HJAR Sep/Oct 2025

DIALOGUE 12 SEP / OCT 2025 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS Thomas In today’s environment, it is probably more realistic to think about one to three years ahead. This business is simply changing too rapidly to predict much further than that. With that said, my main priority is to continue with the trajectory that we are on by offering outstanding services, but balance that with a positive income statement. Editor What is a lesson from your early days in healthcare that still guides you today? Thomas I had the privilege to work with so many strong mentors, and each brought something to the table that I was able to learn and grow from. Probably the most lasting impression that I still operate under is to let your word mean something. Standing by your commit- ments sends a powerful message to those around you — your teammates, employees, the medical staff, etc. It creates stability and a positive energy that will pay off for the organization in the long run. Editor If you could redesign Arkansas’s healthcare system from scratch, what’s one thing you’d change? Thomas Since any real, meaningful adjustment to our Medicare reimbursement rates is likely not within reach, I would encourage our state policymakers to commit to our hospitals’survival by way of enhancing our Medicaid reimbursement and supporting a stronger level of commercial reimbursement. It should raise eyebrows that states adjacent toArkansas are receiving as much as two times the reimbursement rates that Arkansas hospitals receive, particularly from commercial insurance payors. At some point, we as a state will be in a position to decide if we are serious about maintaining a network of strong health systems for the long-term. Editor Thank you again for your time — and for all that you and your team do for your community. We hope this interview reflects our appreciation. And we’d love for you to close by sharing why this kind of conversation matters to you, too. Thomas I appreciate the opportunity to join in the conversation about the importance of all Arkansas hospitals. For Jefferson Regional, we are part of the story for this quadrant of the state, so to be able to share our story, our successes as well as challenges, is important. Arkansas hospitals undoubtedly provide some of the very best healthcare in the nation — and with less resources than other states. It’s past time that Arkansas hospitals engage in an organized message for stakeholders and policymakers alike. n Brian Thomas at the ribbon cutting for the Jefferson Regional Specialty Hospital