr. Phlebotomist for Fort Smith FMC and has been part of Team UAMS for 10 years!

Jamie was recognized for hers actions as follows:

• Jamie is noted for her relationship with patients.  Patients seek her out to say hello, even when not getting lab work done.
• Not only is she gifted with exceptional skill and professionalism, but Jamie also creates a very calm and comfortable environment that eases the anxiety and nervousness of all patients.
• She displays empathy, patience and compassion to everyone she serves
• Jamie sets a high standard for excellence for all her co-workers to follow.

Jamie will receive a certificate of recognition and a gift bag. She also will be honored during the annual DFPM Research Symposium.

Congratulations Jamie!

The December MVP of the Month of December from the UAMS Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and the Primary Care and Population Health Service Line is Marybeth Curtis.  Marybeth is a Staff Educator with Community Health and Education, formerly served as program manager for CDC colorectal screening grant and served as director of SEHS and POEM.  She has been part of Team UAMS for 9 years!

Marybeth was recognized for hers actions as follows:

• Marybeth helped UAMS create and implement their first virtual FMC conferences during COVID. She has since taken the lead with virtual learning and video scripts.
• Marybeth won an award from the CDC on her colon cancer screening campaign – “45 is the New FIT-ty”.
• Underpinning her work ethic is kindness and compassion – she quietly organizes departmental responses to co-worker life events.
• Marybeth is quick to volunteer for tasks.  Her Southern charm and self-deprecating humor disarm even the most stoic professionals.

Marybeth will receive a certificate of recognition and a gift bag. She also will be honored during the annual DFPM Research Symposium.

Congratulations Marybeth!

The November MVP of the Month from the UAMS Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and the Primary Care and Population Health Service Line is Kendall Barron. Kendall is the Clinical Services Manager for Batesville FMC.  She has been part of the Batesville team for 7 years!

Kendall was recognized for hers actions as follows:

• Kendall consistently goes above and beyond for the good of our clinic.  She not only manages the nursing staff but is also instrumental in managing the daily operations of the clinic.
• Kendall spends every minute of her day making sure that our patients get the care and attention they deserve.
• She routinely leads by example, placing herself on the front line of the nursing team when understaffed.
• In all these roles, Kendall leads with patience and an excellent attitude
• She is the glue holding our clinic together.

Kendall will receive a certificate of recognition and a gift bag. She also will be honored during the annual DFPM Research Symposium.

Congratulations Kendall!

The October MVP of the Month from the UAMS Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and the Primary Care and Population Health Service Line is Kelly Chaplain. Kelly is an Administrative Services Manager with UAMS Northeast – Jonesboro.  She has been part of the Jonesboro team for 25 years!

Kelly was recognized for her actions as follows:

• Kelly is the “go to” person. 
• She has a wealth of information and ALWAYS willing to help.
• She is who we go to if we are not sure of the answer.

Kelly will receive a certificate of recognition and a gift bag. She also will be honored during the Chair’s Awards for Recognition of Excellence ceremony during the annual DFPM Research Symposium.

Congratulations Kelly!

The September MVP of the Month from the UAMS Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and the Primary Care and Population Health Service Line is Jonathan Reid. Jonathan is an Administrative Services Manager with DFPM Regional Programs and The Department of Family and Preventive Medicine. He has been at UAMS for five years.

Jonathan was recognized for his actions as follows:

• Jonathan helps anyone who comes to him for anything!
• He is such a hard worker and puts all his effort into a project that he is working on to make sure it has the absolute best outcome.
• He genuinely cares about everyone and their feelings.
• He is a gem to our department and to UAMS. We are all so thankful for Jonathan!

Jonathan will receive a certificate of recognition and a gift bag. He also will be honored during the Chair’s Awards for Recognition of Excellence ceremony during the annual DFPM Research Symposium.

Congratulations Jonathan!

The August MVP of the Month from the UAMS Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and the Primary Care and Population Health Service Line is Paula Medina. Paula is a Senior Business Manager with Primary Care and Population Health for Regional Programs.  She has been at UAMS for twelve years.

Paula was recognized for her actions as follows:

• Paula recognized an issue with Regional Programs Enhanced Medicaid payment issue was not correct and dug into reasons behind the problem.
• Paula was able to identify the solution and work with appropriate individuals to correct the payment issue and resume the Enhanced Medicaid payment revenue.
• Her nominator stated: Paula is absolutely one of the most stellar employees I have ever had the opportunity to work alongside.  We are extremely lucky to have her on the team!

Paula will receive a certificate of recognition and a gift bag. She also will be honored during the Chair’s Awards for Recognition of Excellence ceremony during the annual DFPM Research Symposium.

Congratulations Paula!

The July MVP of the Month from the UAMS Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and the Primary Care and Population Health Service Line is Kara Jones. Kara is a Clinical Pharmacist for Rahling Road and Internal Medicine Clinics and has worked at UAMS for eight years.

Kara was recognized for her actions as follows:

• Kara goes above and beyond for our patients, providing education and follow up, advocating with local pharmacies to ensure patients receive medications prescribed by their physicians.
• She is enthusiastic about educating patients on new technologies like continuous glucose monitors that help them better understand and control their diabetes.
• Kare has compassionately served our refugee population at Rahling Road. She has developed and driven guideline-directed immunization practices for these patients.
• She not only helps educate our residents during their ambulatory experience but also educates students from the College of Pharmacy during their month-long rotations. 
• Kara brings joy and encouragement to all her colleagues.  We are all better clinicians because of her effort, attitude and willingness to serve others.

Kara will receive a certificate of recognition and a gift bag. She also will be honored during the Chair’s Awards for Recognition of Excellence ceremony during the annual DFPM Research Symposium.

Congratulations Kara!