Christopher Ballard, M.D., was recently honored for serving as the Medical Director of Horizon Healthcare Rural Health Clinic since its inception in 2008. Dr. Ballard was one of the visionary medical providers and leaders in the opening of the Rural Health Clinic with his faith-based determination to create the best continuity of care for the patients of the community. His leadership and dedication to his work as Medical Director and as a provider is admirable. Horizon Healthcare would not have been possible without his keen vision of what Horizon Healthcare could become, along with aligning the Horizon’s future with mission and vision of Fairfield Memorial Hospital.
“It has been a blessing to be part of this wonderful journey starting at the very beginning with the opening of Horizon Heathcare in 2008. We made some wonderful strides over the past eight years and have proven to defy all odds by creating strong partnerships within our practice and with our community. I look forward to continue to being a strong part of the success of the future,” stated Dr. Ballard.
Dr. Ballard passes the gavel to Marla Lafikes, M.D. who has been serving as a primary care doctor with Horizon Healthcare
since August of 2011. Dr. Lafikes is a family practice physician who sees patients of all ages. She earned her Medical Degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield in 2008, and completed her family medicine residency at Deaconess Family Practice Residency Center in Evansville, IN, June 2011.
Dr. Lafikes stated, “I am excited to be taking on this responsibility as Medical Director of a great group of intelligent, well-respected community physicians and lead a team that provides family-oriented care to the community, as well as working directly with a supportive and helpful clinic staff at Horizon Healthcare. I can still remember meeting Christopher Ballard, M.D., Wesley Thompson, M.D., and Katherine Bunting-Williams, Ph.D., FMH CEO, during a visit in Evansville, and I have been blessed with opportunities for advancement ever since. I am also ready to take on this new role and face the challenges of the future. In addition, I believe we will continue to defy the odds put against us in the current healthcare landscape through our partnerships and strong community support,” stated Marla Lafikes, M.D.
“Horizon Healthcare would not be where it is today without Dr. Ballard. He has helped to build a strong foundation for the clinic and its future successes. His vision and leadership to grow Horizon Healthcare have proven to be invaluable, and Fairfield Memorial Hospital is forever grateful for his dedication and support since the inception of our Hospital-Based Rural Health Clinic. In addition, we are quite excited to have Dr. Lafikes taking the responsibility as our new Medical Director. She has wonderful skill, knowledge, and vision, which will serve her well in this new role,” stated, Katherine Bunting-Williams, Ph.D., FMH CEO.
Pictured is Christopher Ballard, M.D., Horizon Healthcare Medical Director handing over the Gavel of Directorship to Marla Lafikes, M.D.
Also pictured is Christopher Ballard, M.D., being presented with a plaque from Katherine Bunting-Williams, Ph.D., FMH CEO, recognizing him for his service and dedication to Horizon Healthcare after serving as Medical Director from the inception of Horizon Healthcare in 2008 to 2016.
