About
Dr. James B. Baker is a board-certified internist and Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists with 25 years of practice in Northwest Arkansas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas in 1979. He then completed his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at Oklahoma State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in 1986. He received the Most Outstanding Medical Graduate Award from the Oklahoma State Board of Regents that same year. His internship and internal medicine residency both took place at Tulsa Regional Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident from 1988 to 1990.
Dr. Baker focuses on cardiovascular health, diabetes, preventive medicine, and autoimmune diseases, the last of which he pursued with additional specialized training. He has served as Co-Medical Director at Northwest Arkansas Rehabilitation Hospital since 1991 and as President of its Medical Executive Staff since 2015. He also works weekends as a staff physician at Circle of Life Hospice. In 2011, he received the National Outstanding Internist award. He served as President of the Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association from 2013 to 2014. His approach centers on treating patients like family and building care plans collaboratively.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, AR — Bachelor of Science, Chemistry 1979
Medical School
Oklahoma State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Tulsa, OK — Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine 1986
Residency
Internal Medicine, Tulsa Regional Medical Center, Tulsa, OK (1987-1990); Chief Resident 1988-1990
Additional Training
Internship, Tulsa Regional Medical Center, Tulsa, OK (1986-1987); Extra training in autoimmune diseases
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Baker right for?
Dr. Baker is a strong fit for adults seeking a long-term relationship with an experienced internist. Patients managing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions benefit from his clinical depth and specialized training. He works well with adults who want a collaborative approach to setting and achieving health goals. His 25-year presence in Northwest Arkansas means he knows the local specialist network well, which helps patients get the right referrals quickly.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Dr. Stuart BensonDO, FACOI
diabetes
Dr. Kourtney HarringtonMD
Dr. Joel FankhauserMD
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Baker focuses on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and preventive medicine. He pursued extra training in autoimmune diseases beyond his internal medicine residency. He also manages general adult internal medicine needs across his patient panel.
Yes. Dr. Baker holds certification from the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, a distinction reflected in the FACOI credential after his name.
Dr. Baker earned his medical degree from Oklahoma State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in 1986. He completed both his internship and internal medicine residency at Tulsa Regional Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served as Chief Resident there from 1988 to 1990.
Dr. Baker has practiced internal medicine in the Rogers and Northwest Arkansas area for 25 years. That tenure has allowed him to build strong working relationships with local specialists across multiple hospital systems.
Dr. Baker holds staff privileges at Northwest Medical Center, Washington Regional Medical Center, and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. He also serves as Co-Medical Director at Northwest Arkansas Rehabilitation Hospital, a role he has held since 1991.
Dr. Baker takes a team-based approach. He works with each patient to build a plan around their specific health goals. He emphasizes prevention and wellness, and he takes time to review both new and existing records during comprehensive evaluations.
Yes. Dr. Baker received the National Outstanding Internist award in 2011. He also earned the Most Outstanding Medical Graduate Award from the Oklahoma State Board of Regents in 1986. He served as President of the Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association from 2013 to 2014.
Yes. Dr. Baker serves as a staff physician at Circle of Life Hospice on weekends. He has held that role since 2013, giving him direct experience with end-of-life care alongside his primary internal medicine practice.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026