Class of 2024, Third Year Residents
I was born in Searcy, AR, and raised in the small farm town of McCrory, AR. Opposite of many, it was not the presence of a great medical community that drew me to medicine but instead the lack thereof. The skeleton medical services available to us revealed to me the great need for Arkansas physicians, particularly primary care physicians. Upon high school graduation, I chose to attend Harding University in Searcy, AR, where I majored in Exercise Science, completed medical school prerequisite courses, participated in collegiate athletics for three years as a member of the Harding Bison Football team, and most importantly met and married my much better half, Haley. From Searcy, Haley and I moved to Jonesboro where I attended medical school at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State, and she began work as a registered nurse in St. Bernard’s intensive care unit. We have a family of four, composed of the two of us along with a Goldendoodle, Ruger, and an Aussiedoodle, Nelli. Our current future plans following completion of residency include aspirations to own an outpatient Family Medicine clinic and fitness center. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with Haley, family, and friends, attending services and volunteering at Central Baptist Church, golfing, hunting, fishing, exercising, and beach vacationing. I am excited for the journey held in these next three years as I further my medical training at the AHEC Northeast program.
I grew up in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. I obtained my B.S. in Biology from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, FL. In the years following, I worked several jobs including teaching high school science in Hawaii, waitressing in Kentucky, and working with children on the autism spectrum back in my home state of Massachusetts. My son was born in 2013, and two years later, I began medical school at American University of the Caribbean in Sint Maarten. Since graduation, I have been working as a medical assistant in pediatrics and urgent care. I look forward to starting another new adventure at UAMS in Jonesboro with my son and fiancé. Outside of medicine, I enjoy kayaking, playing soccer, skiing, playing videogames, and watching movies all with my little sidekick, my son.
I lived the first 10 years of my life in Little Rock before moving to Searcy, Arkansas where I graduated from high school. I then enrolled at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where I earned a bachelor's degree in biology. After graduation, I returned to Little Rock where I began working at UAMS in the dermatopathology laboratory. I then had the opportunity to start my own small business providing scribes to the Baptist Hospital Emergency Department. Working as a scribe allowed me to learn firsthand from other physicians and inspired me to attend Ross University. My wife Paige and I were married in 2015 and she has been my rock as we traveled from Miami, Maryland, Chicago, and Los Angeles. While Zoom interviews made this process that much more difficult, we have been so pleased with the outpouring of support from the community of Jonesboro. We are excited to start this new journey in Jonesboro. In my spare time in enjoy fishing, kayaking, playing with my 3 dogs, and all things Razorbacks!
Dr. Michael Russell McDowell is a graduate of A.T. Still University in Kirksville Missouri where he obtained his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to moving to Kirksville, Michael lived in the Saint Louis area where he completed his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at Saint Louis University. During his studies and clinical rotations Michael developed a passion for osteopathic manipulative treatment and also found his calling to specialize in Family Medicine. Michael enjoys that practicing family medicine provides him the opportunity to serve his patients and their entire family’s needs and looks forward to making lasting connections while forming professional relationships along the way. In his free time Michael enjoys fishing and hiking with his wife Sonya and their two daughters Alana and Brinley. Michael and his family are very excited about being a part of the UAMS program and are looking forward to meeting new friends and being a part of the Jonesboro community.
I was born in Texas and grew up in Tennessee, though my family is originally from Nigeria. For college, I attended Tennessee State University, where I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biology, after which I worked as a Teacher Assistant for Pre-K to 4th-grade students. Afterward, I attended medical school at Meharry Medical College, where my passion grew to serve the underserved, and I was involved in many volunteer experiences in which I could give back to my community. The opportunity to build relationships with my patients through continuity of care and work with patients of all ages ultimately led to my love of Family medicine. I plan to practice a broad scope of primary care services and provide culturally sensitive care to my patients. Also, I want to address health disparities that are present in my community. My interests include community health, health advocacy, maternal & child health, and behavioral health. Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my husband, dancing, reading, and listening to true crime podcasts. I also like trying out different restaurants and cuisines from around the world, as well as just being outside and enjoying nature.
