Tribute to Women: Lori B. George, MD
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photo by shane darby.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to be able to pour back into the same community that reared me, prayed for me, and helped shape me into who I am today.”
“Being able to take care of home is a deeply personal mission for me, and it brings me great joy,” said Dr. Lori B. George, a family medicine specialist at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System. “My medical training afforded me the opportunity to travel the world, but there was never anywhere quite like Texarkana. Texarkana is special; the people of this community are special. It is the honor of a lifetime to be able to pour back into the same community that reared me, prayed for me, and helped shape me into who I am today.”
An alumna of Ross University School of Medicine, Lori completed the first 16 months of her medical training on the island country of Dominica in the West Indies. The experience was transformative: “It was a completely different culture, currency, lifestyle, dialect, weather,” she explained. “I lived through a couple natural disasters during my island time, including a tropical storm that left us without power, running water, or communications for over five days.”
After being so far from home, Lori completed her residency at UAMS Southwest, here in Texarkana. Though the locale was familiar, little else was—for Lori or anyone else.
“My first year of residency was the same year the COVID pandemic began,” she said. “It’s stressful enough learning to navigate the healthcare landscape as a newly-minted physician with all these new responsibilities—and then, within the first six months of my training, we were all faced with a global pandemic.”
Even more so than if she had completed her residency during typical times, Lori learned “how to pivot, how to be courageous, and how to walk right into the mouth of the beast,” she said. “It was hard, but I thank God that I was able to get through it.”
Prior to pursuing a medical career, Lori earned a master’s degree in biology and taught biology and anatomy & physiology courses at both Texarkana College and the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. “Those years really gave me confidence and matured me,” she said. Lori has retained her passion for teaching, often speaking about cancer screenings, preventative care, mental health, and more at local community engagements. “I love educating others,” she shared. “It’s why I chose to do clinical medicine—so I have time to educate and empower my patients to be wise stewards of their health.”
At TC and UAHT, Lori taught many pre-nursing students—many of whom she now works alongside in the clinical setting. “What a full-circle moment,” she said, “and a reminder that God has been ordering my steps all along.”
A proud graduate of Texas High School, Lori sits on the TISD Education Foundation alongside her father, Rev. Louie B. George Jr. “We get to actively engage in discourse and planning that positively impacts the community that has been such an integral part of our family,” she said. She is also on the board of directors for CASA for Children Texarkana, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (local graduate chapter, Kappa Xi Omega), and a lifelong member of Oak Street Baptist Church.
Lori is the daughter of Rev. Louie B. George Jr. and Lavannah George. submitted photo.
Lori said that two of her greatest inspirations are her mother, Lavannah George, and Dr. Mae Jemison. “My mom taught me everything I know about how to be a Christian, carry myself like a lady, and how to have a servant’s heart,” she said. “She is my best friend and biggest inspiration.”
Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, has long been a hero to Lori, who herself is an astronomy enthusiast and spends clear nights stargazing with her telescope. However, she later learned that Mae was also a medical doctor “who did research that led to new guidelines for health and safety in our nation,” Lori explained. “A true pioneer and trailblazer. Her story helps remind me that there is never a cap on the influence and reach you can have in a lifetime.”
FSLM ASKED LORI:
What’s something about you most people don’t know about you? I’m a real science nerd, and I love entomology. One of my favorite hobbies in the evenings during the summer months is identifying different insects (and yes, I do have a bug collection).
What book are you currently reading? Life’s Edge by Carl Zimmer.
If you could speak one sentence of wisdom to your past self, what would it be? This is a phrase my sister, Gayle, always told me when I was feeling discouraged or weary during my training, and I find myself repeating it to others now: “Keep the course; it will be greater later!”
HOW MARY WARREN SEES LORI:
“It is an honor to nominate Dr. Lori George as one of the 2025 Tribute to Women honorees. Lori has been a family friend, church member, and role model to our daughter, Angela. I have witnessed Lori’s remarkable growth into the inspiring woman she is today. My daughter and I were fortunate to attend her graduation from Ross University School of Medicine. It was an unforgettable moment that highlighted her determination and excellence. As a retired educator, I deeply admire individuals like Lori, whose positive influence uplifts both youth and the community. Her path to becoming a medical doctor is truly inspiring. Lori’s dedication to the medical field is evident in her tireless commitment to her patients. She combines extensive knowledge with compassion, ensuring that her community’s health needs are always at the forefront of her practice. Lori is not only a physician but also a passionate advocate for wellness, education, and holistic care. Her success as a doctor reflects her professional expertise and her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and the profound impact she has made on healthcare. Congratulations, Dr. Lori George, and thank you for your enduring influence. Your legacy will continue to inspire and shine for years to come.”