Dr. Curtis Hedberg lived and practiced medicine in northwest Arkansas until his unexpected death on June 3, 2024. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology at Saint Louis University, he attended medical school at the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia. Upon his graduation from medical school, he joined UAMS for his internal medicine residency, which he completed in 1992. Ten years later, after founding the Springdale Diagnostic Clinic in northwest Arkansas and developing a reputation as an excellent clinician and diagnostician, he returned to medical education as a fellow in allergy, asthma, and immunology at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. After fellowship, he founded Hedberg Allergy and Asthma Center in Fayetteville and grew the practice to serve patients at three locations in northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri.
Dr. Hedberg is remembered fondly by his patients for his interest in their lives and his eagerness to help them improve their health. His co-workers remember him for his practical jokes, willingness to educate others, and his compassion. Having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, Dr. Hedberg was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, gardening, beekeeping, snorkeling, travel, and helping the Boy Scouts. Dr. Hedberg is survived by his daughters, Meredith, Molly, and Mary Michelle; his son, Gene; and several grandchildren—all of whom he admired and loved greatly.