I am from Manila, AR. After graduating high school, I attended Arkansas State University and graduated with a B.A. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Biology. After completing undergrad, I attended NYITCOM at Arkansas State. During my time in medical school, I discovered that I really enjoyed family medicine and I knew Jonesboro was the perfect place for me to learn to take care of the people in the community that I call home. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife and son, and being outdoors hunting and fishing.
I am from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Millcreek, Utah where I was born and raised. After high school, I volunteered for two years as a Christian missionary for my church in Siberia from 2009-2011. In 2011 The University of Utah accepted me to enroll and I completed my bachelor degree in 2015. I worked construction most of those years to get me through. During college, I pondered what career would help me serve my family but also be helpful to others and a Physician was it! I am married to my high school sweetheart, Elizabeth, who is a teacher but also the world’s most patient and loving child wrangler. We have three children, Margaret, Caroline, and Elliott. I love being with my wife and children and we seek out adventures together. In my spare time, I like to hunt and fish or just be outside. We have moved our little family to several countries and states during medical school, and are both enthusiastic and grateful to make Jonesboro our new home!
Class of 2025, Second Year Residents
I was raised in Caraway, a small town 30 minutes east of Jonesboro, and graduated from Riverside High School. I continued my education at the University of Arkansas where I graduated with a BS in Biology. For medical school, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where I developed my love for family medicine. I am excited to come home to continue my journey with UAMS Northeast for residency. I have been married to my life-long best friend, Matthew, since 2020 and we have two dogs named Reba and Josie. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, fishing, playing tennis, spending time with our family and friends, and cheering on the Razorbacks. I look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow with UAMS Northeast and serve the Jonesboro community.
I was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and have lived my entire life in the Natural State. Having the opportunity to live in many different parts of the state with my family only fueled my interest in remaining here. My goal is to live, work, and grow my family here. I am an avid Razorback Sports fan, and my most enjoyed hobby is weightlifting. Receiving my degree in Osteopathic Medicine only furthered my interest in the Musculoskeletal system of the body. Infectious disease has always been a passion of mine, and after completing my Family Medicine residency, I hope to dive deeper into this field.
My name is Skyler, and I was born and raised in South Florida. After graduating from Mississippi College in 2010, I had the opportunity to explore many different professions, including construction, teaching and coaching high school, sales, and management. However, my passion has always been medicine. In 2017, I began my training in the southern Caribbean on the island of Grenada. After graduating, I had the chance to conduct a year of research, as well as spend time traveling through Europe. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, weightlifting, playing music, and experiencing life to the fullest.
My name is Jake McMasters, and I was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I stayed in my hometown to go to undergrad at Arkansas State University where I majored in Biology. I then attended UAMS for medical school. I have always wanted to practice Family Medicine and I am excited to come back home for my training. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Makayla, and we have one daughter, Audrey. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, camping, hiking, and watching basketball.
My name is Sawyer Sparks, and I was born in Oklahoma and raised in both southern New Mexico and northeastern Oklahoma. I received my secondary education degree from Jenks High School and an associate degree in general studies from Tulsa Community College. I furthered my education with a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Northeastern State University, Oklahoma. I earned my medical degree from Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In my spare time, I enjoy road/mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and eating. I am excited to be in Jonesboro for residency and look forward to building relationships with my colleagues and the local community.
Class of 2026, First Year Residents
I was born in Ghana where I spent most of my formative years. I did most of my schooling there and immigrated to the US in 2012. As someone with a prior degree in economics from KNUST, I made a significant move to pursue a career in Medicine after witnessing how some people suffered because of the burden of disease either on them or their loved ones. I pursued another degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati while working full-time. I proceeded to medical school at St. George University and completed it in 2022.
During my first year at medical school, I visited Ghana and got married to the love of my life, Mina. We are blessed with one lovely energetic son, also called Charles. My dear wife and son joined me from Ghana in 2022 and they are my source of joy and comfort.
