Our Team
Chris Berger
CEOChris Berger brings 18 years of business development experience in Arkansas healthcare to his role as CEO of Unified Medical Equipment Solutions. Throughout his career, he has focused on being a trusted resource for both patients and referral partners. Helping develop programs that keep people healthy, safe, and independent.
At UMES, Chris leads with a mission to provide education, support, and life-changing services to patients at every stage of care. He’s passionate about helping individuals regain confidence, mobility, and hope, especially during times when they may feel limited in their abilities.
When he’s not working, Chris enjoys playing golf and spending quality time with his family.
Jaymond Dotzler, CPO
Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist – Northeastern ArkansasJaymond Dotzler is a certified prosthetist serving the northeastern region of Arkansas. Originally from rural Nebraska, he holds a degree in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a master’s in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
Having grown up with a brother who has a rotationplasty amputation, Jaymond was drawn to the field early on. His career includes experience as a technician in Omaha, a residency in Missouri, and co-founding a clinic with his brother before joining UMES. He now focuses primarily on adult prosthetics and takes a team-based approach to patient care, guided by his Christian values and a commitment to doing things right the first time.
Jaymond values the long-term relationships he builds with patients and stays connected to the latest advancements in prosthetics to improve outcomes.
Fun fact: He once designed a prosthetic foot for a hunting dog—still in use by a competitive athlete on four legs.
Derek Aaron Dwyer
Director of OperationsOriginally from Parsons, Kansas, Derek Aaron Dwyer brings nearly two decades of experience in durable medical equipment (DME) and hospice care to his role as Director of Operations at Unified Medical Equipment Solutions. His background includes roles in coatings operations, healthcare facility maintenance, and medical sales—most notably a 14-year tenure at Apollo Medical, where he served in multiple leadership roles across delivery, warehouse supervision, sales, and management.
At UMES, Derek oversees operations for the Hospice and DME/Respiratory divisions. He’s known for his compassionate approach—working to ensure patients receive the equipment they need quickly, while also empowering his team to grow and succeed. For Derek, each day begins with a simple question: How can we help this patient today?
One of his most meaningful moments was helping a below-knee amputee walk again after years of immobility. The experience of seeing that patient take his first steps and begin the journey back to independent living left a lasting impact.
Derek stays sharp through training and collaboration with like-minded professionals who are deeply committed to patient care. As UMES continues to grow, he looks forward to expanding operations across Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi—helping more partners achieve their goals through exceptional service and support.
Quote that guides his work:“Patient First, Patient Focused, Patient Driven.”
James Thornton
Director of MarketingOriginally from San Jose, California, James Thornton brings nearly three decades of experience in the medical device and patient care industries to his role as Director of Marketing at UMES. He holds a BS in Business Management from The University of Texas at Dallas and has worked extensively with both manufacturers and care providers across the orthotics and prosthetics space.
At UMES, James manages marketing strategy and business development, working closely with leadership to identify new growth opportunities through technology and service expansion. He’s passionate about finding solutions that improve lives—and believes success follows when you focus on solving real problems for patients and partners.
James stays connected to the latest industry advancements through conferences, customer conversations, and longtime professional relationships. He’s especially excited about the future of digital workflows and advanced fabrication in O&P.
Outside of work, James enjoys running, golf, and time with family and friends.
Favorite quote: “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.”
Fun fact: He’s completed two 70.3 Ironman events.
Ashley Arnold
O&P Administrative CoordinatorOriginally from Bono, Arkansas, Ashley Arnold brings nearly two decades of experience in the DME field to her role as Orthotics & Prosthetics Administrative Coordinator at UMES. She holds an Associate degree in General Studies from Arkansas State University and joined the UMES team in October 2022.
Ashley plays a key role in supporting the O&P division, using active listening and empathy to ensure patients feel heard and cared for at every step. Her work is grounded in values of integrity, teamwork, and a strong focus on customer service. She stays up to date in the field through webinars and ongoing education.
What she enjoys most is being part of a team that directly improves patients’ lives and mobility. Looking ahead, Ashley is focused on expanding referrals, increasing efficiency, and supporting continued growth across UMES.
Favorite quote: “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James