Small-town feel drew doctor here

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

— Feeling a unique kinship to small communities, Dr. Rhonda Higgins has returned to Pea Ridge to serve young and old at the new Northwest Family Medicine clinic.

Housed in the building immediately behind Community First Bank at 189 Townsend Way, the medical clinic is staffed by Higgins; Tabitha Deal, a licensed practical nurse; and Shelly Hicks, the receptionist. The office manager is Shannon Davis.

Higgins, who graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa in 1997, has been in practice since 2001. She said she worked in Pea Ridge earlier and is glad to return.

“From infants and children to seniors - I like to see everybody,” Higgins said. “That’s why I chose family medicine.”

Higgins said she loves the “hometown feeling” in Pea Ridge.

“Since I’ve completed my residency, I’ve always worked in small towns,” she said, adding that she, her mother and her grandmother all grew up in small towns.

“I think we have an excellent staff - they’re very well trained,eager, compassionate and ready to work. The community has welcomed us with open arms,” Higgins continued.

“They’re is a great need in the community,” she said. “I want to be of service to the entire community and surrounding area.

They’re a great group of people here.”

“I owe the community,” she said, as she explained that people had come in for appointments simply to meet her and get on the list as a patient. “People in Pea Ridge have a sense of loyalty. It’s absolutely amazing. You don’t find that in 2009 in people anymore. It’s commendable.”

There are three patient examination rooms. A room is ready for an X-ray machine, but not yet equipped. As soon as the number of people seen in the clinic are adequate, the X-ray machine will be provided.

The clinic is open from 8 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. It is open from 8a.m. to noon Fridays. Walk-ins are welcome. The telephone is 451-2022. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted as are most major insurance plans.

Higgins completed her family practice residency with the University of Arkansas for MedicalSciences Area Health Education Center, Pine Bluff. Higgins has four children - ages 9,8 and 3-year-old twins.

News, Pages 1 on 12/02/2009