From Eagle Scout to Family Medicine Physician

7/30/2017

Gregory Spears, D.O., became an Eagle Scout when he was 17 years old, an experience that taught him the necessary fearlessness and organizational skills to become a doctor.

Dr. Spears is a member of the active medical staff of Northwest Health, practicing at Northwest Medical Plaza - Bentonville at 610 S.W. Regional Airport Blvd. in Bentonville.

When he was younger, Dr. Spears used his learned fearlessness to talk to people, like community members and his counselors. This skill has carried over to his work, where the most fulfilling part for him is spending time with his patients and learning about their lives.

Dr. Spears said the most important thing he can offer his patients is the ability to connect on a level that allows someone to feel trusted and heard, which in turn, allows them to share the necessary details to affect change when needed.

Experiences with his mother and father led Dr. Spears and three of his five siblings to medical careers. He has a brother who is a doctor, one who is a paramedic and another who is a dentist.

At one time, Dr. Spears’ father was a paramedic in Los Angeles County. He shared stories about work with his children during that time. He also taught them about first aid and basic medicine.

“I can remember playing with his stethoscope, and it was just the coolest thing,” Dr. Spears said.

His mother’s passing from breast cancer taught him both empathy and compassion.

Dr. Spears chose to focus on family medicine because he gets to help a variety of people with different aliments each day. He explained that he also likes to see the dynamic between family members who both see him. This allows him to learn about the background behind how an ailment is interpreted at home.

Health is more than just physical, Dr. Spears said. Health consists of the mind, body and spirit. He takes all three into consideration when treating an ailment.

“They are interconnected,” he said. “One cannot be without the other in this life.”

Dr. Spears received his medical education at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, Calif. He completed his family medicine residency at Mercy Redding in California. He treats most ailments and sees patients of all ages.

Dr. Spears and his wife have three sons and one daughter. Outside of work, he likes to take road trips with his family, hike, camp, road bike, mountain bike and fish. He remains involved with the Boy Scouts of America as a troop counselor and helps scouts with hikes, camps and merit badges.

Dr. Spears is currently accepting new patients. Same day visits are often available. Visit NW-Physicians.com or call (479) 553-2664 to schedule an appointment.

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