Welcoming Chad P. Walker, DO – Expanding Access to Rheumatology Care Close to Home
Holton Community Hospital is proud to expand access to specialty care with the addition of rheumatology services, bringing expert evaluation and treatment for complex autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions closer to home.
Beginning May 8, patients in Jackson County and the surrounding region will have access to rheumatology care through Chad P. Walker, DO, who will provide weekly clinics via telehealth, supported on-site by our clinical team to ensure a seamless and personalized care experience.
What This Means for Patients and Providers
Access to rheumatology services has traditionally required significant travel and long wait times. With the addition of Dr. Walker, patients can now receive specialized care locally while maintaining strong coordination with their primary care provider.
This new service helps:
- Reduce travel burden for patients managing chronic conditions
- Improve timeliness of diagnosis and treatment
- Strengthen collaboration between specialty and primary care
- Keep care close to home with local clinical support
On clinic days, Megan Freise, APRN, will be present in person to assist with patient coordination, assessments, and follow-up care, ensuring a high-touch experience despite the telehealth model.
Dr. Walker brings more than a decade of experience in rheumatology, with a background spanning outpatient care, inpatient consultation, and telehealth delivery.
He specializes in the diagnosis and management of conditions such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus and other autoimmune disorders
- Osteoarthritis and joint disorders
- Inflammatory conditions affecting muscles, joints, and connective tissue
Dr. Walker earned his Doctor of Osteopathy from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed advanced training through:
- Rheumatology Fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center
- Internal Medicine Residency at Scranton-Temple Residency Program
- Traditional Osteopathic Internship at Doctors Hospital Columbus Ohio
He holds board certification in Rheumatology through the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology.
Dr. Walker has also been recognized for his leadership and contributions to the field, including being named a “Top Physician Under 40” by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. He remains actively engaged in advancing care through professional organizations, research presentations, and medical education.
A Collaborative Approach to Rheumatology Care
At Holton Community Hospital, we understand that specialty care works best when it’s coordinated. Dr. Walker’s services are designed to complement the care provided by local primary care providers, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, connected treatment plans.
Our team is committed to:
- Timely communication with referring providers
- Coordinated follow-up care
- Supporting long-term management of chronic conditions
Now Accepting Referrals
Referrals for rheumatology services are now being accepted.
To schedule an appointment or refer a patient, please contact our Outpatient Clinic at 785-364-9681. Our team will assist with coordination and timely placement.
Personalized Care, Hometown Heart
This addition reflects our continued investment in bringing high-quality specialty services to rural Kansas—so patients can receive the care they need without leaving the community they call home.
Learn more about our Outpatient Specialty Clinic located at 1110 Columbine Dr. in Holton, Kansas HERE.
FACR stands for Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, a prestigious designation awarded to physicians and scientists (M.D., D.O., PhD) who have made significant contributions to rheumatology.
