Alliance Health Centers announces first full-time physician and medical director
FORT WAYNE, IND. - JULY 19, 2022
Alliance Health Centers, a non-profit, community health center in southeast Fort Wayne, has hired Eric Shoemaker, DO, who will serve as the clinic’s first full-time physician and medical director.
Dr. Shoemaker is a familiar face in the community as he previously cared for patients at the Parkview Physicians Group – Family Medicine office on Rudisill Boulevard. Additionally, via contract with Alliance Health Centers’ collaborative partner Parkview Health, he had worked at Alliance Health Centers on a part-time basis since April 2021.
“Dr. Shoemaker understands the unique needs of the local community and the importance of serving people who face barriers to receiving care,” said Brooke Lockhart, chief executive officer, Alliance Health Centers. “We are grateful that he is expanding his role and joining us as a directly employed, full-time physician, and also as our medical director.”
Dr. Shoemaker will be joining existing full-time provider, Kirby Johnson, NP, in offering patients increased access to high quality primary care services. As medical director, Dr. Shoemaker will oversee clinical providers, offer clinical oversight and guidance, and work collaboratively with clinic staff and the Alliance Health Centers Board of Directors. His duties officially started July 1.
“Being from Fort Wayne, I've always had a passion for practicing here, and it was during my residency that I recognized my love for caring for the underserved as well,” Shoemaker said. “Serving as medical director allows me to give back to my community through a novel approach to healthcare. Alliance Health Centers meets our patients where they are and connects them to multiple services under one roof. I truly believe healthcare should be accessible to all, and that is one of our many goals – we want to provide affordable, accessible, high quality care to everyone.”
Alliance Health Centers is located within the Lafayette Medical Center, 2700 Lafayette St., Fort Wayne. The clinic is located in the 46806 ZIP code, which is a federally designated health professional shortage area.
In December of 2021, the clinic was designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike by the Health Resources & Services Administration, making it eligible for enhanced reimbursement and other programs to support its operations. In addition to primary care, the clinic provides integrated behavioral health care and is planning to expand with additional services later this year.
Alliance Health Centers offers a sliding fee scale discount for services (available to those who qualify) and will not turn away anyone for inability to pay. A certified Indiana navigator is onsite to assist all area residents, not just patients, with applications for Indiana Health Coverage Programs such as Medicaid. Additionally, the clinic refers patients to community resources for needs such as housing and utility assistance.
All providers at Alliance Health Centers are accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call 260-266-0780.