[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E38]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING DR. DOUG LIGON, FINALIST FOR ``COUNTRY DOCTOR OF THE YEAR.''

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                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2002

  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Doug 
Ligon, one of only four national finalists for ``Country Doctor of the 
Year 2001.'' Dr. Ligon is a family doctor at Trinity Hospital in Erin, 
Tennessee, where his coworkers describe him as a big-city boy with a 
country heart.
  Born and schooled in Nashville, Ligon attended Vanderbilt University 
and the University of Tennessee Medical School, then planned to stay in 
an urban area to work as a dermatologist. His plans would change, 
however, after he accepted what was originally to be a temporary job in 
the small town of Erin in Houston County.
  Almost thirty years later, Dr. Ligon is still working in Erin. He 
says he could not leave, once he realized how much he was needed at 
Trinity Hospital, where he worked eighty hours each week as one of only 
a handful of doctors treating a five-county area. Dr. Ligon also acted 
as Houston County's medical examiner and county coroner, for which he 
would not accept pay, saying that the county needed that money more 
than he did.
  Dr. Ligon says he appreciates getting to know his patients and their 
families over time, following the progress of babies he delivered, some 
of whom are grown now and have families of their own. He says working 
in a small town allows him to experience what being a family doctor is 
all about--getting to know his patients, treating them and being able 
to watch after their general welfare.
  Dr. Ligon says his family has been supportive of his decision to 
remain in Erin. His wife Betsy is, in fact, the person responsible for 
nominating Dr. Ligon for the prestigious ``Country Doctor of the Year'' 
award, as a way to recognize him for the service he provides to the 
people of Houston County, Tennessee.
  We know many medical professionals care deeply about what they do and 
the patients they see, but Dr. Ligon's years of free-hearted work have 
been invaluable to the people of Erin and the surrounding communities. 
He has proven time and time again that he is a leader among his peers.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in thanking 
Dr. Doug Ligon for his years of selfless service and congratulating Dr. 
Ligon for his distinguished recognition as a national finalist for the 
title ``Country Doctor of the Year.''

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