Faculty & Staff

Undergraduate education: University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, 2003
Medical education: Ross University – Dominica, 2007
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, Springfield, 2010, chief resident
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2010
Research/clinical interests: Medical humanities, educational research, faculty development and sports medicine
Personal interests: Parenting my children, indoor and outdoor soccer, Lego building (sometimes with my children), woodworking, social justice and fighting ninjas

"Family medicine is awesome. The great array of challenges keeps you constantly on your toes and excited about doing your job. In no other specialty would I ever be able to say that in one day I did an LP in the ICU, delivered a set of twins in L&D, then went to my outpatient clinic to inject an arthritic knee. I love this job!"

Undergraduate education: United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1996
Medical education: A.T.  Still University, Kirksville, Missouri
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, Springfield, 2011, chief resident
Practice experience: Nevada, Missouri
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2016
Research/clinical interests: mindfulness, narrative medicine, medical humanities and wilderness medicine
Personal interests: hiking, camping, yoga, gardening, astronomy, ukulele-playing and contemplative studies

“Why do I really love my job so much?  It’s because I get to do the most meaningful work with people I care about.  As a family physician, I have learned (and still learn) many skills with which to meet my patients' suffering and help them lead a healthy life. Throughout the day, I might use a manipulative technique to relieve a headache, a stethoscope to make sure a baby is okay, my knowledge of pharmacology to adjust diabetes medication, mindfulness techniques to help my patient relieve the cause of her anxiety, a scalpel to remove a worrisome spot and facilitation skills to honor end-of-life decisions. To do challenging things, supported by those around you, with the ability to meet the needs of those who depend on you is my definition of fulfillment. Teaching is something I have always loved, but the rich environment of teaching residents and students while supporting them in caring for their patients and in learning how to be the best version of themselves makes me love it even more. Our culture is one that values each other, clinical excellence, patient advocacy and a down-to-earth love of people. I am grateful to be a part of that culture. “

Undergraduate education: Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL, 2003
Medical education: Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, 2008
Residency education: Via Christi Family Medicine Residency, Wichita, KS, 2011
International Medicine fellowship: Via Christi Family Medicine Residency, 2012
OB fellowship: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, August 2021 – August 2022
Practice experience: Peoria, IL; Bundibugyo, Uganda
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2020
Research/clinical interests: Point-of-care ultrasound, global health
Personal interests: Spending time with my wife Stephanie and our five children, biking, running, doing anything outdoors, medical missions

“I went into family medicine because I love caring for children, adults and pregnant women. The constant challenge of learning new things to provide excellent care across the full spectrum of life is invigorating. Being a family doctor has allowed me to pursue diverse clinical interests, which eventually led me down the winding road of Global Health and ultrasound and into the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda. I am passionate about teaching and mentoring residents and medical students to help them on their journey of becoming excellent physicians. I joined the CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency because this is the kind of place that supports and develops broadly trained and highly competent family doctors.”

Undergraduate education: Portland State University, Portland, OR, 2004
Medical education: Saint Louis University, 2008
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency, Springfield, 2011
Practice experience: Nevada, Missouri
Joined CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency: 2016
Research/clinical interests: wilderness medicine, obstetrics 
Personal interests: father of three sons, running, gardening, rock climbing mountaineering, skiing

“Approaching a patient as a whole makes possible the foundation of a lasting relationship built on education, empowerment and enhanced wellbeing.  A will to actualize this perspective has motivated me thus far in my career.”

Undergraduate education: University of Denver, 2004
Medical education: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2012
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, Springfield, 2015, chief resident
OB fellowship: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, August 2015 – August 2016
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2015
Research/clinical interests: maternity care, osteopathic medicine and physician wellness
Personal interests: quality time with my family – my husband, Michael, and our two children – hiking, yoga and exploring Springfield

"After responding to and caring for the survivors of the devastating Joplin tornado, it became overwhelmingly apparent to me the importance of having comprehensive training in all aspects of medicine which could serve a broad community in whatever minor and major needs arise within it. I wanted to have versatility and flexibility in my career to be able to tailor my practice to meet the needs of my community. That is what initially appealed to me about family medicine and particularly, the full-scope training within the CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency Program. Since completing my training and moving forward in my career as a faculty physician within the program, I am eager to devote myself to the needs of my community of underserved patients, resident physicians and fellow faculty physicians. I am very passionate about physician wellness and hope to contribute to its further development within this innovative program in hopes of helping fellow physicians discover their passions, home-work life balance and thrive within this ever changing field of medicine."

