Staff writer
As he prepared to take time off for training and to spend time with his children, Dr. Richard Brown said he has enjoyed his first few months seeing patients at St. Luke Physician Clinic in Marion.
Brown’s first experience with Marion came in 2006, when he filled in for other physicians who were attending a conference for a week.
Then, in 2010 while working in Salina and preparing to move to Kansas City where he grew up, he called friends and colleagues to find out what opportunities were available.
St. Luke Hospital CEO Jeremy Armstrong and chief nursing officer Linda Kannady told him about an opportunity to work as a primary care physician.
“I said, ‘Sure, I’ll do it.’ It seemed like a good opportunity,” Brown said. “I’ve always had primary care in the back of my mind as an interest.”
Brown joined St. Luke Physician Clinic in December. Throughout his career, he has worked more in critical care situations, but he said the outpatient work he did was rewarding.
“I’ve always enjoyed my outpatient experiences,” he said.
For the first few months working at the clinic, he had temporary living arrangements and worked about two days per week. About two months ago, he bought a house in Marion and increased his workload to three days per week, plus extra as needed.
And Brown’s stay in Marion has been pleasant outside of his career.
“The benefits of small-town living are appealing to me, especially for my kids,” he said.
His children, 9-year-old Will and 7-year-old Wendy, have had fun times in Marion, he said.