Growing up in a small town in Michigan prepared Josh Dickinson, DO, for life as a general surgeon in Conway.

Although life has taken him in several directions, Dickinson, a surgeon with Conway Regional Surgical Associates, finds himself in a town much like the one he grew up in, following a career path like that of his father. 

He admired the relationship that his father, Tim Dickinson, a family practice doctor, had with the community in Allegan, which is near Lake Michigan. As he grew up, Dickinson often thought of following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a physician. He saw firsthand the integral role a physician has in serving the healthcare needs of their community.  

“My dad did a really good job of helping me realize that everybody has their place in the community,” said Dickinson. “My perspective is that everyone I cross paths with has something to teach me, and hopefully I can give something back in return.”

While medicine was always in his mind, Dickinson had an interest in engineering and spent ten years as a mechanical engineer in Dallas. During his time in Dallas, he also graduated with a master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary which he added “was for personal growth and developing my relationship with God.”

While he enjoyed the detail-oriented nature of being an engineer, Dickinson knew his future was as a physician.

“I had several friends who encouraged me not to give up on the dream of being a doctor. I did some research and called some physicians about the feasibility of raising a family while going to medical school,” said Dickinson. After many conversations, accompanied by prayer and wise counsel, Dickinson began his medical training.

He graduated with a Doctor of Osteopathy from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Five years later, Dickinson completed a general surgery residency with Charleston Area Medical Center Residency Education – West Virginia University. 

As Dickinson explains, “When I started medical school, I thought a surgeon was a guy you only met for twenty minutes and that was it. Later, I realized even if you only spent twenty minutes with a surgeon you have a different type of relationship because you are trusting your life to them, and that is a very unique relationship that you don’t find anywhere else.”

Another epiphany came, when he was looking for a permanent home for his family, which includes his wife, Laura, and four children between the ages of 9 and 14.

“We found out about Conway from our friends Shelley and Justin Charton. Justin was always talking about the virtues of Conway,” said Dickinson. “As soon as we saw the city and met my partners, there was no question where we were going. This is exactly the kind of town that we want to be a part of. It stood out how friendly everybody was. In the brief time that we have been here in Conway, my entire family can say that we have had more friendships that have blossomed than in the previous five years.”

Dickinson began his practice in Conway on August 3, practicing alongside Michael T. Stanton, MD, Brock King, MD, Tony Manning, MD, and Landon Humphrey, MD, at Conway Regional Surgical Associates. General surgeons utilize surgical procedures to remove disease, repair injuries, and promote health and healing. Dickinson has begun performing surgeries using laparoscopic equipment and the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. “Our team is very focused on minimally invasive surgery,” he said.

Another reason he has chosen Conway is working alongside faith-led surgeons. Dickinson asks patients if they want to pray prior to surgery. 

“Before I step into the OR, I’m praying that the Lord will guide my hands.

I recognize that I have the training and the surgical knowledge that allows me to take the pathology out of the way so the body can heal the way God made it to heal.”

In his spare time, Dickinson can be found with his family, enjoying Conway’s thriving mountain biking activities as well as backpacking, fly fishing, and downhill skiing. 

Conway Regional Surgical Associates is located at 525 Western Ave, Suite 203. For more information, call 501-327-4828.

(Originally published in AY Magazine)