Undergraduate education: University of Missouri – Columbia
Medical education: University of Missouri – Columbia, 2016
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency, Springfield, MO, 2019
OB fellowship: CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency, July 2019 – June 2020
Joined CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency: 2020
Research/clinical interests: Obstetrics, pediatrics, breastfeeding care, women's health, Spanish
Personal interests: Volunteering at church, fishing, going to the lake, getting involved in the community, parenting and homemaking

"Family medicine with obstetrics allows me to fulfill all the driving passions I uncovered during my training.  I love being involved with soon-to-be parents from the very beginning of their journey when they learn they are pregnant. I aspire to be a source of knowledge and support during this major life event and beyond. I love providing continuity of care and primary care to entire family units. It is an honor to realize that as a family physician, patients trust me with the care of their entire family - from their children to their parents and grandparents. My own family is what I value most in this life, and it is a great privilege to be involved in the care of multiple generations within a family."

Undergraduate education: Southwest Baptist University, 1992
Medical education: University of Missouri – Columbia, 1996
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, Springfield, 1999
Practice experience: Springfield, Missouri
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2015, adjunct faculty 2001-15
Research/clinical interests: preventive care and chronic disease management
Personal interests: cooking and spending time with family

"A good physician treats the disease. A great physician treats the patient who has the disease." - Sir William Osler
"Family medicine places us in an optimal position to be able to care for patients. Throughout 16 years in private practice, I've learned a therapeutic relationship is the single most effective healing tool in my virtual black bag. A therapeutic relationship is comprised of mutual trust, a patient's belief I have their best interest at heart and that I care. Without these fundamental building blocks, it doesn't really matter to a patient what else I have to offer or recommend. A therapeutic relationship, much like trust, is earned, not owed. It is the building of a partnership aimed at improving the patient's health. Many times, in family medicine, it is a partnership built with the entire family, aimed at improving the family's health. My aspiration, as a faculty member, is not only to reach the science of medicine, but also to foster the art of healing. I hope to be able to impart wisdom from lessons learned with life experience."

Undergraduate education: University of Iowa – Iowa City, 1996
Medical education: University of Missouri – Columbia, 2000
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, Springfield, 2003, chief resident
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2003
Research/clinical interests: caring for the underserved, inpatient medical care
Personal interests: spending time with my family, fly fishing, reading, chasing and being chased by my golden retriever

"I am thankful to be a family doctor, hearing and becoming a part of the stories of my patients. It is a privilege to provide whole-person care, addressing the biologic, psychological, social and spiritual needs of families over a lifetime. As a teacher, I am honored to help guide others on their journey to become family doctors. It is a blessing to do this alongside colleagues who truly care for our patients, residents, students, staff and each other." 

Undergraduate education: University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Medical education: AT Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2009
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency, Springfield, 2012, chief resident
Practice experience: Chippewa Falls, WI
Joined CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency: 2018
Research/clinical interests:  preventive care, prenatal care, pediatrics
Personal interests: spending time with family, playing the piano, being outdoors

"Being a family physician is truly an honor.  I have the privilege of caring for entire families and multiple generations, often within the same day.  It affords a unique opportunity to really get to know our patients and what is important to them as well as their struggles.  It is so rewarding to be a part of their journey, providing care to them through the various stages of their lives."  

Undergraduate education: Drury University, 2011
Medical education: University of Arkansas for Medical Science, 2016
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, 2019
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2022
Research/clinical interests: My previous research has been in the dermatologic care education of family medicine residents. My clinical interests are generally broad which is fitting for family medicine. More focal areas include toxicology, procedures, and teaching.
Personal interests: Outside of work my main interest is spending time with my family. I am married with a daughter and two dogs. Any excuse to get outside is of interest to me.

“I love family medicine because it offers the opportunity to provide medical care to diverse patient populations, for a variety of conditions, and in a variety of environments. This variety provides chances to continue learning and prevents monotony. Family medicine became part of my identity as I completed my residency training.”

Undergraduate education: Drury University, Springfield, Missouri, 2008
Medical education: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2012
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, Springfield, 2015
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2015
Research/clinical interests: outdoor and wilderness medicine
Personal interests: outdoors, camping and hiking

"I chose family medicine because it allows me to take care of patients at any stage of life for an endless variety of conditions. To me, having the broad knowledge and skill set of a family physician exemplifies what it means to be a doctor. I also love being a teacher of family medicine because the medical students and residents I teach challenge me every day to become a better doctor myself."

Undergraduate education: Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO, 2012
Medical education: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2018
Residency education: Still OPTI/Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC), Kirksville, MO, 2021
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2024
Research/clinical interests: medical education, leadership, simulation in healthcare, osteopathic manipulative medicine, physician wellness, family medicine advocacy
Personal interests: Spending time with my wife Mackenzie and our cats, going on walks, trying new restaurants, video games, board games, audiobooks, and expanding my horizons.

