Medical students honor Dr. James Robb as preceptor of the year

NYITCOM students recognize local OB-GYN for mentorship, leadership and compassion

BENTON, Ark. (May 27, 2026) – Medical students at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University honored Dr. James Robb, an OB-GYN at Saline Memorial Hospital, for helping shape the next generation of doctors through mentorship, leadership and compassionate patient care, recognizing him as preceptor of the year.

In April, Saline Memorial Hospital held a recognition ceremony to celebrate Robb’s selection and acknowledge his commitment to teaching future physicians. As part of the honor, Robb participated in the hooding ceremony at Arkansas State University on Friday.

“Dr. Robb is one of the nicest preceptors I have worked with because he takes the time to teach not only medicine, but also compassion, consistency and teamwork,” Student Dr. Stuti Chatterjee said. “He taught me that to lead a team, you need calm and composure. Even when things are chaotic around you, you’re still the captain of the ship.”

NYITCOM at Arkansas State University trains osteopathic medical students with a mission to expand access to health care across Arkansas and the Delta region. The college partners with hospitals and clinics statewide to provide third- and fourth-year students with hands-on clinical training in community settings.

As a preceptor, Robb works directly with medical students during clinical rotations, helping prepare the next generation of physicians through hands-on experience in patient care.

The recognition highlights the important role community physicians play in training future doctors and strengthening health care across Arkansas.

“Dr. Robb has a way of making students feel supported and capable,” said Char Boulch, CEO of Saline Memorial Hospital. “He teaches with patience and kindness, and that leaves a lasting impact. We’re proud to have physicians who invest in the next generation with the same heart they bring to caring for our community.”

For Robb, supporting future physicians is another way of caring for the community he serves.

“Receiving this award is an incredible honor, but it truly reflects the wisdom and guidance I received from my own mentors throughout my life,” Robb said. “Their impact remains with me every day, and it's my privilege to pass those values and lessons on to the future generation of physicians.”

About NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University:  New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, located on A-State’s Jonesboro campus, is dedicated to improving access to health care for the underserved and rural populations in Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta Region. Arkansas annually ranks near the bottom of all states in population health status, and also ranks near the bottom of all states in the number of active physicians per capita. NYITCOM at A-State was established in 2016 with the mission of meeting the need for more physicians in this medically underserved region. 

About Saline Memorial Hospital

Saline Health System, a part of Lifepoint Health, is made up of Saline Memorial Hospital, a 177-bed acute care facility, and Saline Clinics, a network of primary care and specialty clinics. Saline Memorial Hospital has been caring for Saline County and its surrounding communities for more than 70 years. Saline Memorial Hospital is proud to be recognized as a Leapfrog Grade “A” Hospital for its commitment to patient safety and with the Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the Chest Pain-MI Registry for delivering the highest quality care for cardiac patients. The hospital is accredited through The Joint Commission for meeting quality and safety standards, the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center, the MBSAQIP as a bariatric surgery center, Optum in the Bariatric Centers of Excellence network, CARF as a rehabilitation center and the AASM as a sleep center.

More information about Saline Memorial Hospital is available at 501.776.6000 or online at SalineMemorial.org. More information about Lifepoint Health is available at LifepointHealth.net.