Dr. Kemp returns to Rector Clinic

A familiar face has returned to Rector. Dr. Len Kemp recently was welcomed back to the staff of Rector Medical Clinic. Dr. Kemp began his medical career with the clinic in 1981 and remained a part of the Rector Medical Clinic staff for several years before leaving in 1998 to work exclusively at the larger Paragould Doctors Clinic.

"I wanted to come back to my old home," Dr. Kemp said of his return. "I have a lot of old friends here who I'm looking forward to seeing again."

Dr. Kemp will be on hand at the Rector site every Tuesday.

"I will be seeing patients here in the clinic and in the nursing home every week. Two things really stick out about my coming back to Rector. First, a lot of our patients won't have to travel as far to see a doctor. This is especially a concern for some of our elderly patients. We want to give them an option that's closer to home.

"Also, I'm happy to back in Rector. I hope to renew old friendships and meet new people. I'm looking forward to meeting new patients in the community."

Dr. Kemp says medical care is a vital part of any community.

"We want to try to help build up Rector. A lot of small towns are dying on the vine, so to speak. We want to keep Rector a blooming flower on the tree."

The time away from Rector has been very active for Dr. Kemp. Aside from his busy schedule in Paragould, he also joined the U.S. Army Reserve, where he holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He has served overseas, treating patients in Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I guess you could say I was a late bloomer," Dr. Kemp said of his service. "I was almost 50 when I joined."

His love of humanity and willingness to help others comes through in not only his service record, but in the way he approaches all of his patients.

"What I like most about family practice is you get to see all the generations. You treat babies, their parents, grandparents and sometimes even great-grandparents. I like that part of it. I like to see the entire family and get to know them. Just getting to know people is a wonderful part of life."

The Rector Medical Clinic staff also includes Dr. Lance Monroe and Judy Leach, APN.

"We've got a good group of people in place here," Dr. Kemp said. "I'm just here to do my part and help out."

Dr. Kemp is a graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. He completed a three year residency in Texas prior to joining the Rector Medical Clinic in 1981.

"I feel like I'm back home now, like I've come full circle. I'm happy to be back in Rector. This community has been very good to me over the years. I hope I can give something back."