“From the moment I was called to be a physician it was always to be a family physician. I’ve always wanted to be able to help people in as many situations as possible. No other specialty is as versatile and adaptable as ours. We know our patients as individuals and see all the factors that affect our patients’ health beyond what issue brought them into the office that day. As an osteopathic family physician it is my goal to help my patients to find health rather than to just identify disease. Early on in my training, I fell in love with teaching and mentoring. I was drawn to join the faculty at CoxHealth because of their clear dedication to medical education. I wanted to be a part of a team that would make me better and help me to grow as a physician and as an educator.”

Undergraduate education: John Brown University, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, 2009
Graduate education: Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, Missouri, 2013
Practice experience: Burrell Behavioral Health, Private Practice, Ozarks Technical Community College
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2024
Research/clinical interests: emotional regulation and distress tolerance, end of life care, physician wellness
Personal Interests: music, parenting, lake life!

"Research shows us that many individuals first seek behavioral health care in primary care settings which makes behavioral health integration in primary care more important than ever. It is such a privilege to be involved in the training and care of residents through these important years!"

Nursing school: Burge School of Nursing
Undergraduate education: University of Missouri- Kansas City
Graduate education: Frontier Nursing University
Post graduate DNP: Frontier Nursing University 
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2015; joined faculty: 2017
Research/clinical interests: Postpartum right care, women’s health, obstetrics and mental health
Personal interests: family – my two girls – traveling and reading

"Women, pregnancy and babies are the foundation to family practice. It is an amazing privilege, even after 25 years, to participate in the care of a new life, a new family, a new mama and daddy. There is no greater blessing than a new baby. "

Undergraduate education: Truman State University, 2002
Medical education: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2006
Residency education: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, Springfield, 2009
International Medicine fellowship: Via Christi Family Medical Residency, 2010
OB fellowship: CoxHealth Family Medical Residency, 2012
Joined CoxHealth Family Medical Residency: 2010
Research/clinical interests: travel and tropical medicine, medical missions and full-scope family medicine
Personal interests: French, playing chess and reading the Chronicles of Narnia with my boys

"Family medicine is the most challenging – and most rewarding – medical specialty. When value is placed on primary care, outcomes improve, and costs decline. This requires a commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. I'm excited to work in that kind of environment here at CoxHealth. I want to encourage residents to get everything they can out of this full-spectrum specialty, by putting everything they have into it."

Undergraduate education: BS, Southwest Missouri State University
Joined CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency: 1999
Residency duties: recruitment, ACGME accreditation, and (according to Paula) more duties than will fit on this page!
Personal interests: faith, spending time at the lake, hiking, camping, watching scary movies, laughing, having fun

“As an administrator, I am thankful to be in a job where I am part of a loving and caring team that genuinely looks out for one another.  I love connecting with people and being part of their lives.  Working at the residency is my ‘dream job’ and I have the opportunity on a daily basis to make a difference.  I am so grateful that being part of CoxHealth FMR was in God’s plan for me. Come join this amazing team; your life will forever be changed!”

Undergraduate education: BA, Drury University
Joined CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency: 1997
Residency duties: front desk, facility operations, reports/tracking residency requirements, computer support, assisting my coworkers
Personal interests: reading, cooking, gardening, spending time with family and friends

“I enjoy watching the residents grow and mature during their three years with us.  I’m always sad to see them graduate, but am so proud of their success.”

Undergraduate education: BS in Ed, Southwest Missouri State University
Joined CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency: 2009
Residency duties: licensing, medical student rotations, reimbursements/payments and so much more!
Personal interests:  local urban missions, reading, decorating frugally, gardening, spending time outdoors, being adventurous and enjoying life 

“Medical students decide to go into family medicine because they love the relationships they build with their patients. They are people-lovers, and that translates into the workplace. I am blessed to work with kind and caring people who make coming to work a blessing and a joy.”

Joined CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency: 2020
Residency duties: project coordinator for CoxHealth FMR/Jordan Valley Residency Track, scheduling, assisting other residency coordinators with administrative duties and goal setting, along with whatever else needs to be done.
Personal interests: baking, trying new recipes, spending quality time with family, redecorating, crafting

“Having worked as a Registered Medical Assistant for 15 years, I’ve witnessed a multitude of family physicians blossom and become excellent physicians.  I’m excited to be working behind the scenes now in learning how a residency is developed. The amount of teamwork that I have witnessed at CoxHealth FMR has reinforced how thankful I am to be working with this determined group of faculty, residents and staff.”

Undergraduate education: BS, Evangel University
Graduate education: MEd, Evangel University
Joined CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency: 2023
Residency duties: Scheduling, working as a team with the other coordinators, and doing whatever I can to help!
Personal interests: Spending time with my family, traveling, reading, and enjoying life

“I am excited and blessed to have the opportunity to work with the residency program.  I love observing others developing and growing in their educational successes.  I am fortunate to work alongside the FMR faculty, residents and staff.”