By RACHEL HUNTER

Staff writer

Paige Hatcher, M.D., is excited to be joining the Marion community this fall. Her hometown, Haven, is only 67 miles away and she is looking forward to bringing her husband and her love of people to the area.

Dr. Hatcher will join the medical staff at St. Luke Hospital in October. She practices full-scope family medicine, including: pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, injury care, management of chronic disease, preventative medicine and geriatrics.

“We’re extremely pleased to announce the arrival of Dr. Hatcher,” said Jeremy Armstrong, CEO at St. Luke Hospital. “Her training in both family practice and preventative medicine is not only a great fit for our patients, but also for St. Luke. She will offer an invaluable perspective as we plan and prepare for the future of health care.”

Dr. Hatcher graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

She is board certified in Family Medicine and will complete specialty training in Preventative Medicine and a master’s degree in public health this year at Portland State University.

While completing her residency in Portland, Ore., she taught, did research, and worked on health policy related to health care work force issues, prescription drug abuse, quality improvement, and innovative delivery systems including the patient-centered medical home. Her past clinical practice was an urban clinic in Portland, where she served uninsured and underinsured patients.

Dr. Hatcher is an active gardener, a food lover, and a casual hiker. She is moving to Marion with her husband, Jeff, who is a graphic artist and computer technician.

“Jeff and I are excited to be joining the community of Marion in the fall,” said Dr. Hatcher.

“It’s my goal to provide compassionate high quality care for families in Marion County. Being a family doctor is a special opportunity to be a part of people’s lives, and I look forward to getting to know the community and its residents.”