30 Sep 2025 Baptist Health Women’s Clinic-Conway providers strive to be trusted partners

Welcoming existing and new patients into a supportive environment is the goal of each provider at Baptist Health Women’s Clinic-Conway.

“Everyone here is very caring and accommodating,” said Micah Wiegel, MD. “Regardless of the concerns and complications a patient has, we want to care for them to the best of our ability in a timely way. I think the staff does a good job communicating with each other and with our patients, and I know they are very dedicated to what they do.”

Born and raised in Benton, Wiegel chose Obstetrics and Gynecology during his third year of medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). “During a night shift rotation, a senior resident let me do a delivery, and I thought it was one of the coolest things I had ever seen,” he said. “It’s a celebration of life.”

Wiegel completed a residency at UAMS and became board-certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has been a fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for 12 years and has worked for Baptist for 2 years. The physician also specializes in pelvic prolapse and stress urinary incontinence procedures. 

He emphasized how much he leans on his wife, Lauren, to take care of their children and home life so he can be dedicated to his patients. “I have a beautiful wife and we have two beautiful children: Annaleigh is 12, and Evie is 10. They are my rock, and I couldn’t do anything without the love of my wife.”

His family has outdoor and lake adventures with their goldendoodles named Buddy and Keke.

In August, Baptist Health Women’s Clinic-Conway welcomed an additional physician, Danica Ordonez, MD, who enabled the clinic to expand its reach and care for more women. Ordonez earned her medical degree from UAMS and completed a residency through the University of Texas Southwestern.

She is excited to care for women of all ages. “Women’s healthcare begins with listening and educating about health and wellness,” she said. “I believe that we must treat each patient as a whole to provide the best care. Maternal care begins in pre-conception, and a healthy and informed patient is a good stepping stone to a healthy pregnancy.

“At the clinic, we treat each other as extended family members,” she said. “We like to make our patients feel welcome in a family-friendly environment and we are accepting new patients.”

In her free time, Ordonez enjoys spending time with her son, Kai, and her husband, Cody. Outside of the office she can be found gardening, playing board games, working difficult puzzles, reading thrillers and murder mysteries, and traveling. During the past year, she and her family have traveled to the Philippines, India, Switzerland and Germany.

Both Wiegel and Ordonez are grateful for another provider at the clinic. Mellissa Keeton, APRN. She earned her degree in Family Practice from the University of Central Arkansas and specializes in women’s health. Keeton has been with the Baptist Health Women’s Clinic-Conway since February 2022. Prior to joining the clinic, she was an RN for 25 years and worked in labor and delivery for 21 years.  

“I chose the field because I wanted to help women find their voice regarding their healthcare and to help them feel comfortable coming to women’s health visits. Our providers, nurses, and other staff care about your health, your safety, and your preferences,” Keeton said. 

“My best advice for women is that we want to give you the best experience possible and assist you in achieving your healthcare goals. You are important and your voice matters. Express your concerns, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You are your best advocate!”

Keeton and her husband live in Greers Ferry and “love the little lake town.” Together, they have six children, 15 grandchildren and a labradoodle named Daisy, who has no idea she is a dog!

The clinic is located behind Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway. For patients expecting a baby, Wiegel bragged about the hospital. “Baptist is a great facility with beautiful delivery suites and a very competent and caring nursing staff and administration,” he said.

Ordonez offered advice for women after they have their babies. 

“Once childbearing goals are achieved, I believe we must continue to listen to and care for our patients,” the physician said. “My best advice for women is to continue following up with a trusted provider, and to not forget about their gynecologist after having a baby. We can help as you walk through perimenopause and menopause.”