Returning Home: Dr. Jen Lambert Rejoins Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains

Photo by James Moore

After a brief time away, Dr. Jen Lambert returns to her roots, reconnecting with patients and community in West Plains.

Dr. Jen Lambert’s educational and professional journey has been notably diverse. Beginning her college career at age 15, the Massachusetts native attended four institutions before earning her undergraduate degree. Inspired by a physician she shadowed in Indiana, she pursued medical school in Pennsylvania, completed residency in Ohio, and eventually began practicing in Missouri.

In 2016 she landed with then-Ozarks Medical Center and in 2018 relocated to West Plains to get the organization’s family practice up and running. Although she initially viewed West Plains as another temporary career stop, the city unexpectedly became home. Last year, following the untimely passing of her brother, she briefly moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, to be near family and joined an outpatient clinic there.

However, the pull of West Plains remained strong. “I’d built a very strong practice here, and I loved the area," Dr. Lambert reflected. "After eight years, West Plains had truly become home. I missed my patients, my friends, and the community.”

When Ozarks Healthcare reached out, the decision to return was easy. “When the hospital asked me to come back, it sounded wonderful. It feels great to be back," she said. Dr. Lambert noted that many former patients eagerly returned to her care, reinforcing the deep community connections she'd built.

Her practice, welcoming all ages from children to seniors, epitomizes community healthcare. Dr. Lambert emphasizes that her temporary departure was never about leaving West Plains, but about the joy of returning. “Since coming back, it's been just like returning home," she added.