Jefferson Regional’s outpatient clinic network serves as the “front door” to the hospital, providing patients across southeast Arkansas with access to specialty care close to home before hospital services are needed.
During a Thursday morning interview, Regina Quarles, director of operations for Jefferson Regional’s physician network, said the health system operates outpatient clinics in Pine Bluff, White Hall, Monticello and Crossett, offering more than 17 medical specialties. Those specialties include cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, urology and other services that allow patients in a rural region to receive specialized care without traveling long distances.
Quarles explained that whether a physician works only in a clinic or also practices inside the hospital depends on the specialty. Surgeons and other specialists who perform procedures divide their time between the hospital and their clinics, while physicians in specialties such as family medicine and rheumatology primarily see patients in outpatient settings.
She said the clinics often serve as patients’ first point of contact with Jefferson Regional. Individuals experiencing medical concerns typically begin by seeing a specialist in a clinic, where physicians can order testing, coordinate care and determine whether hospital treatment or surgery is necessary.
Most Jefferson Regional clinics operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with many specialty clinics open from 8 a.m. until noon on Fridays. Quarles also reminded residents that Jefferson Regional’s urgent care clinic is open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, providing an alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
The conversation also focused on physician recruitment and onboarding. Quarles said Jefferson Regional employs a full-time business development director who recruits physicians, while she helps interview candidates and oversees their transition into the organization after they are hired.
New physicians participate in an extensive onboarding process that includes introductions to area physicians, tours of hospital departments and preparation for beginning their practices. Quarles said the goal is to help physicians become familiar with both the hospital system and the community they will serve.
She highlighted the recent arrival of cardiologist Dr. Akula, describing him as an experienced physician who brings extensive training to Jefferson Regional. Quarles said experienced specialists can be difficult to recruit in rural communities, making additions such as Dr. Akula particularly valuable.
Quarles also noted that recruiting specialists remains one of the hospital’s biggest challenges, especially in fields where physician shortages exist. She said physicians who are new to private practice often require additional guidance as they transition into managing a clinic environment, while more experienced providers generally need less operational support.
Looking ahead, Quarles discussed several recent and upcoming additions across Jefferson Regional.
She said the hospital recently expanded its ear, nose and throat practice by adding audiology services under Dr. Jordan Scribner, allowing patients to receive hearing evaluations and hearing aid services locally rather than traveling outside the area.
Jefferson Regional has also welcomed back gastroenterologist Dr. Ali, who previously practiced with the hospital before serving in an academic role at UAMS. Quarles said his return expands access to gastroenterology services, including care for swallowing disorders, gastrointestinal motility disorders and other digestive conditions.
The hospital’s cancer center has also introduced low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis. Quarles said the treatment is designed to help reduce pain associated with the condition and may provide relief lasting two to three years for some patients, although it is not considered a cure.
She also highlighted Jefferson Regional’s participation in cancer clinical trials, saying those studies can provide additional treatment options for patients who have exhausted conventional therapies.
Another addition is orthopedic surgeon Dr. Clayton Perry, who is expected to join Jefferson Regional in September.
Quarles said Jefferson Regional continues working to expand specialty care in southeast Arkansas so residents can receive more of the medical services they need close to home instead of traveling to larger cities. She also emphasized the hospital’s role as a major employer in the region, noting the organization has nearly 1,500 employees and remains an important economic driver for the local community.
