Patient Testimonials
Prioritizing Skin-to-Skin: Why One Mom Chose Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center
New to Southeast Missouri, St. Louis native Melissa Jones had just moved to Ripley County when she and her husband, Calen, found out they were expecting their third child. They began searching for a hospital who cared as much as they did about skin-to-skin contact. After two previous C-sections where immediate skin-to-skin contact wasn't possible, she wasn't willing to leave her birth experience to chance. When choosing where to deliver her third child, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC) stood out for one reason above all else: its commitment to making skin-to-skin contact a priority, even after a cesarean birth. Read the full store here.
A heart saved away from home
Richard “Rick” Lovall of Wentzville, Missouri, experienced a life-changing medical emergency while attending a conference in Poplar Bluff in June 2026. After suffering a transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke) in his hotel room, his son called 911. Emergency responders arrived quickly, providing both urgent care and reassurance during a frightening moment.
“They did everything in their power to save my life and keep my family calm and informed.” Read the full story here.
Finding Relief, Restoring Life: Phil Santie’s Journey with Orthopedic Care at PBRMC
After years of chronic back pain, Malden native Phil Santie, 80, underwent back surgery earlier this year, performed by orthopedic spine surgeon, Jonathan Workman, D.O., of Regional Physician Services. Santie suffered chronic pain stemming from a previous back injury and an active youth playing football and baseball. He began experiencing worsening symptoms, including nerve complications and limited circulation to his legs.
“My back had gotten to the point where the pain was constant and debilitating,” Santie said. “Dr. Workman was very polite, very informative and took the time to explain everything. I felt confident in his care from the start.” Read the full story here.
Remarkable Recovery with PBRMC’s Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center
At 65 years old, Rick Robertson is enjoying a renewed sense of independence and quality of life that he credits to the care he received at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center’s Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center.
After retiring from a home service oil company, Robertson began experiencing severe lymphedema in his lower extremities. His legs became significantly swollen, measuring between 24 and 26 inches in circumference, and developed painful, open wounds. “At one point, my feet were so swollen I couldn’t wear shoes, and I couldn’t lift my legs to get into a car,” he shared. Read the full story here.
Weight Loss Through Bariatric Care Helps Mother Reclaim Her Health
For one local mother, bariatric surgery at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center was more than just life-changing, it was potentially life-saving.
Tina Holt, a mother from Dexter, Missouri, never imagined how quickly her health would change after welcoming her son, Nathaniel, in 2021. Becoming a mother at 37 felt uncertain, and her ability to be present for her son was deeply personal. By 2022, Holt began experiencing serious health challenges, including significant weight gain, fatigue and emotional strain.
“I did everything for my son, but I didn’t really like myself,” Holt shared. “I was depressed, and I was constantly out of breath. I couldn’t even get on the floor and play with him.” Read the full story here.
Finding Confidence and Care Close to Home through Weight Loss Success
Edward McRay has called Poplar Bluff home for more than 20 years. Like many, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges, including inactivity and weight gain. Chronic knee and back pain made daily movement difficult, and over time his regular workouts stopped. As his activity level declined, his weight steadily increased, eventually reaching 360 pounds.
In the beginning of 2025, McRay sought care for his torn ACL and back pain but was told the surgery would be unsuccessful if he did not lose some weight. McRay wanted to move freely without pain and to lose weight but knew he needed guidance after speaking with his primary care provider, who suggested bariatric surgery. McRay preferred to stay close to home for the procedure and met with Luis Pina, M.D., a bariatric and foregut surgeon with Regional Physician Services in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to explore weight loss options. “I wasn’t sure I could go through with it, but after meeting with Dr. Pina, I immediately felt confident in my decision.” Read the full story here.
A Hunter's Tale of Survival and Exceptional Care
Laren Christian, a Mississippi man visiting family in Ripley County, MO, was hunting when things took a turn. An accident led Christian straight to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center's emergency room.
What initially appeared to be a routine injury escalated into a severe hematoma resulting from a ruptured blood vessel.
Christian says, "When I was in the ER, I knew immediately we were taken good care of!" Read the full story here.
From Tornado Trauma to Surgical Triumph
“They put me back together – literally,” said Lana Feldmeier. After surviving a direct hit to her home by a tornado on March 14, Lana was rushed to the emergency room at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. A massive tree had crashed through her bedroom, landing directly on top of her and severing her right ear. With broken ribs, a fractured collarbone and nerve damage in her arm, Lana’s condition was critical.
Despite the chaos of that day, Lana vividly remembers what happened next: compassion, professionalism and exceptional care. “I was stuck between my bed and a tree. When nearby neighbors finally got me out, an ambulance couldn’t get through, so they drove me to the ER in the back of a pickup truck. I was scared, in pain—and then I got to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.” Read the full story here.
A Patient’s Journey to Mobility with Knee Replacement
After years of struggling to walk due to knee pain and living with prostate cancer for the past seven years, Dave Ramsey knew it was time to take the next step to improve his health and well-being. With encouragement from his wife of 60 years, he decided to have a total knee replacement with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Preston Jones, a member of the medical staff at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.
Originally from Doniphan, MO, Dave jokes that he often gets double takes when he introduces himself. “People always ask if I’m the Dave Ramsey,” he laughs. “I tell them no, but I’ve got my own story—and it’s a good one.” Read the full story here.
When every second counts, heart care close to home
"I couldn't stand to make my cup of coffee and that's when I knew I had to seek help." Dee Dee Vance, a retired Butler County hairdresser for more than 40 years, knew something wasn't right when she woke up on August 7, 2023.
A week before the heart attack, Vance was experiencing shortness of breath, overwhelming fatigue and discomfort in chest. "I brushed it off, but now I will always take these signs seriously and go straight to Poplar Bluff Regional!"
"They saved my life," Vance said. "I will never use another hospital and will encourage anyone who will listen to go to PBRMC when they FIRST experience signs and symptoms of a heart attack." Read the full story here.