History

The History of Saint Mary’s

Established by Dr. R.L. Smith, fondly known as “Doctor Bob,” in 1925, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center has been a cornerstone of healthcare for the Arkansas River Valley for nearly a century. The hospital, a licensed 170-bed acute-care facility with nearly 100 physicians on active medical staff, continues to grow, expand, and evolve to meet the needs of our growing community.

The Origin of Our Name

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center was named in honor of Mary, a nurse whose dedication and care left an indelible mark on Doctor Bob. Early in his career, Dr. Smith suffered a severe setback after stepping on a needle, resulting in the loss of his leg and a harrowing stay at St. Vincent in Little Rock. Uncertain if he would survive, he was deeply moved by Mary’s unwavering compassion during his recovery.

This experience inspired Dr. Smith to name his hospital after Mary when he returned to his hometown to establish a healthcare facility. To ensure her legacy and the hospital’s identity endured, Dr. Smith included a clause in his will requesting that the name Saint Mary’s never be changed, symbolizing his gratitude and the values of care and dedication the hospital embodies.

A Tradition of Excellence

As the hub of Saint Mary’s Regional Health System, the hospital has become a leader in providing advanced medical services to the River Valley area. Our associated healthcare facilities—Millard-Henry Clinic and its network of campuses, Cardiology Associates of North Central Arkansas, Turning Point Behavioral Health, Saint Mary’s Cancer Treatment Center, and Saint Mary’s Outpatient Therapy Center—work together to deliver comprehensive, high-quality care.

Today, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, a proud member of LifePoint Health, continues its mission of serving the community with compassion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to health and wellness.