Overview and Outlook
The Metro Little Rock region is the healthcare center of Arkansas. It features the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and its five medical centers along with the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Other excellent healthcare centers are located throughout the region including additional local clinics of private practitioners, medical centers, cosmetic enhancement and even medical-related spa services.
Hot Springs hosts spas and access to other healthcare services for seniors and retirees to maintain a good quality of life and recover from illnesses.
The UAMS Center for Aging is an asset supporting geriatric care and assisted living.
Metro Little Rock regional healthcare and high-tech organizations contribute to the development and effective deployment and use of advanced technology in this industry cluster.
Site Selection Considerations
Sites and Infrastructure: The Metro region has affordable and available sites near major hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The region is centrally located with ease of access to other healthcare institutions throughout the U.S.
Cost of Doing Business: Property development and construction costs along with utilities are some of the lowest in the U.S. Wages for professionals and support workers are most competitive.
Workforce: Healthcare professionals are attracted to the region by the high quality of life which is supported by a low cost of living. Professionals and their staffs are attracted by the close proximity of a medical school and availability of educational alternatives, recreational and entertainment options and programs in the arts. Affordable and attractive urban, suburban and rural up-scale residential property is available at competitive prices compared to national averages.
Research and Development: UAMS, Baptist Hospital and St. Vincent’s Hospital maintain important research and development activities. The presence of advanced medical research programs play a large part in recruiting and retaining highly qualified health professionals. Funding from industry and government is available to support high quality hospital and other healthcare facilities.
Valuable Regional Resources
The Metro Little Rock region is home to more than 30 hospitals served by over 15,000 licensed healthcare professionals who provide care to over one million people.
The UAMS is Arkansas’ only academic medical center. The center trains more than 80 percent of the physicians in the state, as well as other medical professionals. UAMS is home to several Centers of Excellence, including:
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Arkansas Cancer Research Center founded in 1984
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Spine Center and Neurosciences Institute
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Arkansas Myeloma Institute treating more myeloma patients than anywhere else in the world
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Baptist Health Medical Center is the most comprehensive healthcare system in the state with more than 80 facilities
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St. Vincent Doctor’s Hospital has one of the most prominent maternity programs in the state
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Arkansas Children’s Hospital one of the highest award-winning pediatric hospitals in the U.S. serving children from birth to 21 years
Regional facilities include:
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Conway Regional Health System located in Conway served by 120 physicians and 1,200 employees. Features an in-patient rehabilitation hospital; women’s center; and imaging center.
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St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center of Hot Springs recipient of the 2003 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence.
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Jefferson Regional Medical Center located in Pine Bluff is the fourth largest hospital in Arkansas, serving 280,000 people.
Existing Companies
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Baptist Health Medical Center – www.baptist-health.com/
St. Vincent Doctor’s Hospital – www.stvincenthealth.com/doctors.html
St. Vincent’s Medical & Rehabilitation Center North – www.stvincenthealth.com/north/index.html
Arkansas Children’s Hospital – www.ach.uams.edu/
VA Medical Center – www1.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=74&dnum=ALL&map=1
Conway Regional Health System – www.conwayregional.org/
St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center – www.saintjosephs.com/
Jefferson Regional Medical Health Center – www.jrmc.org/us/index.html
Advance Care Hospital
Hot Springs Surgical Hospital
White County Medical Center - www.wcmc.org
National Park Medical Center – www.nationalparkmedical.com/default
American Telemedicine Association (ATA), based in Washington, D.C. – www.atmeda.org/