History of Medicine

On October 7, 1879, the first class of the newly-established Arkansas Industrial University Department of Medicine opened in Little Rock. One hundred forty-five years ago this year, Arkansans had the first opportunity to attend an in-state medical school.

Of the hundreds of prominent graduates of the UAMS College of Medicine in its nearly 150-year history, Dr. Samuel Lee Kountz stands out for his work as a pioneering kidney transplantation surgeon. Born in the Mississippi Delta, Kountz grew up during the Jim Crow era of segregation. Despite this, Kountz became one of the world’s most respected physicians before his untimely illness and death. 

This column will focus on people, organizations, and events that have influenced and shaped the UAMS institution over the years. The goal of the History of Medicine column is to share the rich history of UAMS so that we have a deeper appreciation of our past.