While specialty physicians get a lot of attention these days, finding the right family doctor creates the foundation for a lifetime of good health. And for Todd Firmatura, M.D., Jefferson Regional’s newest family medicine physician, that foundation is the result of building strong relationships.
“That’s one of the reasons I’m here,” Firmatura says of his practice at Family Health Associates – White Hall. “Being a part of the community is very important to me. We really pride ourselves on getting to know you, actually talking to you, so it’s more like a family and not so much like a business.”
Firmatura started life far from South Arkansas. His mother was active-duty military and gave birth to him in Italy. However, the family soon moved to Texas, and Firmatura was raised in Corpus Christie. He received his undergraduate degree from Texas A and M, and a medical degree and Master’s in Business Administration from St George’s University. He completed a family practice residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Pine Bluff, doing clinical rotations at Jefferson Regional and seeing patients at the UAMS clinic.
“Medicine ends up being more of a lifestyle than an actual job,” Firmatura says. “One of the things I enjoy most about this field is being able to work directly with people, being able to see them on a routine basis and just take care of everybody. I had the opportunity to do a lot of research in undergrad working in the hospitals and I just really enjoyed it.”
“I see all ages, from birth to geriatrics”, he continues. “I think the fun part is when we start seeing whole families. When I see Mom and Dad and they start bringing their kids, it just makes it that much more personal.”
There are still many people who don’t have a family physician, which Dr. Firmatura understands. “Some people are scared to come in and see a doctor, especially since COVID-19, but the purpose of a good family physician is having someone you’re established with who knows you very well, not only for the routine screening stuff and the day to day, but if you get sick or if anything out of the ordinary happens, you have someone to care for you who already knows what’s going on.”
“That’s what my staff and I really love about family medicine; the continuity of care. That’s extremely important, especially when you’re taking care of people with a lot of problems or who have some complications.”
Dr. Firmatura is married to Andrea, an ICU nurse at Jefferson Regional, and has two step-children: Drew, who is eight, and Emma, who is 16. The family lives in Jefferson County and is looking forward to putting down roots. “Professionally, my practice provides the full scope of family medicine, and I think my job will be enhanced as I experience the same things that this patient population goes through. I am blessed to be able to serve the people who live here.”
Family Health Associates – White Hall is located at 1600 West Holland in the White Hall Health Complex. To make an appointment with Dr. Firmatura, call 870-850-8080.
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