Forty Under 40: Christopher Simpson, M.D.

After graduating from Arkansas Tech University in 1993 with a degree in biology and chemistry, Christopher Simpson, 39, attended medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, where he served as president of his class.

In 1997, after completing his residency in internal medicine, he went on to complete a fellowship in cardiology at Saint Louis University, where he received his certification in cardiology and nuclear cardiology.

In 2000, Simpson moved to Northwest Arkansas and was instrumental in starting the interventional cardiology program in Bentonville. The Northwest Arkansas Heart & Vascular Center now has clinics located in Springdale and Fayetteville.

Simpson said he became interested in cardiology because he felt like it was an area of medicine where he could make an immediate difference.

His goal is to continue to be involved in the growth of cardiology services in Northwest Arkansas, particularly in Benton County.

The ultimate goal, he said, is for the Northwest Arkansas Heart & Vascular Center to become a center of excellence for cardiovascular care.

Simpson recently became involved in the First Tee of Northwest Arkansas, a non-profit organization aimed at teaching leadership skills to young people through the game of golf.