By Kev' Moye
Joe Bates M.D., M.S., associate dean for public health practice for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman of College of Public Health, died Sept. 29.
Bates — a dedicated husband, family man, health leader and humanitarian — was 90.
“Dr. Joe Bates was a giant of a man who had an immeasurable impact on public health and medicine,” said UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, in a statement Friday. “He was instrumental in the development of the UAMS College of Public Health, the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement and in directing tobacco settlement dollars to public health initiatives. He was brilliant and devoted his life to helping ensure better health for his fellow Arkansans. We are forever grateful to him and will do all we can to carry on his legacy.”
Dr. Joe Bates speaks to Dr. Mark Williams (right), dean of the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, following a community event. Bates, a revered health pioneer, passed away in late September at the age of 90.