Fort Smith Chamber Announces the Physician of the Year

Fort Smith, Arkansas, August 27, 2025 — Each year, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce strives to show its appreciation for the importance of healthcare to the quality of life and economic strength of the area. During the month of September, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber’s Healthcare Celebration will welcome Chamber members and its community partners to highlight the significance of our regional healthcare systems, healthcare workers, and new practitioners. This tribute to our local healthcare industry includes a “Physician of the Year” selected by the Chamber’s Healthcare Committee.

The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Physician of the Year Award recognizes a local healthcare physician (currently practicing or retired) who has made significant contributions to healthcare in our region by demonstrating excellence in areas of (but not limited to) quality, service, people, finance, growth, and community. Past recipients include Dr. David Hunton (2024), Dr. Larry Price (2023), Dr. Timothy Waack (2022), Dr. Leslie Ziegler (2021), Dr. Lee Johnson (2020), Dr. Nasser Adjei (2019), Dr. Tony Flippin (2018), Dr. Taylor Prewitt (2017), Dr. Cole Goodman (2016).

The Fort Smith Chamber and representatives of the Healthcare Committee are honored to announce the 2025 Physician of the Year honoree, Dr. Andre’ Jozef Nolewajka. On Wednesday, August 27th. Dr. Nolewajka was presented with a certificate acknowledging his selection.


For the past 43 years, Dr. Nolewajka has been a dedicated physician and trusted leader in the Fort Smith medical community. During his years of serving patients, Dr. Nolewajka specialized in cardiology, providing life-saving care and improving the quality of life for countless individuals across the River Valley. He was also the sole cardiologist implanting cardiac devices at Mercy Fort Smith for many years.

Under his leadership, the cardiac device clinic expanded to serve more than 3,500 patients, a true testament to his skill and dedication. He also served with distinction as section chair and a valued member of the Cardiovascular Procedures Service Line Committee, helping shape strategic and clinical decision-making at the highest levels. Dr. Nolewajka was the visionary who helped establish Mercy Clinic in 2010, setting the foundation for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to care that continues to benefit our community today.

Arkansas Communities President of Mercy, Ryan Gehrig and Chief Medical Officer of Mercy, Dr. Paul Bean said, “Dr. Nolewajka exemplifies everything this award seeks to honor – medical excellence, visionary leadership, selfless service and deep commitment to others. He has not only improved the health of thousands, but he has inspired all of us who have had the privilege to work with him.”
 
It is with this strong leadership and positive impact on the Healthcare Industry and the lives of the residents in the Fort Smith Region that Dr. Andre’ Nolewajka was selected as the 2025 Physician of the Year Award recipient. The Fort Smith Chamber looks forward to celebrating Dr. Nolewajka and our important healthcare community at the 2025 Healthcare Reception.
 
Healthcare Reception: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 6:00pm-8:00pm | United States Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, AR 72901 - Tickets can be found at www.FortSmithChamber.org.