Baxter Health is excited to welcome Dr. Joel McMasters to its medical team as a board-certified anesthesiologist. With over 25 years of experience in both clinical and military settings, Dr. McMasters is a valuable addition to the staff.
Previously, he worked at Arkansas Health Group Anesthesia at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. He has held leadership roles, including Medical Director at Jefferson Regional Medical Center and Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. There, he led the Peri-Operative Evaluation Clinic.
A graduate of the UAMS College of Medicine, Dr. McMasters completed his internship at Brooke Army Medical Center and his residency through the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He notably deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Chief of Anesthesia for the 28th Combat Support Hospital.
“His extensive experience, especially in cardiac anesthesiology, significantly enhances our services,” said Ron Peterson, President and CEO of Baxter Health. “We are thrilled to have Dr. McMasters join our team.”
Outside of work, Dr. McMasters enjoys family time, reading, fishing, and following sports.
In today’s healthcare landscape, skilled anesthesiologists like Dr. McMasters play a crucial role in patient safety during surgeries. According to a recent study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, effective anesthesia management can reduce surgical complications by up to 40%. This highlights the importance of experienced professionals in delivering high-quality medical care.
As we see a growing demand for specialized medical care, the expertise Dr. McMasters brings is not just beneficial—it’s vital for enhancing patient outcomes in the region.