The Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians (LAFP) announced that Dr. Jonathan Hunter of Alexandria, La. was installed as its president for 2017-2018. Sworn in at the inaugural luncheon in New Orleans, La. on Aug. 5, Dr. Hunter became the LAFP’s 70th president.
Dr. Hunter is living, practicing proof that the "grow your own" approach to solving the shortage of primary care providers works. Following a path dedicated to becoming a physician since he was a small child growing up in Central Louisiana, Dr. Hunter completed his pre-medical education at Louisiana College, and earned his medical degree from LSUHSC School of Medicine - New Orleans in 2000. During college, he served as President of Alpha Epsilon Delta, and returned in 2002 as a Volunteer Physician - Student Health Services, and member of the Alumni Executive and Science Advisory Committees. At LSUHSC- New Orleans, Dr. Hunter served as president of the medical school's Admissions Committee. During residency, he won numerous awards, including the peer-voted "Resident of the Year," awarded in all three years of his residency. He still holds the record for the multiyear honor.
After completion of his family practice residency at LSUHSC in Alexandria, Dr. Hunter became a family physician at The Brian Clinic. He serves a broad cross section of the patient population in several Cenla parishes. As Medical Director of Oasis Hospice, he has gone above and beyond the call of duty to educate the public about the importance of hospice care, home health care, and preventative medicine. In addition to television and newspaper interviews, he provides televised community education spotlights about the benefits of hospice, as well as participating in numerous speaking engagements. Dr. Hunter also serves as Medical Director of Thompson Home Health. He has served on various hospital committees at Rapides Regional Medical Center, including Physician Advisor to the Patient Resource Committee. Dr. Hunter also serves as a Rapides Parish Deputy Coroner.
Dr. Hunter served his country as a Major in the Louisiana Army National Guard, where he was awarded numerous medals of honor for providing medical care to United States soldiers. His service through the Louisiana National Guard included deployments overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. He balances service to medicine, country, and community with commitments to family and faith. He is a devout Christian, and a deacon of Calvary Baptist Church.
Dr. Hunter is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and currently serves on the LAFP Foundation Board of Directors. Dr. Hunter is married and has two children, Grayson and Avery.