Anxiety is common when patients are facing surgery, but the administration at Atmore Community Hospital has taken some of the worry from potential surgical procedures.

Jonathan K. Smith, M.D., and G. Travis Paul, M.D., have joined the ranks of doctors serving residents of the community at Atmore Community Hospital.

Bill Perkins, ACH administrator, said the addition of the doctors will help meet the needs of the community and the residents served by the facility.

“Dr. Smith and Dr. Paul will provide coverage for surgical needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Perkins said. “Our medical staff, leaders, employees and patients have been very impressed with their commitment to our hospital and our community.”

Both surgeons are now seeing patients at ACH as they travel from Bay Minette to care for patients at the Baptist Health Care affiliate.

Perkins said the staff and patients already interacting with the surgeons have been very positive with the level of commitment and patient care shown by the new additions.

“We now have more surgical coverage than before for our patients,” Perkins said. “The feedback from other physicians and staff at the hospital has been very positive for both physicians. We are thrilled to have this level of competency available to the patients we serve.”

Perkins said the compassion and care for patients shown by the physicians is more than could have been expected.

“Dr. Paul recently called our OR manager to let her know about a case he had added for the next day,” Perkins said. “He told her not to be alarmed because the patient would be arriving by bicycle. He assured our staff that he would make sure the patient returned home after their procedure. He took the patient’s bike and put it in his vehicle and made sure he got home safely. Not many doctors would be willing to offer that kind of care and concern for a patient.”

Both physicians, who are board certified surgeons, will be seeing patients Monday through Thursday at 410 Medical Park Dr., directly across from the ACH location. Each doctor will also provide consultations as needed for hospitalized patients.

Smith earned his medical degree at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine completing his residency and internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.

Paul earned his medical degree at the Medical College of George completing his residency and internship at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile.

The surgeons currently see patients in Bay Minette at their offices, Surgeons of North Baldwin, located at 2000 McMillan Ave. Both doctors enjoy privileges at North Baldwin Infirmary located in Bay Minette.

For additional information on Atmore office hours or to schedule an appointment, contact either doctor by calling (251) 580-4243.