Jonesboro, AR – (Contributed) – Physicians practicing within the St. Bernards Healthcare system awarded Dr. Jon Thompson their 2025 Living The Mission Physician Award, an honor given to a doctor who best represents the St. Bernards mission of providing Christ-like healing.
The award, announced at St. Bernards Medical Center’s annual medical staff meeting on December 8, involves a unique selection process driven by the voices of St. Bernards team members. A committee selects three finalists from numerous nominations. The medical staff then votes for a winner via secret ballot.
Dr. Tasha Starks, Assistant Vice President for Quality and Safety at St. Bernards, described Dr. Thompson as an “exceptional clinician, teammate and leader.”
“He exhibits an unwavering willingness to help,” Dr. Starks said. “He is always available to answer questions with insight and grace.”
Dr. Thompson serves as a Hospitalist, a role that takes the lead in directing and coordinating comprehensive patient care throughout hospital stays.
“The word ‘hospitalist’ stems from Latin and Old French roots and literally translates to, ‘a person who practices or is concerned with sheltering the needy and the hosting of guests,'” said Dr. Chelsea Thompson, a fellow St. Bernards Hospitalist and Dr. Thompson’s wife, who presented the award.
“Jon’s dedicated work is a direct continuation of this profound, 125-year commitment to hospitality and healing,” she said. “He is there for the patients because they need him.”
Colleagues noted Dr. Thompson’s willingness to “go back into a patient’s room multiple times” to ensure they understand their care plan. One nomination highlighted his compassion during a patient’s final moments, stating, “I will never forget him being so kind, compassionate and thorough.”
A native of Northeast Arkansas, Dr. Thompson graduated from Harrisburg High School before attending the University of Arkansas for his bachelor’s degree, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.
He and Chelsea both attended medical school in Hattiesburg, MS, before returning to northeast Arkansas to complete their medical residencies with UAMS Northeast. Dr. Thompson officially joined St. Bernards in 2021, with Chelsea joining the following year. Now, they live in Jonesboro with their three children.