Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

George William Stanley Ish, who became a highly respected African-American physician in both black and white medical communities, was born in Little Rock (Pulaski County); his parents were both prominent educators. Ish, who first wanted to be an engineer, became a physician because he recognized the great need for medical service in the community. He attended public schools in Little Rock and received degrees from Talladega College in Georgia and Yale University. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He was on the staff at Arkansas Baptist Medical Center and St. Vincent Infirmary and was a member of Pulaski County and Arkansas medical societies. He was largely responsible for establishment of the McRae Memorial Hospital in Alexander (Pulaski County).