George J Shamma

Key Points

• Identity: George J. Shamma, MD, is a family medicine practitioner based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with approximately 10 years of medical experience.
• Professional Background: Educated at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, completed residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and specializes in family medicine.
• Criminal Allegation: Arrested in 2017 in connection with an intentional fire at Mountain Ranch Apartments in Fayetteville, with evidence suggesting arson.
• Reputation: Positive patient reviews highlight his caring and professional demeanor, but the 2017 arson allegation raises significant concerns.

Overview

George J Shamma, MD, is a licensed family medicine physician practicing in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, in 2014. Following his education, he completed a residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, solidifying his expertise in family medicine. Dr. Shamma is affiliated with the Fayetteville Family Medical Center and has been recognized for providing preventive care, treating common medical conditions, and referring patients to specialists when necessary. His National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1649632860, assigned in March 2016. Dr. Shamma operates a website (drgeorgeshamma.com) where he shares articles on chronic health conditions, pain management, and holistic wellness, positioning himself as a compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Allegations and Concerns

• 2017 Arson Incident: Dr. Shamma was arrested on September 13, 2017, in connection with a fire at Mountain Ranch Apartments in Fayetteville. The fire, reported on September 7, 2017, was deemed intentional, with evidence including a plastic sack containing an almost empty bottle of paint thinner found in the hallway. Surveillance footage showed Shamma wearing latex gloves, carrying a bottle in a plastic sack, and holding a cigarette lighter minutes before the fire alarm was activated. Police found a cigarette lighter in his apartment and latex gloves in a BBQ grill. Estimated building damage was $2,145, and Shamma was released on a $25,000 bond. No further updates on the case outcome (e.g., conviction or dismissal) are available in the provided sources.

Customer Feedback

• Positive Feedback: Patients describe Dr. Shamma as “very caring and soft-spoken,” praising his “superb care and personal service with a high level of professionalism, knowledgeable, helpful & honest about the pros and cons of various options for treatment.” These reviews, found on WebMD, emphasize his dedication and patient-centered approach.
• Negative Feedback: No specific negative patient reviews were identified in the provided sources. However, the 2017 arson allegation could indirectly impact his professional reputation, though no direct patient complaints link to this incident.
• Limited Review Data: The absence of extensive patient reviews across platforms like Vitals or CareDash limits the depth of feedback analysis. The single positive review on WebMD is not corroborated by a large sample size.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: The 2017 arson allegation, even without a confirmed conviction, poses a significant reputational risk. Public perception of a physician linked to an intentional fire could deter patients and harm professional credibility.
• Legal Risk: The unresolved status of the 2017 arson case introduces uncertainty. If convicted, Dr. Shamma could face penalties affecting his medical license or practice. The lack of follow-up information makes it difficult to assess the current legal status.
• Professional Risk: As a family physician, any association with criminal activity, even if unproven, could lead to scrutiny from medical boards or loss of trust among colleagues and patients.
• Cybercrime Misassociation: The invalid source link suggesting a cybercrime investigation could indicate misinformation or a potential smear, but without evidence, it does not constitute a tangible risk.

Business Relations and Associations

• Professional Affiliations: Dr. Shamma is affiliated with the Fayetteville Family Medical Center, where he provides care as a family medicine practitioner. No specific hospital affiliations are noted, and he has not indicated telehealth services or accepted insurance plans in available records.
• Educational Background: His medical education at Wright State University and residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences connect him to reputable institutions, enhancing his professional credibility.
• Online Presence: Dr. Shamma maintains a website (drgeorgeshamma.com) with articles on healthcare topics, indicating an effort to engage with patients and establish thought leadership in family medicine.
• No Business Partnerships: No evidence suggests partnerships with other businesses or organizations beyond his medical practice and affiliations.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• 2017 Arson Arrest: As noted, Dr. Shamma was arrested for allegedly starting a fire at Mountain Ranch Apartments. The case involved physical evidence (paint thinner, latex gloves, cigarette lighter) and surveillance footage. He was released on a $25,000 bond, but no further legal outcomes (e.g., charges dropped, conviction, or trial) are documented in the provided sources.
• No Financial Concerns: No records of bankruptcies, liens, judgments, or unpaid debts were found in the provided sources.
• No Other Lawsuits: Beyond the 2017 incident, no additional lawsuits or legal actions are reported.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Dr. George J Shamma appears to be a qualified family medicine practitioner with a solid educational background and positive patient feedback. His dedication to family medicine, evidenced by his training and online content, suggests a commitment to patient care. However, the 2017 arson allegation is a significant red flag. While no conviction is confirmed in available records, the incident—supported by physical evidence and surveillance—raises serious questions about his personal conduct. The lack of resolution in the case (e.g., whether charges were dropped or pursued) complicates the assessment, as it leaves open the possibility of ongoing legal risk.

Pros:

• Strong educational credentials from reputable institutions.
• Positive patient feedback emphasizing care and professionalism.
• Active engagement through a professional website with relevant medical content.

Cons:

• The 2017 arson arrest, with compelling evidence, poses a reputational and legal risk.
• Limited patient review data makes it hard to gauge broader satisfaction.
• Unverified cybercrime link suggests potential misinformation, which could confuse or mislead.

Cautionary Advice: For patients or partners considering Dr. Shamma, verify the status of the 2017 arson case through court records or direct inquiry, as it could impact his professional standing. His medical expertise appears sound, but the unresolved allegation warrants caution. For those researching potential cybercrime connections, no credible evidence supports such claims, and the invalid source link should be disregarded unless substantiated by reliable data.

Key Citations

•  Doctor.com profile on Dr. George J Shamma’s education and experience.-: WebMD patient review praising Dr. Shamma’s care and professionalism.
•  Vitadox listing confirming Dr. Shamma’s practice details.