By By Adam Prestridge
Lisa Tucker, M.D. is looking forward to returning to her roots.
As a young medical school student, Tucker trained in several rural communities throughout Alabama including Brewton and Eufaula.
Tucker, who specializes in high-risk obstetrics and gynecologic surgery, will have the opportunity to work in a small-town environment once again when she begins seeing patients at Atmore Community Hospital's outpatient clinic on Aug. 25.
"I did a lot of training in the rural areas and thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent in some of the environments I trained in," Tucker said. "It was very enjoyable."
Tucker, who will travel to Atmore each Friday, believes the drive from Pensacola will be worthwhile to help make regular scheduled visits more convenient for her patients.
"I have a lot of patients already in that area and I'm hoping that this will encourage them to continue having a relationship with me," she said. "It will be easier access for them and I'm hoping it will be a big advantage for our patients. It's easier to come to multiple visits close to home and when the big event occurs, whether it is delivering or surgery, it's not such a drag on them because they have had care close by. It's that much easier to access that care."
Atmore Community Hospital administrator Bob Gowing believes Tucker will be a huge asset to, not only the hospital, but to the residents of Atmore, who will benefit from her care.
"We are thrilled to welcome a physician specializing in women's health to our clinic," Gowing said. "Dr. Tucker has a highly-regarded practice in Pensacola. She will provide exceptional care for women in our community."
Tucker also spoke highly of Atmore Community Hospital and the service it offers the Atmore community.
"I think Atmore's got excellent facilities and is easily accessible," Tucker said. "Atmore Hospital is a wonderful hospital."
In the past, Atmore Community Hospital offered labor and delivery services to expecting mothers. Unfortunately, Tucker will not be delivering at ACH.
Tucker grew up in Montgomery and graduated college from Sanford University in Birmingham. She graduated medical school from the University of South Alabama where she also performed her residency. It's at USA where she learned the importance of quality health care in rural communities.
"Mobile was very dedicated to the rural communities," Tucker said. "That was one of their projects was to feed out into the rural communities.
Tucker is a member of the Florida Board of Medicine, the American College of OBGYN and the Florida Medical Association. She also supports the American Heart Association and enjoys volunteering for mission work when she can.
Tucker is married to David, her husband of 16 years. The couple has two children, Sarah, 11 and Allan, 8.
Dr. Tucker is already accepting appointments, which can be made by calling (850) 432-7310. Most major insurance plans are accepted.