Dr. Nirvana Manning
Chairman & Service Line Director, UAMS
About me: I graduated from UAMS with my MD in 2003. I am an elected member of the Arkansas Medical Society’s board of trustees and an inaugural member of the Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee.
In conjunction with my years of experience as a physician, I serve as chairman of the department of OB/GYN and service line director for women’s health at UAMS. Each role gives unique opportunities to care for my patients.
My dedication to advocacy can be seen through projects such as Girlology, which is designed to educate young girls about puberty and self-care. I have been active in education regarding access to long-acting reversible contraception for all women. I recently participated in a significant grant to improve postpartum maternal outcomes in populations experiencing health disparities.
Lives/Works in: Little Rock
Best Career Advice: Do something you want to do every day. Even on the bad days.
Lesson Learned the Hard Way: Being too trusting before vetting the person or the situation.
Call to Action: Women’s health care affects the entire family. By advocating for and improving the care of women in our state, we improve the lives of families and communities. There is a bill that should be presented at the end of the year. By expanding Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year, we can ensure women have access to much-needed mental health coverage, contraception and preventive care. This one thing can improve health care in Arkansas.
What Keeps Me Motivated: The work. I truly think it’s an honor to be in a position to advocate for women’s health on a patient care, community and state level. There is so much good work to do!
TOP 100 WOMEN OF IMPACT IN ARKANSAS 2023
A Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Initiative