From QB to DR

Dr. Jared Dixon is a lifelong Benton Panther. During his childhood, he sat in the stands of C.W. Lewis Stadium and watched his older brothers play for the team. He then went on to play quarterback during his high school years in the late nineties, and now serves on the sidelines as the team physician. To say his love for the game of football runs deep is an understatement, but it’s his true devotion to the team that has brought his commitment full circle.

Dr. Dixon shares, “I played football for the Benton Panthers during the 1996, 1997 and 1998 school years, and graduated with the class of 1998. I was the starting quarterback in ‘97 and ‘98. We made playoffs my senior year, and lost in overtime to the number one team at the time, North Little Rock.”

From high school, Dr. Dixon went on to complete undergraduate studies at University of Central Arkansas in Conway, where he played football for one year. He then went to medical school at UAMS in Little Rock, and after that completed his residency in Tyler, Texas.

Dr. Dixon is a primary care sports physician, which means he is a trained family practice physician and studied one more year past that with an emphasis on sports medicine. He is currently a physician at Family Practice Associates in Benton, and has been there since 2012. He’s also in his fourth year of serving as the Benton Panthers football team physician. “I wanted to return to Benton upon completing my studies, and was thrilled when it worked out to be able to do so. I have great memories of growing up here.”

When asked what it meant to be a part of the Benton football team back in his high school days, Dr. Dixon says “My love for the game started when I watched my older brothers play football, then I started playing and developed amazing friendships while doing so.”

He’s also quick to add “I give a lot of credit to coaches. There are a lot of life lessons taught on the football field. Everything from working as a team, sweating together, hard work, sportsmanship, success and failure; there are so many major life lessons that I learned on the field that stick with me still.”

When asked about his favorite memory as the team doctor, Dr. Dixon shares, “Most of my favorite memories are interacting with athletes and being able to have a positive influence on their lives. I want to protect them and keep them healthy. I enjoy working alongside the Trainer for Benton Public Schools, Mike McConnaughhay and orthopedist, Dr. John Wyatt, and all of the student athletes. It’s a joy and a privilege to serve on this team that supports these students.”

Mike McConnaghhay says Dr. Dixon’s past football experience influences how he performs as the team physician. “Dr. Dixon is able to see things from the player’s perspective. He understands the competitive nature of so many of the players, and I think this helps him make really good decisions on the field. He is always available for the students, coaches and parents. He is personable and accessible, and treats people really well. Not only is he a great physician, he’s a great person. It’s an honor to work with him.”

According to Dr. Dixon “My motivation to serve the community stems from my history here. I feel indebted for all the help I received when I was a student here. Growing up here gave me so many opportunities that set me up well for the future. I was supported here to do well in school, play football, serve as senior class president of my class. All of these leadership opportunities helped me get to where I am today. That’s why service and giving back is a priority for me. I thoroughly enjoy it and love what I do.”

In addition to serving as the Panthers team doctor, Dr. Dixon is very involved in other organizations near and dear to his heart. He serves as a bishop for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints and works with the youth group there, and is also involved in Boy Scouts of America. He is also a board member of the Saline Memorial Hospital Foundation. And as if all of that isn’t enough to keep him completely busy, he has a young family of five children with a sixth on the way.

When members of the community are as fully invested as Dr. Dixon is, good things happen. Whether it’s from the bleachers or the playing field or the sidelines, he sets a wonderful example of true devotion to the Panthers–and the Benton community–for all to follow.