New Buffalo Provider Brings a Wealth of Experience

Jerry Dorris may be a new member of the care team at Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – Buffalo, but he isn’t new to Mercy or medicine.

With more than 27 years as a nurse and nurse practitioner in the emergency room (ER) and six years as a flight paramedic, not much will take him by surprise as he transitions to a clinic setting.

“I grew up on a small farm near Hartville, Missouri,” he said. “I’m a country boy at heart, so it’s probably no surprise I enjoyed primary care and rural health during clinical rotations. Buffalo was a perfect fit, because I’ve been living right down the road in Fair Grove for 30 years.”

When he began college, Dorris thought he’d become a teacher. “I always wanted a career that would allow me to make a difference in other people’s lives,” he said. A summer job as a technician in an ER is what steered him toward health care.

“I believe that a balanced life is the key to good health, both physical and mental,” Dorris said. “I’ll work with my patients to help them make good choices to manage their health. I want them to live the best life possible.”

When he isn’t working, Dorris loves being active outdoors and spending time with his family. “I probably have too many hobbies,” he joked. “I enjoy travel, camping, hiking, fishing, bicycling and reading.”

Dorris is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 417-345-6101 or click the button below.