Samuel Bledsoe, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Dr. Samuel Bledsoe is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in metabolic and bariatric surgery at UAMS Health in Bryant, Arkansas. He serves as Professor of Surgery and Medical Director of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery. His practice focuses on laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and revisional bariatric surgery.
Dr. Bledsoe is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
ABOUT DR. BLEDSOE
Dr. Samuel Bledsoe received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine, graduating with honors in both research and surgery. He completed his general surgery residency at Carraway Methodist Medical Center and Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, followed by additional specialized training in bariatric surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Bledsoe began his surgical practice in 2009 in Alexandria, Louisiana, where he served as Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. During his tenure, he helped develop the hospital’s bariatric surgery program and led its participation in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). He also held several hospital leadership positions, including Section Chief of Surgery and membership on the hospital’s Executive Committee.
In 2017, Dr. Bledsoe joined Arkansas Heart Hospital, where he established and served as Medical Director of the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute for nearly a decade. During his tenure, he also served as Chief of Surgery and Chief Medical Officer of Encore Medical Center, helping lead the hospital’s surgical services and clinical operations.
In October 2026, Dr. Bledsoe joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where he serves as Professor of Surgery and Medical Director of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery at UAMS Health in Bryant. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery, holds its Focused Practice Designation in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and is a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS).
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Bledsoe is actively involved in physician leadership and healthcare policy. He currently serves as President-Elect of the Arkansas Medical Society, having previously served as its Secretary and as a member of its Board of Trustees. He has worked to expand insurance coverage and improve access to bariatric surgery in Arkansas, including providing testimony before legislative committees on policies affecting patients with obesity.
Dr. Bledsoe has contributed to peer-reviewed surgical research, medical education, and professional presentations on bariatric and metabolic surgery. His clinical interests include laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and revisional bariatric surgery.
Dr. Bledsoe and his wife have three children. He teaches Sunday school at his local church and has volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & LEADERSHIP
Dr. Bledsoe serves as Professor of Surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Medical Director of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery at UAMS Health in Bryant.
He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS) and holds the American Board of Surgery’s Focused Practice Designation in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Dr. Bledsoe is President-Elect of the Arkansas Medical Society and has held numerous professional and hospital leadership positions, including Chief of Surgery and Chief Medical Officer at Encore Medical Center and Medical Director of the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at Arkansas Heart Hospital.