Harrisburg man still makes housecalls

Harrisburg native, Dr. Chris Wagoner, is one of the few doctors left that still makes housecalls.

Employed by the Rural Health Clinic in Pittsfield, he was recently honored with the Rural Physician of Excellence Award for "going above and beyond the call of duty," according to Margaret Vaughn.

Vaughn is executive director with the Rural Health Association.

Wagoner, 36, is a 1998 graduate of Harrisburg High School. He now resides in Nebo with his wife, Cherie, and three children, Hannah, Lucas, and Chloe.

"This is a very welcomed, very appreciated surprise," Wagoner said during the ceremony. "It is a lot easier to do your job when you love doing your job."

The resolution described Wagoner's willingness to provide patients with medical care outside regular service hours and the devotion of his free time to serving on the Board of Directors of the Pike County Health Department.

"The most rewarding part of this is actually being able to take care of my patients; that they don't always have to travel an hour and a half to see a specialist," Wagoner said. "I know how difficult it is for me to get in here when there is ice on the ground. Sometimes it makes more sense for me to go to them."

Wagoner completed his undergraduate studies at Illinois College. He attended medical school at University of Illinois and served his residency in Peoria.

"It is very neat. I didn't expect anything like this. I've only been practicing medicine for six years, but I feel I've worked hard," Wagoner said. "It is nice to get recognition for the things you do, for making a difference."

Even during his residency, Wagoner knew he preferred rural health care.

"I knew of Pike County and Pittsfield. I would encourage people coming out of residency to consider the benefits and rewards of a rural setting. The people I see in the office I see in the community all the time. I know these people."

Wagoner was nominated for the award by Care Manager Nicole Laux.

"It was a great chance to thank him for his services, for his expertise, his selflessness and his passion to help all his patients," Laux said. "He has the willingness to help his patients and the staff alike. You do this work to help patients and bring services to the community. Without him, we couldn't do any of that."

Wagoner's mother, Sandi Gallant, of rural Harrisburg, said she is proud of her son's achievement and enjoys visiting with him and his family as often as time allows. Wagoner's father, Ed, resides in South Carolina.