Baxter Health

10/10/2025

Board-certified Vascular Surgeon Dr. Nestor Arita shares what you should know about carotid artery stenosis—a narrowing of the arteries in the neck that can increase your risk for stroke.
With early detection and the right treatment, it can be managed.

For more information about vascular care at Baxter Health, visit baxterhealth.org/VascularSurgery.

10/10/2025

The Baxter Health Foundation is excited to announce the inaugural Bass Classic Banquet and Fishing Tournament, a brand-new event bringing together fun, food, fishing, and philanthropy, all to support local healthcare services. This two-day event will feature a lively banquet followed by a competitive bass fishing tournament, creating a unique opportunity for the community to connect, celebrate, and give back.

The Bass Classic Banquet will take place on Friday, November 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Baxter County Fairgrounds. This event will feature a BBQ dinner, a silent auction, live music featuring the ‘80s tribute band Members Only, raffle drawings and more. Tickets are $75 per person.

The Bass Classic Fishing Tournament follows on Saturday, November 8, at Lake Norfork Marina. Boats will launch with the first flight at 7 a.m., and weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. The entry fee is $200 per boat, and cash prizes include: 1st Place - $4,000, 2nd Place - $2,000, 3rd Place - $1,000, 4th Place - $500, and 5th Place - $250. The first 50 fishermen to sign up will receive a free dry bag filled with great swag from local sponsors.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this new tradition! Online banquet tickets, tournament registration, and more information is available at baxterhealth.org/BassClassic. To purchase banquet tickets by phone, please call (870) 508-1770.

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

It’s National Primary Care Week, and while only a few of our incredible providers are pictured, we’re proud to say we have some of the best! Thank you to our entire team of primary care providers at Baxter Health for your dedication to keeping our communities healthy. 💙

10/10/2025

Congratulations to Levi McDole RT (R); Jesse Harvey, RT (R); and James Roberson, RN, Cath Lab! They were presented Heroes with Halos Awards by Rachel Gilbert, VP/Chief Nursing Officer; Debbie Henry, VP/Chief Financial Officer; Nicole Vaccarella, VP/General Counsel; Sarah Edwards, Executive Director, Baxter Health Foundation; Michele Pierski, RTR, Cath Lab Director; and members of the Cath Lab Staff.

A donor wrote:
"In July, a patient was referred to the cardiac cath lab, critically ill and frankly, in dire straits. He had multivessel coronary artery disease with multiple occluded arteries. Cardiac arrest occurred with sustained ventricular fibrillation for up to 25 minutes (sudden cardiac death). This persisted despite ACLS measures. This resulted in code blue and CPR (chest compression) for that duration until I could open the infarct vessel. I personally want to recognize Levi McDole, Jesse Harvey and James Roberson that assisted that day, for without them, this patient would never have survived and fortunately, is home today.

Their experience, quick and responsive teamwork allowed me to focus on ACLS with Dr. Pingel and cardiac intervention. I cannot praise these people enough – their professionalism made the day. I am blessed with this Cath Lab crew, and I know that any of Baxter’s (my crew) Cath Lab personnel or combination is equally reliable!"

For more information about Heroes with Halos and how you can honor a Baxter Health provider, employee, volunteer or department, visit www.baxterhealth.org/heroes.

10/09/2025

Happy PA Week! This week, we celebrate our incredible Physician Assistants who provide compassionate, expert care to our patients every day. At Baxter Health, we’re deeply grateful for their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to improving lives across the communities we serve. 💙

10/09/2025

Flu season, we’re ready for you! 💪💉Members of the 3 West Staff did their part in keeping our patients and our staff healthy this year! Have you had your flu shot yet?

10/08/2025

Baxter Health is proud to welcome Joel McMasters, MD, to our medical staff as a board-certified anesthesiologist. Dr. McMasters brings over 25 years of clinical and military anesthesiology experience, having served in academic, hospital, and military medical settings.

Dr. McMasters most recently served as a staff anesthesiologist at Arkansas Health Group Anesthesia at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, where he has held various clinical roles since 2010. He also served as Medical Director for Premier Anesthesia at Jefferson Regional Medical Center and as an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). During his academic tenure, he directed the Anesthesiology Peri-Operative Evaluation Clinic at UAMS.

Dr. McMasters earned his Doctor of Medicine from the UAMS College of Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Abilene Christian University. He completed his internship at Brooke Army Medical Center, followed by an anesthesiology residency at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC), training at both Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Medical Center.

Outside of caring for his patients, Dr. McMasters enjoys spending time with his wife and family, exercising, reading, listening to theology podcasts and sermons, reading, fishing, and following a variety of sports.

For more information, visit baxterhealth.org/McMasters.

10/08/2025

We would like to give a great big thank you to Ascend Wealth Management for their efforts in hosting the Run For Tomorrow 5K benefitting our hospital's Behavioral Health Su***de Awareness Program! The amazing turn out and funds raised are a testament to our community's incredible support of mental health awareness and su***de prevention. 💙

10/08/2025

From bandages to life-saving equipment, our supply chain team makes it all happen. Thanks to their hard work, our patients get the care they need, and our staff can focus on what matters most.

We’re proud to celebrate them this Healthcare Supply Chain Week! 💙

10/07/2025

Congratulations to the Staff of Baxter Health! They were presented a Heroes with Halos Award, and members of the Senior Leadership Team accepted the award on their behalf.

A patient wrote:
"I have been to Baxter Health numerous times. Every one of those times I have been treated in a fabulous manner. From the people in admissions – to housekeepers – to food service – to nursing staff and everyone else I have come in contact with – their kindness and consideration have been amazing!"

For more information about Heroes with Halos and how you can honor a Baxter Health provider, employee, volunteer or department, visit www.baxterhealth.org/heroes.

10/07/2025

Happy National Healthcare Food Service Week! 💙

This week, we proudly recognize and thank our incredible Food & Nutrition Services team at Baxter Health. Your dedication, compassion, and behind-the-scenes impact nourish not only our patients, but the entire staff. We appreciate everything you do!