Four alumnus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) received their medical degrees from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences this graduation season.

One of the medical graduates were Dr. Randall Walker, a 2010 UAPB graduate decided to go into medicine after having witnessed firsthand the many health disparities citizens faced when he was a child. His decision became more firm during his teenage years when his maternal grandmother passed away from cancer.

"It was at that time I decided that I wanted to make a difference in the lives other through health care," Dr. Randall Walker said. "The summer of my freshman year, my decision to choose medicine as solidified when I was accepted in the Summer Medical Dental Education Program (SMDEP) at Howard University. It was there I witnessed firsthand how physicians can positively impact not only the patient's physical and mental health but social, emotional, and spiritual health as well."

Dr. Walker received his medical degree from the UAMS this semester with a specialty in family medicine. He is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Public Health from UAMS and attributes his success in medical school to his experiences at UAPB.

Dr. Walker is also former Student Government Association President (2009-2010) and plans to pursue Family Medicine with plans to possibly fellowship in Adolescent medicine upon receiving his MPH in December this year.

Another UAPB Alumni that received their medical degree from UAMS this graduation season is Dr. Kristopher Stepps, a 2007 graduate. The Pine Bluff native has been admitted to the LSU School of Business Executive MBA program. After earning his MBA, Dr. Stepps will pursue residency training in Family Medicine.

Dr. Stephen Broughton, II, a 2011 graduate and Pine Bluff native. He is a third generation physician behind his father and uncle, who are also UAPB/AM&N and UAMS gradutes. His specialty is in Internal Medicine.

and last by not least Dr Barbara Johnson, a 2010 graduate and a Chicago native. She will be the first doctor in her family specializing in Pediatrics. Dr. Johnson was hooded by her husband, Dr. Roderick Johnson, who is an ER resident and 2014 UAMS graduate.