New Chairman and Board Members Bring Strength and Stability to Patients First Health Care

WASHINGTON, MO, Sept. 16, 2011 - Patients First Health Care announces the appointment of David E. Chalk, MD as chairman of the board and two new board members, Matthew J. Tiefenbrunn, MD and Kelly D. Gage, MD. The addition of Dr. Tiefenbrunn and Dr. Gage brings the board to nine members representing patient centers outside of the Washington area along the I-44 corridor and into St. Louis.

“The founding premise of Patients First was independent, like-minded physicians coming together to deliver exceptional patient care,” said David E. Chalk, MD, chairman of Patients First Health Care. “We know our patients and we know their families.  We live in the communities we serve.  I am proud to represent an organization that has stayed true its values and is committed to delivering high-quality, coordinated and cost-effective primary and multispecialty care.”

David E. Chalk, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Washington, joined Patients First as a founding member in 2000. He completed his medical education at the University of Kentucky School of Medicine; general surgery internship and orthopedic surgery residency at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis.  In addition, he completed a foot and ankle surgery fellowship at University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati.  He succeeds Michael E. Rau, MD, FACP as chairman.  Dr. Rau continues to serve on the board of Patients First Health Care, in addition to being an internist in Washington and chairman of Patients First Community Hospital.

Matthew J. Tiefenbrunn, MD is a board-certified family practitioner in Sullivan.  He joined Patients First Health Care in 1999.  Dr. Tiefenbrunn completed his medical education at University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia, Mo. and his internship and residency at the Duke University Medical Center Department of Family and Community Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.  He completed his fellowship at the University of Tennessee St. Francis Family Practice.  Dr. Tiefenbrunn is a diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice and National Board of Medical Examiners, and a member of the American Academy of Family Practice.

Kelly D. Gage, MD is a board-certified internist in Sunset Hills.  He joined Patients First Health Care in 2010.  Dr. Gage completed his medical education at St. Louis University School of Medicine and residency at St. Louis University in St. Louis. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the American College of Physicians.

“Alongside Dr. Chalk, who was named to the 2011 “Best Doctors List” by St. Louis Magazine, we are adding accomplished board members who reflect the growth and diversity of our company,” said Joseph Gubbels, chief executive officer of Patients First Health Care. “We have prominent physicians serving patients right here at home.”