Dr. Donya Watson joined UAMS in 2022 as an Associate Professor and Program Director for the UAMS Regional Centers El Dorado Family Medicine Rural Track Residency Program, where she plays a pivotal role in training future physicians to serve rural and underserved communities. In addition to her UAMS leadership roles, Dr. Watson is a partner and practicing physician at the South Arkansas Women’s Clinic, where she provides comprehensive and compassionate obstetric care.
Dr. Watson earned her Bachelor of Science, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Memphis in 1990, and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1994. She completed her Family Medicine Residency at UAMS AHEC-El Dorado in 1997 before joining the South Arkansas Women’s Clinic as a family medicine obstetrics provider, where she remains an integral part of the clinic as a partner, practicing physician, and educator to this day.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Watson’s leadership includes serving as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine and participating in multiple hospital committees, such as the Medical Executive and Ethics Committees at South Arkansas Regional Hospital. She is also deeply committed to mentorship, guiding medical students and residents in their professional journeys. Her commitment was recognized in 2025 when she was named one of six UAMS Red Sash Recipients, an honor awarded by College of Medicine students to outstanding educators.
Dr. Watson is actively involved in groundbreaking research focused on improving maternal health outcomes and expanding access to prenatal care. She collaborates on state-funded initiatives aimed at addressing healthcare disparities in Arkansas. With numerous national presentations and publications on maternal health, Dr. Watson’s contributions to the field continue to drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery and education.
Dr. Watson and her husband, Dr. Gregg Massanelli, enjoy spending time with their 5 children and 3 granddaughters when they can. They also enjoy time at the lake, thoroughbred horseracing, and the many horses they have on their farm outside of El Dorado.