Class of 2027

Dr. Vierthaler attended Kansas State University where she received her Bachelor of Sciences degree in Life Sciences with a minor in Spanish and Human Development. After KSU, she then obtained her medical degree from the University Of Kansas School Of Medicine.

She had always wanted to go into a career where she could help people, and where she could have the opportunity to always learn new things. Dr. Vierthaler got early exposure to rural family medicine. She shared “My mom is an RN and worked at the local family practice when I was little. I really looked up to those physicians. They had such a vital impact on the health and well-being of the communities they served.”

She is the youngest of 6 siblings and a proud farm kid. Her favorite part of the job is the ability to form meaningful long-term relationships with patients and collaborate with them on their health goals to result in positive changes and better quality of life.

In her free time, Dr. Vierthaler enjoys spending quality time with her family, outdoor adventures with the dogs, reading, traveling, and browsing antique stores with a tasty, iced coffee in hand.

Dr. Florez is from Bonner Springs, Kansas. She attended Kansas State University for her undergrad degree and obtained her medical degree at Kansas City University.

She wanted to become a family medicine physician because her mom when through a health condition when Dr. Florez was a toddler, and it was only thanks to the incredible doctors that she is here today. Dr. Florez says, “I decided I wanted to be able to advocate for patients in the same way other great doctors had for my mom”. She is also passionate about mental health, preventative care, women’s health, and endocrinology-related conditions, such as diabetes.

Dr. Florez says, “I strive to make every patient feel heard. My goal as a physician is to help you find the tools and information you need to make educated choice about your wellness”. Dr. Florez wants her future patients to know that she will try to do all she can to make sure they are taken care of and encourage them to play an active role in their healthcare.

In her free time, Dr. Florez enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs (Pancake and Maple), reading books, caring for (and killing) houseplants, and she is hoping to get back into playing piano. A few more fun facts: Dr. Florez is a breakfast food enthusiast and also played crash cymbals for the KSU marching band all four years she attended.

Dr. Harrigan is from Prairie Village, Kansas, and received his MD from the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita campus. Dr. Harrigan thinks of medicine as problem solving with a purpose. He wanted to be a family medicine physician so that he could serve patients who are at their most vulnerable, do what is possible to improve their health, and promote healthy living so that they can lead a fulfilling life. He is passionate about broad scope family medicine in rural Kansas. Dr. Harrigan says, “I love rural family medicine because I can see patients in the clinic, emergency room, nursing home, urgent care, or even at the local high school sporting event. I am excited to educate my patients on how to improve and maintain health so that they can lead their lives to the fullest”.

Prior to medical school, Dr. Harrigan worked as a nurse aide and endoscopy technician and learned a lot about caring for patients. Dr. Harrigan was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was awarded the “My Doctor Award”, which is given to a medical student chosen by their peers who exemplifies the characteristics of a physician they would want as their own.

In his free time, Dr. Harrigan enjoys biking around town, playing pickleball, fishing, and walking his dog around the neighborhood.

Dr. McGatlin is a native of Greenleaf, KS. Dr. McGatlin received his Bachelor of Sciences in Life Sciences at Kansas State University and then received his MD at the University Of Kansas School Of Medicine.

Dr. McGatlin knew he wanted to become a doctor when he thought of the impact, he could make on others by practicing in a rural community like the one he grew up in. Dr. McGatlin enjoys being able to deliver a baby, meet patients in clinic, do surgical procedures, and take care of ER patients all in the same day. Dr. McGatlin says, “You can't beat full-scope family medicine!” He is passionate about forming connections in the clinical setting with patients and hopes to serve them throughout their lives as their doctor. Dr. McGatlin also enjoys obstetrics and surgical procedures.

Dr. McGatlin wants his patients to know that he genuinely cares about their physical and mental health and will take care of them to the best of his abilities and be an advocate for them. When he is not practicing medicine, Dr. McGatlin enjoys spending time with family, including his wife and 2 children, hanging out with friends, golfing, hunting, and watching sports. In addition, his family enjoys attending weekly mass and connecting with community

In her free time, Dr. Thomas also enjoys playing video games with friends, watching comedies, reading, writing, eating at local restaurants, and playing tennis. She loves spending time with her husband, 2 cats, and their dog. Currently, she is teaching herself how to DJ!

Dr. Thomas is from Salina, KS. She obtained her Bachelor of Sciences in Life Sciences at Kansas State University and then recieved a graduate certificate in Gerontology. Dr. Thomas then attended the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine where she recieved her DO degree.

She wanted to become a family medicine physician because the role challenges her to use her knowledge and resources to help solve puzzles and teach people about their health. Dr. Thomas enjoys working with all populations but has a special interest in psychiatry, obstetrics, women’s health, adolescent medicine and wound care. Her favorite part of the job is building connections with her patients, their families, and the wonderful people she works with!

Dr. Thomas says, “I strive to make every patient feel heard. My goal as a physician is to help you find the tools and information you need to make educated choice about your wellness. It’s my privilege to be a part of your life, and I’m rooting for your success”.

In her free time, Dr. Thomas also enjoys playing video games with friends, watching comedies, reading, writing, eating at local restaurants, and playing tennis. She loves spending time with her husband, 2 cats, and their dog. Currently, she is teaching herself how to DJ!