In high school Tony Lamkin considered other colleges until a close friend's father asked him to consider Lyon College (then Arkansas College). Lyon Trustee Bill Bristow '72 introduced Lamkin to Lyon College and Batesville. At Lyon the Jonesboro native found an institution with a solid reputation, well-qualified faculty and attractive financial aid.
While Lamkin began his college career majoring in engineering, he changed his major from engineering to pre-med after encouragement from his father and true to the spirit of liberal arts education, Lamkin also majored in music. He was a member of the Lyon choir, played the tuba in the band and played the piano as well.
"My father worked as a production manager for General Electric," said Lamkin. "He wanted me to pursue a career in medicine because he thought medicine was better suited to my personality. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself."
Lamkin immersed himself in academics and campus life during his years at Lyon. He was a member the Lyon chapter of Alpha Chi, national academic honor society, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and served as a member of the Lyon Intrafraternity Council. Lamkin singles out Dr. Mark Schram, Associate Professor of Biology as someone who had a positive impact on his undergraduate experience. Lamkin recently spoke to Dr. Shram's pre-med students offering an insider's view of medical school and residency programs.
"Speaking to Lyon students gave me an opportunity to offer first hand experiences and practical advice for success in medical school and residency," said Lamkin. "I am very impressed by the Derby Center. It is a great example of Lyon's commitment to world class science education and research."
After earning his undergraduate degree at Lyon, Lamkin earned a medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). He completed residency training at UAMS Area Health Education Center Northwest in Fayetteville.
During his residency Lamkin, worked in the Emergency Department at White River Medical Center (WRMC). In the Emergency Department Lamkin liked the diversity of patients, and the ability to work with professionals from other disciplines. When the opportunity became available he made the decision to focus his practice in emergency medicine. He joined the Medical Staff of WRMC at the completion of his residency training in 2004.
"After moonlighting in the Emergency Department, I found emergency medicine to be more compatible with the family-focused lifestyle that is important to me," Lamkin said.
The WRMC Emergency Department treats over 34,000 patients annually. Lamkin is one of 10 physicians providing care 24 hours a day. Patients may come to the emergency department in need of care for a minor illness or major trauma. Emergency Department physicians and the staff that support them must be able to work quickly and efficiently in any situation.
"Dr. Lamkin is conscientious and diligent," said Tracy McLaughlin, RN. "He wants the best for his patients."
Today Lamkin is the Medical Director of the WRMC Emergency Department. Medical Directors provide physician leadership to clinical units of the hospital. Lamkin serves as a resource for strategic planning, performance improvement and patient satisfaction. He works with clinical staff and other physicians to ensure the continuity of patient care from the Emergency Department to other centers of care within the hospital. Lamkin is an advocate for clinical excellence recommending and applying best practices that continue to improve the delivery of emergency medicine.
"I enjoy the opportunity to bring innovation and problem solving to the Emergency Department," Lamkin commented. "It is interesting and challenging to be a part of implementing new ideas to advance patient care."
Lamkin and his wife Christine Berger Lamkin make their home in Batesville. Mrs. Lamkin is an attorney and native Weiner, Arkansas. They are the parents of two girls, Ashley, 6 and Anna, 3. The family attends First Baptist Church where the Lamkins volunteer as AWANA youth leaders. Lamkin is an avid Razorback fan.
"Bill Bristow's advice to check out Lyon College opened doors for me, said Lamkin. "The first rate education I received at Lyon provided the foundation I needed to build a life centered on my family, faith and healing."
Published with permission from Lyon College.