NEOSHO, Mo. – Newton County residents access to primary care and specialty services was significantly enhanced Thursday morning with the opening of the much-anticipated expansion to the existing Freeman Neosho Physicians Group building.

“In our quest to continually improve services and facilities, Freeman is investing $1.2 million in the future of healthcare for the people of Neosho and Newton and McDonald Counties,” Paula Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer, said during a morning ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This new 4,266-foot addition will enable us to increase clinic and office space, including 14 examination rooms.”

The expansion is centered around the Family Medicine Residency Clinic Freeman operates in affiliation with Kansas City University of Medicine.

“KCU-Joplin trusts Freeman as its flagship academic center, and we’re proud to build on our tradition of physician education here in Neosho,” Baker said.

The residency clinic, which provides care for the entire family through every stage of life, adds two new resident physicians each year for three-year clinical stays. Typically, these doctors in training develop skills in medical procedures, patient care and laboratory work. Overseen by Family Medicine Residency Program Director Dr. Barbara Miller, the program’s first two residents, Dr. Omar Rehman and Dr. Terrance Kelly, began accepting patients at the Family Medicine Residency Clinic in 2022. This year, Dr. Brandyce Elia and Dr. Robert Morris joined the team. Two more doctors will come aboard in mid-2024, bringing the total to six residents at the clinic and ready to see patients.

“We’re doing our part to ensure that the residents of our communities have access to very robust, clinically competent and exceptional medical care providers,” said Renee Denton, Freeman Neosho Hospital’s Chief Operating Officer.
Missouri is one of 10 states most in need of primary care professionals, according to a published Health Resources and Services Administration report. The state met just 20.2 percent of required staffing needs in 2022.

“This new addition represents Freeman’s proactive commitment to ensure that our communities have the medical providers needed now and in the future,” Denton said. “Studies indicate that a large percentage of residents choose to stay and work at or near the location where they completed their training. The combination of being home to the Rural Family Residency Clinic, and the active participation of each physician, is testament to our commitment to community.”

The expansion also features two physician offices, three support staff workstations for the Family Medicine Residency Clinic, a consultation area and a small laboratory.

“Having access to a primary care physician and specialty physicians such as a cardiologist, general surgeons, orthopedics, ear nose and throat, OB and Gynecology all in this location, in the heart of a rural community, makes access to care not only possible, but convenient,” Denton said. “The care you need right here at home.”

The residency clinic, located inside Neosho Physicians Group office at 336 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Neosho, is now scheduling new patients – infants through seniors. Appointments can be made by calling 417.347.4200.