Dr. Adam Ratliff Sherwood, AR Obituary, Cause of Death: UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Mourn the Heartbreaking Loss of Pediatric Resident Dr. Adam Ratliff

The Arkansas medical community and the city of Sherwood are in deep mourning following the passing of Dr. Matthew Adam Ratliff, a dedicated physician and a beloved member of the UAMS Department of Pediatrics. Adam passed away in early March 2026, leaving a profound void at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) and UAMS Medical Center, where he was completing his residency. Known for his towering presence—both physically at 6’4″ and through his immense kindness—Adam was a doctor who didn’t just treat patients; he advocated for them with a passion that was rooted in his own personal history and a deep love for the families he served.

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A Life of Service, Science, and Boundless Curiosity

Dr. Adam Ratliff was a rare individual who balanced the rigors of medicine with a vibrant, eclectic zest for life. A native of Heber Springs, Adam’s journey into pediatrics was deeply personal; having been treated at ACH himself, he chose the UAMS residency program to “give back” to the institution that had healed him. He was a specialist in the making, with a particular fascination for endocrine and developmental disorders. Outside of the hospital, Adam was a true polymath—a man who could solve a Rubik’s cube in seconds, build computers from scratch, and find joy in everything from skateboarding to traveling to ten different countries. His unique perspective as the first healthcare professional in his family made him a relatable and grounding force for his colleagues and patients alike.

A Legacy Guided by Love and Motivation

To those who knew him best, Adam’s “why” was always clear. He drew his daily motivation from his best friend, Cole, fueled by a mission to improve the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome through his medical training. Whether he was discussing the intricacies of Avatar: The Last Airbender or sharing his love for Interstellar, Adam brought an infectious enthusiasm to every conversation. His loss is felt acutely by the faculty at UAMS and ACH, who remember him not just for his clinical skill, but for his genuine concern for the well-being of others. We hold the Ratliff family and the entire UAMS community in our deepest thoughts, asking for peace and strength as they honor the memory of a physician who lived his life “so others could thrive.”