Senate adopts resolution recognizing 2025 as Year of the Arkansas Physician and congratulating Arkansas Medical Society

The Arkansas Senate adopted Senate Resolution 2, congratulating the Arkansas Medical Society on its 150th anniversary and designating 2025 as the Year of the Arkansas Physician.

Senate Resolution 2, introduced as a resolution to “congratulate the Arkansas Medical Society and to celebrate 2025 as the year of the Arkansas physician,” was presented on the floor. Senator Urban spoke in support of the resolution and enumerated milestones tied to the society’s history, including the creation of the state's first board of health (1879), early licensing laws, the Arkansas tuberculosis sanitarium, support for vaccination and public-health efforts, and the doctor-of-the-day program that provides volunteer medical care during legislative sessions. “It is really my distinct honor and and and pleasure to, to commend,” the senator said on the floor while describing the society’s contributions.

Senators approved the resolution by voice vote. The presiding officer called for the ayes and declared the resolution adopted.

Why it matters: The resolution is ceremonial and recognizes the Arkansas Medical Society’s historical role in public-health initiatives and volunteer medical services to the General Assembly and Capitol visitors. The sponsor and the society’s executive committee were present for the presentation; the transcript mentions Doctor Conner as the society’s president.

Details: The resolution text as read cites a series of historical efforts in which the society participated, including formation of licensing laws, sponsorship of immunization programs, and establishment of what is now the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.