Lauren McBride is an advanced practice nurse in the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute Clinic at Arkansas Heart Hospital, working alongside bariatric surgeons Dr. Samuel Bledsoe, Dr. J.D. Fuller, Dr. J.J. Tucker and Dr. Oscar Talledo. She began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2011 working at Christus St Michael’s Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. While working there, she furthered her education graduating with an Associate’s of Applied Science Nursing degree in 2012. She worked as a Registered Nurse, providing community home health care in her hometown, Hope, Arkansas, from 2013 until graduating with her Master’s of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2018. Shortly after graduation, she relocated to central Arkansas where she began her career at the Arkansas Heart Hospital.

Get to know Lauren

What do you enjoy about being a APN in the BMI clinic?

I truly believe God led me to the bariatric clinic, and I am so thankful he did. The doctors and our wonderful staff are all such a blessing to work with. It is a rewarding role to get to watch patients’ lives change so drastically in such a short time. I’ve watched patients struggle with severe diabetes, cardiac disease, respiratory complications,  mobility limitations and so much more. For almost a decade prior to coming to the bariatric clinic, I cared for all types of very sick patients and simply managed their health conditions the best we could but here, at the Arkansas Heart Hospital, we see patients’ health issues resolved, and patients get a second chance to take control of their health. As a medical provider there is nothing more rewarding than that.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to church, reading and being outdoors.

Crystal Meziere grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. She attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 2010. In December of 2018, she completed the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program and earned her Master of Nursing Science. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Society. She lives in Benton and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling and spending time outside.

Abby Connerly is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Master of Nursing Science from UAMS in Little Rock and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She has enjoyed working with cardiac patients since she first graduated nursing school in 2014. She worked as a floor nurse at the Arkansas Heart Hospital before she became a nurse practitioner. In her free time, Abby enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, being outdoors and traveling to new and fun destinations. She currently works with Dr. Monica Lo in both the hospital and clinic in Little Rock.

Abby named one of AY’s Best Women in Healthcare.

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Existing Patients: (501) 219-6466 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

Rose is a Family Nurse Practitioner, board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona and her Masters of Nursing Science from South University in Savannah, Georgia. She graduated with honors and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. Rose has extensive cardiovascular and gastrointestinal experience of more than twenty-five years. She worked at Arkansas Heart Hospital early in her career and after returning to Arkansas, she is thrilled to return as an APRN, hospitalist. Rose lives in Conway, Arkansas where she lives with her husband and daughter.

Alfano named one of AY’s Best Women in Healthcare.

Sydnie Thessing is a nurse practitioner at Arkansas Heart Hospital. She is credentialed through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners with a family practice certification. She started her career as a registered nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and later served in the cath lab at Arkansas Heart Hospital’s Conway Clinic, where she discovered her interest in cardiology. She also has experience in emergency medicine and gastroenterology.

A Conway native, Sydnie graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree before receiving her Master in Science of Nursing degree and graduating with honors in 2017. She is a current member of the American College of Cardiology and Sigma Theta Tau International, a nursing honors society.

Get to know Sydnie

What is the most interesting aspect of your career?

The world of cardiology is always changing and growing. I am amazed at how far medical therapies and technologies have progressed in such a short time. We have more options, and better options, available to treat patients with heart conditions compared to just a few years ago. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn, which keeps things interesting.

What do you find most rewarding? 

I enjoy educating patients about how they can better their heart health and improve their quality of life. I find it rewarding to be able to explain complex cardiovascular disease processes and procedures in a way that helps others understand more clearly. I value the relationships I have made with my patients and always strive to put them at ease about stressful medical situations when I can.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Sydnie resides in Conway with her husband and son. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with close friends and family, traveling, cooking, playing piano and reading

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If you are unable to self-schedule online or prefer to speak with us via phone, please call our office. 

Existing Patients: (501) 219-6466 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

William Eric Bain is a family nurse practitioner, board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. He received his Bachelors of Science in Nursing at the University of Arkansas Little Rock and quickly found his calling in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. He has worked at the Arkansas Heart Hospital for 7 years now as a Registered Nurse. Eric completed his Masters of Science in Nursing with a focus on Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University. Eric enjoys spending time with his wife and son outdoors in our beautiful state. He currently sees patients with Dr. William Rollefson in Little Rock, Bryant, and Helena.

Get to know Eric

What inspired you to go into medicine?

My grandmother inspired me to go into medicine. She served as a nurse in the Veteran’s Administration for more than 30 years, and she always had a heart to serve others. She and my parents instilled in me that servant heart.

What is the most rewarding part of your profession? 

It’s most rewarding to be able to identify the problem and then watching patient’s health improve.

Make an appointment

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If you are unable to self-schedule online or prefer to speak with us via phone, please call our office.

New Patients: (833) 733-7244
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3618

Hannah Mitchell is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, board certified in Adult and Gerontology Acute Care through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and licensed through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. She earned her Master’s degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. where she focused on cardiology, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. Although she enjoyed her time on the east coast, she returned to her home state of Arkansas to pursue a career at the Arkansas Heart Hospital. Hannah is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Heart Rhythm Society, and the Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and hiking.

Get to know Hannah

Why did you choose to go into medicine?

I am reminded every day that I made the right decision to pursue medicine. My career isn’t a job…it’s my passion. I am honored to have the ability to help others during their most difficult health challenges.

What do you enjoy more about your profession? 

I most enjoy getting to know my patients. I have so much respect for them, and I am truly blessed to be a part of their healthcare team.

Annabeth is an adult gerontology nurse practitioner, board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in 2011. She then worked in the Emergency Department as a Registered Nurse for 5 years prior to completing her Master of Science in Nursing. She is a member of the American Associates of Nurse Practitioners and is licensed through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Annabeth was raised in White Hall, Arkansas and now resides in Benton, Arkansas with her husband and two dogs, Jayne & Ocho. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

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If you are unable to self-schedule online or prefer to speak with us via phone, please call our office. 

Existing Patients: (501) 219-6466 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244 

Susan Hernandez is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Arkansas Heart Hospital, and board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She completed her Master of Science in nursing degree from University of Arkansas for Medical Science in 2008 where she graduated with honors. She also completed her Bachelor of Science in nursing from University of Arkansas for Medical Science in 2005 and her Associate of Science in Nursing from Garland County Community College in 2003. She also holds an Associates Degree in Health Information Management and has been in the medical field for 20+ years. She resides in Hot Springs with her husband Mike and three daughters. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, running and traveling.

Make an appointment 

To self-schedule an appointment through our online platform, please complete the form below. 

If you are unable to self-schedule online or prefer to speak with us via phone, please call our office. 

Existing Patients: (501) 219-6466 

New Patients: (833) 733-7244