I'm excited to join the UAMS community to hone my knowledge and skills in patient care. I look forward to using my knowledge in collaboration with my 3 siblings who are all physicians to serve low-income communities
I was born and raised here in Jonesboro, Arkansas where I graduated from Valley View High School. I then attended the University of Arkansas where I graduated with a BSE in biomedical engineering. I chose to pursue a career in medicine rather than engineering and went to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for my MD. I am happy to return home to Jonesboro and serve the community that brought me up. Being near to family and other familiar faces and places is a joy. I’m excited by the opportunity that Family Medicine offers to provide for and work with patients of all ages and walks of life. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, puzzles, studying history, watching films and following the Razorbacks.
My name is Cole Milam, and I was born and raised in central Illinois where I graduated from Pekin Community High School. I worked as a radiologic technologist for 7 years before deciding to pursue further education. I received a BS in Healthcare Leadership from the University of Saint Francis in Joliet Illinois, and I earned my medical degree from Saint James School of Medicine in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. I have two children, Lucy who is 9, and Vincent who is 6. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my children, fishing, hunting, playing hockey, and golfing. I am thrilled to be a part of the UAMS family in Jonesboro and to serve the Northeast Arkansas communities.
I was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, a suburb of the Phoenix metropolitan area. I graduated from Gilbert High School and proceeded to go to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona where I graduated with a BS in Biomedical Science and Chemistry. I continued my education with the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Jonesboro, Arkansas. After medical school, I was thrilled to be able to stay in Jonesboro to start my Family medicine residency with UAMS. After moving from such a large metropolitan area to Flagstaff and then Jonesboro, I realized that I really enjoyed the smaller-town life. I also appreciate the seasons here in Arkansas compared to the always-hot Phoenix area! I am excited to continue my training here and look forward to serving the Jonesboro community.
I am from a small town in North Texas called Whitesboro. After graduating high school, I followed my older sister down to Texas State University for college where I graduated with a BS in Biology. Then I made my way up to Fort Smith, Arkansas where I attended Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) for medical school. I met my best friend and now fiancé, Meghan at ARCOM, and we Couples Matched for residency. She is an Internal Medicine Resident at St. Bernard's here in Jonesboro. We have two dogs, a 13-year-old Shih Tzu named Bub and a 6-year-old Australian Shepherd named Margo! In my free time I love to make signs, shirts, and tumblers with my Cricut machine, cook new recipes, and host game night at my house. I have been interested in Family Medicine since I was about 6 years old, and I am very excited to complete my residency training here at UAMS Northeast in Jonesboro.
My family and I relocated to Jonesboro, AR after our hometown of Bay St. Louis, MS was hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. I’m the youngest of four with two older sisters and an older brother. I’ve spent most of my life in Jonesboro, graduating from Jonesboro High School, completing undergrad at Arkansas State University, and then medical school at NYITCOM at Arkansas State. I’m excited to continue my journey with the UAMS Northeast family medicine residency program. My interests include holistic medicine, sports medicine, and osteopathic manipulative medicine. In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, listening to live music, and spending time with friends and family. It's a blessing being able to serve and grow with the community of Jonesboro.
As a little kid, I remember admiring the doctors who took wonderful care of my grandpa who had complicated heart problems. As a preteen, my mom and I would watch medical dramas and cheer on the ethical heroes in white coats. As a teenager, I loved my science classes which fed my curiosity of how the world works. Throughout college, I loved to compete with my peers with the ambitious goals of my pre-med track. Fast forward to today, Jonesboro is my home for academic and clinical development, where I can progress with high standards of care, and have the foundation for so many opportunities once I succeed in this program. I have so much gratitude to be part of the UAMS Northeast Family Medicine Program and look forward to upholding excellent care for kids, teens parents, and grandparents.
I spent most of my life growing up in Fort Collins, Colorado which is about an hour north of Denver. I then moved to Boulder to attend college at the University of Colorado. After earning my bachelor's in biochemistry, I worked as a lab technician in a forensics laboratory and then went on to pursue my medical degree at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. I am excited to start a new chapter in my life here in Jonesboro learning to practice family medicine. Growing up near the mountains, I love to snowboard, mountain bike, and hike in my free time. I have heard excellent things about the Ozarks and nature here in Arkansas and I can not wait to explore during some vacation time. I look forward to all the opportunities UAMS Northeast has to offer and to serving as a member of this wonderful community.