Dr. Valorie Parker Honored as Preceptor of the Year

Dr. Parker has been a family medicine physician at Margaret Mary’s Health Center of Osgood since 2020.

Dr. Valorie Parker, a family medicine physician in Osgood, was awarded the Preceptor of the Year award by Jeff Hartz, executive director of the East Indiana Area Health Education Center. Photo provided.

(Osgood, Ind.) - Dr. Valorie Parker was recently recognized as Preceptor of the Year by the East Indiana Area Health Education Center. Dr. Parker has been a family medicine physician at Margaret Mary’s Health Center of Osgood since 2020.

Consisting of nine regional centers across the state, the Indiana Area Health Education Center network collaborates with IU School of Medicine to provide hands-on learning experiences for family medicine students. Dr. Parker has been a preceptor for the program since 2021, guiding numerous students through their family medicine rotations.

Jeff Hartz, executive director of the East Indiana Area Health Education Center, praised Dr. Parker for her commitment to teaching. “Dr. Parker’s students appreciate how she shares her clinical knowledge while modeling excellent communication with patients and families," he said. "They also value her practical advice on balancing the demands of being a physician and a working parent.”

Dr. Parker’s role as a preceptor is invaluable not only to her students, but to the future of healthcare.

“Dr. Parker’s influence ensures students are prepared to meet the challenges of modern medicine with empathy and professionalism,” said MMH President Liz Leising. “By sharing her expertise, she helps shape the next generation of physicians who will carry forward the values of patient-centered care.”

An Osgood native, Dr. Parker received her medical degree from the IU School of Medicine and chose to return to her hometown to serve her community. She and her husband, Chris, have four young sons.