12/25/2009 6:00:00 AM
'Cowboy Baby Doctor' chosen best physician by patients
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| Dr. Kenneth Jackson |
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KINGMAN - Three years ago, Dr. Kenneth Jackson was on-call when he received a call about a woman 38-weeks pregnant and in cardiac arrest.
There was no chance for the mother, and doctors had to work fast to save the life of the unborn baby. Jackson opened up the woman in the emergency room. In those types of situations, the baby would have a one-in-one million chance of survival, he said.
Ten minutes after he began the procedure and delivered the infant, Jackson heard the baby crying. The doctor then went to the sink to wash his face and hide the fact that he was crying, too. The incident, Jackson said, was easily the defining moment of his career - and maybe for another young doctor as well.
"I had a student with me looking over my shoulder the whole time," Jackson said. "I think that sealed the deal for him."
While Jackson, 61, said delivering children is important, he said that it is the relationships he develops with mothers during a life-changing time that he really enjoys. Those close relationships he fosters with patients may be one of the reasons why Jackson was recently given the 2009 Patients' Choice Award, a title given to less than 5 percent of the nation's active physicians.
"When I first heard about (the award), I said 'Is this for real?'" Jackson said.
"I like to make patients feel like they belong here."
The award is based on high patient approval ratings on various components of a doctor's practice, such as bedside manner, doctor-patient face time, degree of follow-up, courtesy of office staff and overall opinions.
Jackson is so committed to patient care that once a month for the last 15 years he has ridden his horse into the Supai Village at the base of the Grand Canyon to give prenatal care.
The area is only accessible by helicopter or horseback. Jackson also treats patients in Peach Springs twice a month.
Jackson began his career at the Indian Health Service hospital on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Whiteriver, Ariz. He spent five years there before transferring to Pinetop, Ariz., where he spent another 10 years before coming to Kingman in 1991. In his 35-year medical career, Jackson estimates that he's delivered some 4,000 babies.
He also logged hundreds of miles outside of work traversing Arizona on horseback. In 1994, he crossed the state west to east on horseback. Last year, he did it again with two other riders, this time north to south.
In February, the doctor will release his first book, a Southwestern suspense novel titled "Manifest West."
Jackson said his work, while risky, is overwhelmingly rewarding. "There's always a little bit of risk," he said.
"There's always a chance that things can fall apart. When I go home at 3 or 4 in the morning after delivering a baby, I feel worthy."
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Posted: Saturday, February 27, 2010
Article comment by:
Bridget & Graham Macdonald
Congratulations to Dr. Jackson on the award & his new book! He is truly deserving of anything good coming his way.
He is not only a baby Dr. he also takes care of us "old folks" too. He has been our Dr for ten years & is the best we've ever had. He really cares about all of his patients & takes the time to make each & every one feel special! Thank you Dr. J!
Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010
Article comment by:
Sheri
I have never felt so lucky and been as proud to be with someone as I am now. Ken has the most amazing heart and a passion for people and everything he loves that no one can match. ~
Posted: Monday, January 11, 2010
Article comment by:
Susan Woodward
Congratulations Dr. Jackson. You are a wonderful doctor and most importantly a caring man. Not too many men like you out there in this world now. I am so happy I had the opportunity to work with you at the hospital. I was a Health Unit Coordinator and did enjoy working with you so much. Just to see the smile on your face at 3 am after you delivered a baby was just awesome. Keep it up. Take care love ya Dr. J. Susan Woodward
Posted: Saturday, January 02, 2010
Article comment by:
Rose Krah
My husband and myself were patients of Dr. Jackson many years ago(in Pinetop Az.) and miss him as a Dr. and friend to this day! Thank you for doing what you do...God has blessed us all by having you in our lives. Rose and Dan Krah
Posted: Friday, January 01, 2010
Article comment by:
Leah Goldie
Dr. Jackson's patients love and respect him. Some have been with him for almost 20 years. He treats them like family and I am lucky to work with him every day. This is what medicine is supposed to be like.
Posted: Friday, January 01, 2010
Article comment by:
Leah Goldie
Dr. Jackson's patients love and respect him. Some have been with him for almost 20 years. He treats them like family and I am lucky to work with him every day. This is what medicine is supposed to be like.
Posted: Friday, January 01, 2010
Article comment by:
Sondra
Dr. Jackson was my husband, my babies daddy, and my doctor! We are no longer married to each other, but he remains a magnificent human being in my life, in our children's, and grandchildren's life, and for this, I am eternally grateful and proud! Rock on Ken!
Posted: Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Melissa Lesca
I am so proud of my dad, Dr. Jackson, who also delivered my brother and I when we lived on the Apache Indian reservation in Whiteriver! His dedication to his patients inspired me to become a physician. His example taught me how to treat people with kindness and respect. His love and support helped me to succeed all along the way.
Posted: Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Alison
Hi all!
We are lucky enough to work with Dr. Jackson on a passion project of his - his first novel! Please feel free to become a fan of Jackson on Facebook - where we will be posting information about the launch of book, signing and other great events!. Just go to http://www.facebook.com/DrKenJackson
Posted: Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Scott
Great article. Looking forward to the release of your book, Manifest West.
Posted: Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Article comment by:
Michelle B
Congrats to Dr. Jackson. he delivered my son in 2003 and was an excellent doctor and made me feel so very comfortable with him. Over the years if he sees me he still has a moment to stop and say hi. He deserved this!
Posted: Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Article comment by:
Colleen
Congratulations to such a wonderful and caring doctor! Dr. Jackson delivered my daughter in '95 and came in to do so when he was not on call! I will never forget his compassion and what I felt was special treatment to myself and my husband. I know he treats all of his patients special and that's why he deserves this award!
Dr. Jackson is an asset to our community and our surrounding communities!
What a beautiful story.
Posted: Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Article comment by:
Dave
I just read the article on Dr Jackson...a fine man it seems, but what struck me when reading is the number of Doctors that have dedicated their lives to "death" rather than life, in the murder and butchery of unborn infants....oh that there were more Dr Jacksons and less murderers!!! imho
Posted: Monday, December 28, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Congrats Dr. Jackson! No one that was in that room will never forget that day you saved that baby! I think everyone cried at one time or another from the sadness and the joy of that faithful day!
Posted: Monday, December 28, 2009
Article comment by:
Cathy
I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Dr. Jackson in 1996. I knew he was awesome then and I am so happy that everyone knows now as well. Congrats from East Texas!!!!!
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