Calling Dr. Rhoads

Photography by James Moore

From Ohio to Ozarks: A Journey of Purpose and Dedication in Psychiatry

An Ohioan by birth, Dr. Jesse Rhoads attended medical school at Ohio University and his psychiatric training at Ohio State and Dartmouth. He arrived at Ozarks Healthcare in 2011 where he now serves as medical director of behavioral healthcare.

How does West Plains compare to where you grew up?

It’s very similar. I grew up in what they consider the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains — very similar demographics, very rural area. 

What made you want to pursue a career in health care in this specific specialty?

Growing up, I always enjoyed learning and applying what I’ve learned to real problems. I think medicine allows me to do that. I wanted to have a purpose in my life. I didn’t want a job where I just clock in and clock out and collect a check. 

Horace Mann, a 19th-century educator, said, ‘Be ashamed to die until you’ve won a victory for humanity.’ It’s a very powerful quote that always stuck with me. Being a physician is my little contribution to helping others. 

How has your specialty changed most during your years in practice?

The advancements in psychiatry mirror that of medicine in general. There are better and safer options for treatment now than when I started. Unfortunately, there haven’t been the same advancements in access and affordability. These amazing advancements in American health care don’t matter if they can’t be afforded or accessed. One of the things I really love about working here is, as a psychiatrist, we see people regardless of their ability to pay. Nobody is turned away. That’s our contribution to improving access. 

What is it about Ozarks that sets this health system apart?

Being a small, independent health care system, we’ve been forced to navigate the challenges of American health care on our own. That’s made us able to adapt quickly to do what needs to be done in the best interest of our community. I think this organization really is mission-driven. It does feel like a team as opposed to a bunch of separate employees going about their day.

It may sound cliché, but what impresses me most is the quality of the people who work here. My colleagues are brilliant folks. I came from academia with preconceived notions of what it would be like to work in a community setting, and those notions were completely wrong. Some of the brightest people I’ve ever met work here. 

As a physician, do you feel heard by Ozarks’ leadership?

Yes, this place really respects physicians and respects our expertise in our field. I have no complaints about being given autonomy and trust from the administration and the hospital as a whole. They’re very open to new ideas and things of that sort. 

What do you like best about what you do?

I like talking with my patients and getting to know them. They are some of the most interesting, intelligent, resilient people I know. I wish people would understand that about the patients I see. They’re really amazing people. Getting a chance to talk with them, getting to know them and earning their trust, that’s my favorite part of my job.