Former surgeon general visits ATSU as guest speaker
Posted: January 8, 2016
Donald Weaver, MD, associate medical officer for the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), visited A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Kirksville , Mo., campus as the featured guest speaker for ATSU’s George Blue Spruce Hero Healer Speaker Series. Prior to joining NACHC, Dr. Weaver served as a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service. He also served as acting surgeon general in 2009 and retired as a rear admiral with the rank of assistant surgeon general in 2011. A lifelong friend of and adviser to ATSU, Dr. Weaver spoke about his journey through medicine and how he was influenced by many people throughout his life. He also mentioned how important it is to give back and provide care to those who need it. “It’s about people, including patients, who certainly have influenced my life. It’s about mentors,” said Dr. Weaver. “It’s about what we can do to care for others, and we’re privileged to do it.” The goal of the George Blue Spruce Hero Healer Speaker Series is to inspire the healthcare leaders of tomorrow. ATSU’s partnership with NACHC furthers this goal by seeking to advance quality patient care in community health centers. NACHC represents the nation’s safety net of community health centers. Dr. Weaver represents leadership for this organization that comprises 1,400 community health centers operating nearly 10,000 clinics.