In a time long ago, there was a catchy little tune called, “Don’t Worry. Be Happy.”It urged anyone who listened to take a deep breath, square the shoulders and realize that everything works out – one way or another. For Dr. Marcus Chu, this advice led him to a thriving clinic in Hot Springs Village.

Q: As a young man with a toddler, what is it like treating people in Hot Springs Village?

A: I trained as a family medical physician at UAMS-Fayetteville so I wanted to pursue my career in a small town like the one where I grew up. I’m from Helena originally, went to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville for my undergraduate degree then moved to Little Rock where I earned a Master’s in Public Health from UAMS. While I was working on my master’s degree, I began to lean toward primary care, and I decided to become a medical doctor. I always liked seeing different types of medical situations, and primary care, particularly children and families, is always something new. I see mostly adults now, but it’s just as intriguing as family medicine.

Q: How did you begin your practice in Hot Springs Village?

A: My wife is from Benton, and my family still lives in Helena so we wanted to locate somewhere in central Arkansas to be close to both. Growing up in a small town, I knew I wanted my own clinic and get to know my patients and their families just like the doctor in any small town does. I made a call to St. Vincent’s to see if they had a need for primary care physicians, and I learned about the clinic the hospital was opening in Hot Springs Village. It was all kismet, but it has been a good thing for me and my family.

The people in Hot Springs Village know everyone, and they were so kind to us when we opened CHI St. Vincent Primary Care – Village East. They had a grand opening for us. We’ve been open for two and a half years now, and we continue to grow.

Q: What does your family think of your new home?

A: My wife is studying to be a speech pathologist, and she stays busy with our almost two-year-old son. She enjoys the area and being close to both Hot Springs and Little Rock. I like it because it reminds me of the town where I grew up.

Q: Why do you do what you do?

A: Every day is a challenge, and every patient is different. In family medicine, you have to know a little bit about everything. What I like about the patients I see in Hot Springs Village is their variety. We see patients who are 103. Every patient we see has the potential to have a simple health issue or a complex one. It’s vital I pay attention and consider the person’s entire health state. It’s challenging and never mundane, and I love that.

Q: How has the clinic been received in Hot Springs Village?

A: The practice has grown and continues to do so. We try to meet the needs of the community as best as we can and as much as possible. The clinic is inside the gates of Hot Springs Village, and there is a doctor here full time, which is what the community wanted. I never thought in almost three years we’d be as busy as we are, but I see new patients every day. It’s exciting.