First observed in 1933, Doctor’s Day honors physicians for their dedication, skill and service to patients and the advancement of medicine. In Warren, two longtime doctors — Dr. Kerry F. Pennington and Dr. Joe H. Wharton — continue to embody those values through decades of care in the community they call home.
Both men are Warren natives and former Lumberjacks who attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences before returning to practice medicine in their hometown — a decision rooted in both purpose and connection.
For Wharton, the path to medicine was clear early on. Though he once considered a career in academia, he ultimately felt drawn to patient care. “I went to graduate school to continue my work in the science of health care and had thought about being a college professor, but I did not want to do that full time,” he said. “So I decided to get my M.D. and do patient care.”
Pennington’s journey developed later. “No,” he said when asked if he always planned to enter the field. “But in the second semester of my senior year of high school, my basketball coach asked if I had ever thought about medical school. I truly feel it was a calling.” Before that, he had considered careers in orthodontics and civil engineering.
Both physicians point to early influences that helped shape their decisions. Wharton recalled being inspired by television medical dramas such as “Ben Casey” and “Dr. Kildare,” as well as the example set by his family physician, the late Dr. Wynne. Pennington credits the steady support of his parents, extended family, teachers, coaches and church community.
Pennington established his practice in 1981 after purchasing the office of his former physician, the late Dr. Whaley. In 1985, he built a new facility, and just two years later, Wharton joined him. Over time, the practice expanded to include additional physicians, but the two have remained a constant presence, providing continuity of care for generations of patients.
While much has changed in medicine over the years, both doctors agree that advancements in technology have had one of the most significant impacts. From electronic medical records to faster communication, modern tools have improved efficiency and access to information. At the same time, they note that the evolving insurance landscape has brought new challenges to the profession.
Even with those changes, the most meaningful moments of their careers remain rooted in patient care. For Wharton, treating members of his own family — including delivering some of his nieces and nephews — stands out. “It has been a blessing,” he said.
Pennington recalled a pivotal experience early in his career when he helped deliver a premature baby weighing just 1 pound, 15 ounces. With no initial signs of breathing, he was called to resuscitate the infant. The child survived and is now an adult. “That has always stood out to me,” Pennington said. “It wasn’t long since I was out of school, and I had gained the knowledge to do this.”
Both physicians have found ways to manage the demands of a challenging profession. Wharton said his faith has been a constant source of strength throughout his career. Pennington turns to time spent raising cattle, reading, and being with family, along with stepping away when needed to recharge.
Serving the Warren community, they said, has always been at the heart of their work. Wharton said he values caring for people he has known most of his life, while Pennington sees his role as both a responsibility and a privilege. “This place afforded me a great place to grow up and a great school system,” he said. “I like that it is family-centered, and I wanted my kids to grow up here. I love the down-home attitude.”
Looking ahead, both physicians emphasize the importance of preserving the human side of medicine. While technology continues to advance, they believe the physician-patient relationship should remain central. “There is still an art to medicine,” Pennington said. Wharton added that he hopes health care becomes more affordable in the future.
For those considering a career in medicine, their advice is simple: be prepared to work hard and remain committed to serving others. Compassion, they said, is just as important as clinical skill.
As Doctor’s Day approaches, their careers stand as a testament to what it means to serve with both skill and heart. For Pennington and Wharton, medicine has never been just a profession, but a lifelong commitment to the people and place that shaped them — a commitment reflected in every patient seen, every life touched and every generation of families they have cared for along the way.
