Staff writer
Derek Brown, a pediatrician in Emporia, will begin seeing patients Nov. 2 twice a month in Marion.
“I’ve always embraced pediatrics,” he said. “I really enjoy working with children.”
Brown said treating children sometimes requires detective skills, because children aren’t always able to articulate what hurts. He said he likes that challenge.
Brown’s visits will provide a local option for families that have had to go out of town for pediatric services.
“There seems to be a real need in the area for pediatrics,” he said.
Dr. Don Hodson of Marion Family Physicians said Brown’s services could also allow families to reconnect with local primary care physicians.
“We have many local children going out of town for primary services that can be provided here in Marion, and we would welcome them back,” Hodson said.
Family medical practices provide vital services, Brown said, but his specialization allows him to provide a deeper level of services for children. Obesity, allergies, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and behavioral problems are subjects that he has focused on.
Parenting his 9-year-old son, Dylan, has improved his skill as a pediatrician and vice versa, Brown said.
He graduated from Brown University before receiving his medical doctorate from Finch University of Health Science/The Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, Ill.
Brown was an associate pediatrician at Associated Pediatrics of Fox Valley, Aurora, Ill. He then moved to Emporia, where he practices as part of the Newman Pediatrics branch of Newman Regional Health.
Brown will see patients 9 a.m. to noon on the first and third Tuesdays every month at St. Luke Physician Clinic, Marion. If demand allows, he would be interested in expanding his Marion hours.
To make an appointment at St. Luke Physician Clinic, call (620) 340-6164. For more information, visit www.slhmarion.org.