Dr. Lynch deployed to Afghanistan; MH clinics prepare for his absence

DR. PATRICK LYNCH

Major Patrick Lynch, M.D., a physician at two of the clinics in the Memorial Hospital system of health care, is deployed to Afghanistan in December.

A member of the Army National Guard stationed in Springfield, Dr. Lynch will serve as a medical doctor while overseas. He anticipates being stationed in Afghanistan and returning sometime in spring of 2009.

Dr. Lynch is a physician at Midwest Family Medical Care and Women & Family Medical Group,

“While it will be a difficult time for us, we have plans underway to alleviate the situation,” said Portia Anderson, practice manager at Midwest Family Medical Care and Women & Family Medical Group. “We will have additional physicians fill the gap so there will not be any interruption of patient care.”

Memorial CEO Ada Bair emphasized this consistency of care is possible because of other professionals affiliated with Memorial.

“Memorial Hospital and its clinics have an excellent staff of professionals with locations around the county,” she said. The clinics include Midwest Family Medical Care, Women & Family Medical Group and Memorial Hospital Surgical Services in Carthage, Bowen Family Practice and Memorial Medical Nauvoo Clinic. The professionals in these clinics include Christopher Jones, M.D.; Philip Caropreso, M.D.; Michael Hambrick, M.D.; Jennifer Allen, M.D.; Rachel Rahman, M.D.; Janette Glass, N.P.; Krista Carle, N.P.; Trina Lynch, P.A.; Jeff Leon, P.A.; and Lila Brooks Fritz, C.N.M.

Dr. Lynch was last deployed just before he began working at Memorial.

“While we regret the necessity of his second deployment, we are extremely proud of Dr. Lynch and his service to our country. The Memorial family will greatly miss Dr. Lynch during his absence,” said Bair. “We will pray for his safe and quick return.”

Dr. Lynch began serving in the Illinois Army National Guard at the age of 17. He later attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. He deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, as a tank platoon leader. Following medical school at the University of Illinois and his residency in Utah, he was deployed to Iraq as a physician. He joined the Memorial team in 2005.

The combat veteran said he understands the ramifications of serving in the military.

“In time of war we all make sacrifices,” said Dr. Lynch. “I realize that this is not just a personal sacrifice, but one for my family, my colleagues and patients. I deeply appreciate everyone's understanding and good wishes.”

Dr. Lynch and his wife, Trina, a physician's assistant at Midwest Family Medical Care, have three children.