Providers/Staff
Pediatric Medical Professionals in Hot Springs
Dr. Jessica Cannon
I chose pediatrics because of the problem solving. With every patient, you have to use all of your skills and figure out what’s really the matter. Sometimes they’re too young to tell you where they hurt. Other times, they just don’t know. You’ve got to stay up to date and able to come at the problem from lots of different directions. It‘s never boring and being able to work with families to figure out that answer each time is especially rewarding. Plus, getting to watch a kid grow and guide them through all the stages of their young life is awesome. There is never a dull moment in pediatrics.
Where did you receive your Medical Degree? Internship? Residency
I am originally from Austin, TX. I graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences. I was then commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy and served in the D.C. area and in San Diego, CA. After my service in the military, and a brief stint in biomedical research, I completed my medical degree at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. I did my internship at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and finished my residency at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York.
How long have you been here?
I joined Hot Springs Pediatric Clinic in March 2016. Prior to this, I worked in rural South Carolina with the National Health Service Corps and then again in the DC area. It was my experience in South Carolina that taught me to be an ”everything" pediatrician, as access to pediatric specialists was sparse in that area. I speak Spanish and I am happy to be one of the newest members of the Hot Springs Pediatric Clinic team.
What's your favorite part of your job?
I really love being part of the family. It's so rewarding to start with a newborn and their anxious parents, guide them through childhood and all their bumps and bruises, and then watch as a confident and mature teenager goes on to start his/her own life. There are unique challenges to each life stage and I enjoy knowing their story and being a resource throughout it's evolution.
Do you have any hobbies and, or activities that you enjoy?
I stay extremely busy with family activities. I live with my husband Chris, our two boys Rex and Ty, and our ”crazy” dog Sophia. I love to travel, sing, cook, snow ski, and just about anything outdoors.
Dr. Sarah Hardy
I came to Arkansas from West Virginia. I graduated from Asbury University with a Bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and French. I worked for a little while in a hospital lab and then as a chemist at a pharmaceutical company before deciding to go to medical school. I completed my medical degree at West Virginia University School of Medicine before moving on to the University of Vermont Medical Center for my pediatric residency.
How long have you been here?
After completing my training in Vermont, I obtained my board certification in pediatrics and worked in West Virginia as part of the National Health Service Corps for the next two years. I came to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in 2014 for specialty training in Pediatric Cardiology. While I loved Arkansas and working at Arkansas Children's Hospital, I recognized that i missed welI-child checks! Luckily, Hot Springs Pediatric Clinic was looking for a new doctor, and I joined the team here in December 2015.
What's your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy getting to know my patients and their families and I feel that pediatric primary care medicine is a great way to help promote health and wellness for the entire family and the community. I am also currently the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at National Park Medical Center where I am working to make sure we provide the highest level of care for both newborns and patients admitted to the hospital.
Do you have any hobbies and, or activities that you enjoy?
I recently purchased a home in Hot Springs, so that's been keeping me busy for now. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, going to the movies, reading all night, WVU sports, and just about anything that involves water. I really love living in Arkansas but wishes it would snow just a little bit more.
Matt York, APRN
I fell in love with pediatrics during my summer rotation at Hot Springs Pediatric Clinic. Having 10 years of adult medicine experience, my friends and coworkers were not sure what to think about me deciding to practice pediatrics and leave the adult medical setting. Children are just so much fun to see and be around. There are so many challenges in pediatrics that make it more interesting. Besides that, I think the patients are adorable and so much fun to be around. I'm a big kid so it's nice to be surrounded by people like me.
Where did you receive your Nurse Practitioner Degree?
I received a degree in Master of Nursing Science from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing. Prior to my masters degree, I have 10 years experience as a Registered Nurse working in a Hospital ICU Department.
What's your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job Is helping the pediatric population in Hot Springs get and stay well. I'm happy to see the kids and their parents, I grew up in this community and know a large majority of the families that I see.
Medicine continues to evolve. How do you stay current and up to date?
I think that our clinic does an amazing job staying up to date with the latest evidence-based practice and sharing this information with all the providers in the clinic. There are so many resources available to help expand and grow our practice. On a personal note, I keep up to date by studying and receiving CME's online and by attending educational seminar courses. I also read a lot of educational journals.
Do you have any hobbies and or activities that you enjoy?
I enjoy spending time with my own family: Ashley and my two amazing children, Preston and Avery. I love watching them grow and become great people. I love spending time in my neighborhood and visiting with family and friends. I love to fish and play on the lake. I really enjoy working out and staying in shape.
Brooke Ferguson, APRN
I chose pediatrics because I love kids! They are so fun! I feel like a kid at heart. I love watching kids grow, reach milestones and develop into themselves.
Where did you receive your Nurse Practitioner Degree?
I received a Master’s in Nursing Science- Pediatric Primary Care degree from UAMS. I am certified with the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
What's your favorite part of your job?
The best part of the job is getting to know families, making a difference in kids lives and developing lasting relationships.
Do you have any hobbies and or activities that you enjoy?
I have two sons that are involved in various activities that keep me busy. We enjoy football, hiking and going to the gym for a good work out. I, also, love a good book.
Why should a family choose HSPC?
Choose HSPC because we’re the best! We have an amazing group of providers . I am proud of the team I am apart of and get to serve with in this community.
Dr. Tracy Rowe
I have always wanted to be a pediatrician. My mom used to tell stories of my lining up my dolls, putting bandages on them and wrapping their arms and legs with Kleenex pretending it was a cast. I have always enjoyed working with children—watching them grow up is such a joy and having them smile at me or give me a hug is enough to brighten a cloudy/ busy day. And helping them get over or through an illness is wonderful!!
I am a true Arkansas girl. I was born and raised in North Little Rock. I attended college at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville where I obtained by Bachelors degree in Biology. I worked for a year at Baptist medical center in N. Little Rock as a nurse's aide before starting medical school at UAMS. After finishing this, I did my internship and residency in Pediatrics at Arkansas Children's Hospital.
I am a huge Razorback fan, even when it is not easy to be. I also have 3 "fur babies"-3 cats — that I love and spoil.
I have been at Hot Springs Pediatric Clinic for over 20 years. Wow—time flies!!
Dr. Julia Togami
Dr. Togami received her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in May 1993. She completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Arkansas in June 1996. She is board certified in pediatrics.
Dr. Togami enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband and their Labrador retrievers in the country.