New Dr. comes to Benton Co.

FOWLER, Ind. (WLFI) - A new medical doctor comes to the Fowler community at the Benton County Medical Center.

The center is partnered with Unity Healthcare. Back in July, News Channel 18 spoke with doctors at Unity who said there was a shortage of physician openings and some areas were struggling to recruit doctors.

Dr. William McCarthy took over the Benton County clinic September 15th. The previous doctor moved to California. Dr. McCarthy and his nurse practitioner Cathy Bowlin said while there are some struggles for doctors in small towns, they're excited about beginning the private practice in Fowler.

"There definitely is a need for rural health. I know for a fact in Illinois they're short 400 primary care doctors. I'm not sure what the number is here in Indiana, but I like rural health. It's nice to be here. People are very appreciative of what you do for them," said McCarthy.

"One of the reasons that I came here is we have a long standing support staff here and they know the community, they know their patients and we had an outstanding turnout tonight. I came here because I like the country. And my specialty is gerontology and we had an older population here that I hope we can be of service to," said Bowlin.

Dr. McCarthy has also expanded this private practice to family medicine. Previously it only provided geriatric care.
They say they hope the expansion in people they serve will help make it a successful practice.