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For Dr. James Atkins, becoming a pediatrician was never just about practicing medicine. It was about investing in children, supporting families and giving back to the kind of community that helped shape him.
Born and raised in Hamburg, Atkins graduated from Hamburg High School in 2005 before attending Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2009. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, graduating from medical school in 2013. He completed his pediatric residency through UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital in 2016.
After finishing his residency, Atkins returned to south Arkansas, practicing at Monticello Medical Clinic before opening SEARK Children’s Clinic on June 12, 2023.
His decision to return home was rooted in family and community.
“This is a good place to raise kids,” Atkins said. “It is a small community.”
Although medicine wasn’t always part of his plan, science had long been an interest.
“No,” he said when asked if he always knew he wanted to work in healthcare. “But I always liked science and majored in biology in college.”
A job during his undergraduate years ultimately changed his career path. While working for dermatologist Dr. James “Ronnie” Bergeron, Atkins saw firsthand the impact a compassionate physician could have on patients.
“His bedside manner made me think more about becoming a doctor,” Atkins said.
Bergeron also encouraged aspiring physicians by allowing Atkins and other pre-med students to assist with paper charting and observe minor procedures.
“He took us under his wing,” Atkins said.
It wasn’t until medical school rotations that Atkins discovered his calling in pediatrics.
“Children are innocent and relatively healthy, and I want to be able to be a positive role model for them and be an active participant in their lives and keep them healthy,” he said.
His passion for caring for children was also influenced by his hometown physician, Dr. Rankins, who served as Hamburg’s only doctor during Atkins’ childhood.
“He was vital to the community,” Atkins said. “I saw how important he was to everyone in keeping them healthy.”
Today, Atkins strives to be that same reassuring presence for families throughout southeast Arkansas.
He believes pediatrics offers a unique opportunity to connect with children on a personal level.
“It is rewarding to joke and play with the children and be there for them in their time of need,” he said.
Building trust with both children and parents is central to his approach. Atkins said he works to ease parents’ fears by educating them about their child’s illness while making sure young patients feel included in the conversation.
“I try to educate the parents about the illness so hopefully they are less worried afterward,” he said. “With children, I find that talking to them and not just talking to the parent helps, along with putting on a happy face.”
One of the greatest rewards of pediatrics, he said, is watching children grow over the years.
He recalled caring for a newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit during his residency who is now one of his pre-teen patients.
“That is one of the good things about being a pediatrician,” Atkins said. “I am able to see the child from newborn and up.”
Opening his own practice came with its share of challenges. Atkins laughed as he remembered the clinic’s first day in business.
“We opened without countertops that first day,” he joked.
Despite those humble beginnings, SEARK Children’s Clinic has continued to grow. The practice is currently expanding to include additional exam rooms and in-house radiology services, allowing it to better serve families throughout the region.
Like many pediatricians, Atkins faces challenges that extend beyond the exam room. He identified vaccine hesitancy and Medicaid reimbursement as two of the biggest issues affecting pediatric healthcare today.
Still, he remains focused on providing quality care to every child who walks through the clinic doors.
Among his professional accomplishments, Atkins said he is most proud of earning the trust of families throughout the community.
“Developing the trust of the patients to open my own business and keep it open,” he said. “I feel so blessed.”
This spring, Atkins was recognized statewide when he was named to Arkansas Business’ 40 Under 40, which honors Arkansans under the age of 40 who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, community leadership and future potential.
Outside of medicine, Atkins remains actively involved in the community. He serves on the SEARK Concert Association Board and the Arkansas Chapter Board of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is also a member of First United Methodist Church and spends time coaching his son Will’s Little League baseball team.
When asked what he enjoys most about serving families in southeast Arkansas, his answer reflected the mission that brought him home.
“I enjoy bringing pediatric expertise to this area of the state that needs it,” he said.
Balancing a busy medical practice with family life is not always easy.
“It’s hard,” Atkins admitted. “I work at home a lot with my kids doing clinical notes.”
Despite the demands of his profession, Atkins says his greatest accomplishment has nothing to do with awards or career milestones.
When asked what he considers his biggest achievement, he smiled and answered, “Raising two perfect children,” referring to his sons, Cortez and Will.
For students considering a career in medicine, Atkins offers simple but meaningful advice.
“It is a very rewarding profession,” he said. “Be prepared to work hard and be humble.”
His love for the community he serves remains just as strong today as when he first returned home.
“It is small and a great place to raise kids,” Atkins said of Drew County. “I love that it is a tight-knit community and everyone knows everyone.”
Whether comforting anxious parents, celebrating milestones with growing families or expanding access to pediatric care in rural Arkansas, Atkins has built more than a successful practice. He has become a trusted partner in the lives of countless children and families, proving that compassionate care close to home can make all the difference.
