A Legacy of Care: Celebrating Years of Caring with Dodson Cravens, Pharm.D.
5/13/2025
POPLAR BLUFF, MO, May 12, 2025 – For nearly five decades, Dodson Cravens, Pharm.D., has been a part of the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center story—one that began long before he ever donned a white coat. Cravens faced a life-threatening illness as an infant, and he was admitted to Doctors Regional Hospital–which years later would become Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Thanks to the skill and dedication of the medical staff, he survived—a moment that would shape his future.
"I knew I always wanted to work at the hospital that saved my life," he recalls.
On August 23, 1976, Cravens began his career as a staff pharmacist at Doctors Regional Hospital, witnessing firsthand the hospital’s evolution, expansions, and eventual merger with Lucy Lee Hospital to become Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Over the years, he worked his way up to Director of Clinical Pharmacy, dedicating himself to patient care and education. Today he leads a weekly diabetes management class to help others regain control of their health.
"It’s really satisfying to help those in need and watch them turn it around for the best," he says.
Looking back, Cravens sees the merger of the two different hospitals as a turning point for the community. "We didn’t know then, but merging the hospitals was the best thing for healthcare here!"
His legacy of care continues through his family. Cravens’ daughter followed in his footsteps to become a pharmacist, and his granddaughter is pursuing the same path.
As Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center celebrates 100 years, we honor dedicated individuals like Dr. Dodson Cravens, whose commitment to healing has touched generations.
Back