Hot Springs internist Seth Barnes, MD, has been named president of the Arkansas Medical Society (AMS) effective May 6, 2022, and will lead the physician advocacy group over the next year. 

A Fordyce native, Dr. Barnes attended undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas Monticello, earned his medical degree at UAMS, and completed residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  Beginning his career in private practice at Batesville’s White River Diagnostic Clinic, he also served as chief of staff at White River Medical Center during his 19-year tenure. Dr. Barnes also served as executive medical director for Future Fuel Chemical Company Batesville from 2002 to 2018.

Today, Dr. Barnes lives in Hot Springs, where he is employed by the St. Vincent Medical Group as an internist and serves on multiple committees. In addition to his involvement with the Society since 1999, he is a fellow with the American College of Physicians.

When determining his agenda for the upcoming year, Dr. Barnes wants to continue the work that so many past AMS presidents have done over the years, encouraging all physicians to become actively involved in the Society and fight harmful legislation. “I love the work that AMS does to protect the profession from outside influences and adverse legislation. It’s so much fun to get together and share experiences, and it’s reassuring to be in a group whose mission is to help the profession along. I encourage folks to join because that’s where our strength comes from,” he said.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arkansas Medical Society has worked diligently to support Arkansas physicians and clinics in a variety of different ways, including the distribution of over two million pieces of PPE all around the state, working with insurance carriers on payment issues, and advocating for physicians during the public health emergency. In August 2021, the Society launched the Our Fight is Against COVID project to help increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence among Arkansans.  With this project, over $400,000 in mini-grants have been awarded to medical clinics all around the state to provide equipment needed to be successful vaccine providers.

Other significant legislative advances in the past include establishing a statewide trauma system, passage of the Clean Indoor Air Act, funding tobacco prevention and cessation programs, funding cancer research, providing vision screening in schools, and protecting an Arkansan’s right to choose their physician through “Any Willing Provider” legislation. 

Founded in 1875, the Arkansas Medical Society is a premier professional organization supporting Arkansas physicians through governmental affairs advocacy, practice management, educational programs, physician-focused insurance programs and member-exclusive publications while working diligently to improve the delivery of healthcare services for all Arkansans.