Center for Excellence in Rural Health-Hazard

New Family Medicine Physician Set to Join Local UK Clinic

HAZARD, Ky. (June 8, 2009) − The UK North Fork Valley Community Health Center is adding another family medicine physician to its team of health care providers.

Dr. Joe E. Kingery is scheduled to begin treating patients at the clinic, located at 750 Morton Blvd. in Hazard, on July 1. He offers a broad range of primary care services, including low-risk obstetrics. His special interests are women’s health care and the treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

"I am delighted that UK HealthCare is bringing Dr. Kingery’s expertise to the UK North Fork Valley Community Health Center," said Dr. Baretta R. Casey, director of the University of Kentucky Center for Excellence in Rural Health-Hazard, which hosts the clinic. "He will be a strong advocate for the health care needs of our people."

Kingery, a native of rural south-central Kentucky, said he has been interested in the medical profession since childhood, when he developed an admiration for his family physician.

"I noticed his personality and how he cared for patients, working to make them better," Kingery said. "Here, I like the idea that no one gets turned away if they can’t afford to pay or don’t have insurance."

Kingery earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from UK and then a doctor of osteopathy degree from the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine. Since 2006, he has trained within the UK Department of Family and Community Medicine, where he served as chief resident for the past year.

"I’m from a very small town where the closest specialist was 30 to 45 minutes away," Kingery said. "My goal is to provide primary care for the majority of people’s health concerns."

The UK North Fork Valley Community Health Center’s primary care services include preventive and sports medicine, women’s health and maternity care, pediatric and geriatric care, and immunizations. As a federally funded health center, it is required to deliver care regardless of patients’ ability to pay, and charges for services are set according to patients’ respective income levels.

The clinic also offers behavioral health, dental, laboratory and pharmacy services to residents of Perry and surrounding counties.

Kingery plans to live in Hazard with his wife, Emily, a Pike County native who is pursuing a degree from the UK College of Pharmacy.

To schedule an appointment with Kingery, or for more information, you may call (606) 439-1559 or 1-800-851-7512.