Kids First — Morrilton

Focused on caring for the children of our community, our clinic is able to provide care for around 56 special needs children and we employ more than 30 staff members.

The director of our clinic is Margie Fillinger, M.Ed.

The History of Dr. Robert H. Fiser, Jr., Kids First

UAMS Kids First Morrilton was the first clinic to be established outside of Pulaski County and was originally housed in a renovated wing of the Conway County Hospital (now CHI St. Vincent Health Systems St. Anthony’s Medical Center) in 1992. As UAMS Kids First continued to grow, we moved into four mobile units set up on the hospital grounds while a new building was negotiated with local businessmen.

UAMS Kids First moved to a new location in December 1995 with six spacious treatment rooms, playroom, nursing and office spaces. Several of the original staff is still employed. Dr. Robert H. Fiser, the UAMS Pediatric Department Chairman at the time, was a Morrilton native and knew that the support of the community and especially the local physicians would assure success of the program. The program prospered with the help of the first CO-MEND council made up of community professionals. The clinic has always enjoyed good community relations and is a member of the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce.

In 2011, the Dr. Robert H. Fiser Kids First moved to their current location near University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton.

Evaluation for enrollment at Kids First requires a referral from the child’s primary care physician.

Through the intake process, our interprofessional team of early childhood professionals, occupational, speech, and physical therapists, dietitians, and nurses works with families to conduct evaluations and collect information regarding the child and family’s strengths and needs. Results from the assessments are reviewed by the Kids First team to determine eligibility for services.