Dr. Matt Young | A Physician Who Puts Patients First
/CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER | TEXARKANA EMERGENCY CENTER & HOSPITAL
Dr. Matt Young has been a physician for 25 years. He is board certified in emergency medicine by the American College of Emergency Physicians. He is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. He studied and received his training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Young has served as the medical director of emergency services at both local hospitals.
Dr. Young has been the Medical Director for LifeNet, Inc. for more than a decade. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Young has served as the Bowie County Health Authority, providing the area with up-to-date medical information on COVID-19 and made recommendations for the safety of the area communities. We are tremendously grateful for his expertise, time, and dedication to people.
photo by: ABBY ELLIOTT
Why did you decide to be the Bowie County Health Authority?
When asked by Bowie County Judge Bobby Howell, I felt it was the appropriate thing to do with the uncertainty of this pandemic. This also fit my specialty in emergency medicine, emergency services, and public health. I always love the opportunity to serve our community.
Name one thing about your profession that people might not know.
As the Local Health Authority, I volunteer my time and services. This role was important to me during the recent pandemic because there were so many changes and uncertainties in which I felt I could help manage. I was also able to keep up-to-date on all of the medical treatment and literature for our community. This would not have been possible without the amazing Emergency Operations Center team.
As an emergency room physician and the Bowie County Health Authority, what do residents need to know about COVID-19 today, and how should they approach gatherings and activities during the holidays?
Currently, the cases are declining. The Emergency Operations team is very hopeful in getting closer to a normal holiday season, but we need to stay optimistically cautious.
Who has helped you become the person you are today, and how did they inspire you?
My faith, family, and friends.
Tell us one thing you can’t do without on Thanksgiving Day and explain why.
Dressing. Being one of 10 children in a family of 12, this was one of the only times during the year we got turkey and dressing. Dressing reminds me of so many traditions and celebrations with family.
What do you love most about the Four States area?
The people make it a great place! Texarkana and the Four States area are home. I have so many wonderful memories as a child and now as an adult. I also have so many friends and family that I enjoy spending time with.
What lessons have you learned from the pandemic?
The pandemic has taught me to constantly be open to learning and being flexible. It has also made us be even more aware that everyday truly is a gift. COVID-19 did not discriminate and has changed our lives in so many ways.
How would you like for others to remember you?
I would like to be remembered for living my life with a servant’s heart and always being a good faithful servant to our community.