Gibson Area Hospital is proud to congratulate Dr. Katherine Austman on passing her Addiction Medicine Boards, making her Double Board Certified in Addiction and Family Medicine!
Dr. Austman has been a champion in the rural health fight against opioid addiction. Historically, one of the challenges of practicing in a rural area has been staying up-to-date with evidence-based practices and having interactions with colleagues. Through her Addiction Medicine Fellowship at the St. Louis University School of Medicine and her continued involvement at the state and national level, Dr. Austman is able to virtually connect weekly with a network of other providers and staff. “Bringing treatment to persons with substance use disorders in a rural area can be challenging but very rewarding.”
Dr. Austman is instrumental in the success and support of the Opioid Coalitions of Ford, Iroquois and Livingston counties. These coalitions continue to grow and work with local law enforcement, government, educators, and healthcare providers to provide information and options to serve and educate communities.
“A passion of mine is harm reduction and stigma reduction in our communities. Meeting monthly with county opioid coalitions and ROSC councils (recovery-oriented systems of care) has allowed me to work toward a goal of supporting patients through community action. I feel fortunate that Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services has continued to recognize the need for addiction medicine services in our area and has been very supportive in this endeavor.”
Dr. Austman treats substance use disorder (SUD) at Family Health Care of Gibson City and Gibson Health of Watseka.
Congratulations on your achievement Dr. Austman! Thank you for your continued dedication to bringing access to care in rural areas!
