History of Medicine

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.