?I like the small-town atmosphere,? Kern said. ?It links back to why I switched to internal medicine and the longstanding relationships you can have with people.
?I think that?s very beneficial for a primary-care practice,? she added. ?The patients can be more comfortable with me, which is extremely important. I know more about them and can treat the whole person, which I feel provides better outcomes.?
While working weekends at HCH, Kern said she became aware of the issues that have led to delays in the construction of a new hospital by its owner, HMC/CAH Consolidated Inc., including the company?s decision in October to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
?At first it was definitely something to think about,? Kern said. ?But in the end it seemed more like a challenge that had the potential to work out well.?
Kern said she is enthused about the potential for growth in health-care services in Hillsboro.
?I?m excited to use my internal medicine training and broaden the scope of what we (services) may be able to keep at this hospital, and increase the things we can do here in town to keep people from Hillsboro in Hillsboro for their health care.?
Barton agreed.
?Dr. Kern specialized in internal medicine, and can keep people here with her speciality in our hospital,? she said. ?Just the willingness to do procedures here increases the volume, which increases hospital stability.?
Kern said another reason she signed with HCH was Barton?s leadership.
?I really enjoyed working with Cheri Barton,? Kern said. ?She?s got a very progressive attitude and is extremely good at what she does.?
Kern said she intends to buy a home in Hillsboro, and to share it with her ?very large cat.? As for her interests away from medicine, she described herself as an ?avid kayaker? who recently ?re-picked up knitting.?
Meanwhile, Barton said she would like to see four health-care providers in the community. Kern will join physician Michael Reeh and Hillsboro Clinic physician assistant Laurie Methvin in that role, leaving one opening to be filled.