Star City Six – Dr. Anthony Hatcher
Hillcrest Health Services (www.hillcresthealth.com) offers years of experience providing best-in-class care for aging adults through a continuum of services, which now includes Hillcrest Firethorn, a post-acute rehabilitation center that opened in November 2017. Anthony Hatcher, DO, FAAFP is the chief medical officer at Hillcrest Health Services.
Tell us a little about your business.
Hillcrest is a senior living company dedicated to enhancing the lives of aging adults, providing services such as independent and assisted living, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, memory support, adult day services, certified skilled home health and in-home personal care, telehealth services and hospice care.
How did you get started in the business?
I spent the past 30 years as a family physician and transitioned one year ago to this new role with the goal to assist with improving the health and wellbeing for aging adults. I wanted to be a part of a healthcare company dedicated to seniors and their health.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Being dropped off in Kuwait City after Desert Storm to facilitate the care for USAF military members with the local medical facilities. I was the only USAF physician in Kuwait, and I needed to develop relationships with the local health care providers to care for any injured members.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I would not say I have a single most important achievement. Caring for each patient, helping them with their personal health issues, is always an important achievement for me.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am married with five children ranging in age from 12-17, all active in various sports and outdoor activities. I enjoy watching them learn and grow as they become adults.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Accepting an Air Force Scholarship to assist with my medical education. It has shaped my professional career leading me to Offutt AFB and living in Omaha. I’m proud of being a former military member and having the ability to raise my family in Nebraska.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Be with my family at a ball game.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I spent ten years in the USAF and was a flight surgeon. I was attached to a rescue squadron in Kuwait City and flew over 60 hours in an HH-60 rescue helicopter using only night vision goggles.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
No matter what you choose to do in life, be the best you can be!
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Growing up in the 70s I am partial to rock music. I would have to say anything Led Zeppelin, especially “Stairway to Heaven.”
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Our local food banks. There’s no reason a child or family should go hungry in our community or country with the wealth and resources we have.
What is your favorite movie?
It’s a Wonderful Life.
What is your favorite TV show?
HGTV’s Beachfront Bargain Hunt!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
MoMo Pizzeria and Ristorante – love the food and the atmosphere.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Email: ahatcher@hillcresthealth.com; Website: www.hillcresthealth.com.