New general surgeon joins Deaconess, expands local surgical access

Dr Katherine Allen began serving on the active medical staff at Deaconess Memorial Medical Center on November 19, 2025. She will provide general surgery services through Evansville Surgical Associates in its ESA Jasper division, practicing at Deaconess Clinic General Surgery in Jasper, the practice formerly known as Memorial Surgical Associates. The clinic is located in the Medical Office Building, Suite 220, at 721 West 13th Street in Jasper.

Dr Allen brings formal surgical training and recent military medical experience to the community. She earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed a surgical residency at Memorial Health in Savannah, Georgia. Most recently she served as an active duty officer in the United States Air Force and as a general surgery attending physician at Brook Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery.

For Dubois County residents the addition of a locally based general surgeon means more timely access to surgical evaluation and procedures that often require pre operative assessment and post operative follow up. Access to local surgical care can reduce travel time and expense for patients, and can improve coordination between primary care providers and surgical specialists. Those factors are especially important for older adults, families with limited transportation options, and people managing multiple chronic conditions.

The move also reflects broader workforce and health policy dynamics. Military trained physicians who transition to civilian practice contribute to the rural surgical workforce, helping to address longstanding shortages in many parts of Indiana. Having a board certified surgeon on site supports hospital capacity, elective procedures, and emergency surgical coverage, which in turn affects overall local health system resilience.

Patients seeking an appointment with Deaconess Clinic General Surgery in Jasper can call 812 996 6580 to schedule care. The presence of Dr Allen at the Jasper clinic should provide additional options for residents who previously traveled to larger centers for general surgery services.

As local health systems continue to adapt to demographic changes and workforce challenges, the arrival of a new general surgeon at Deaconess is a tangible step toward maintaining essential surgical services in Dubois County. Increased local capacity can improve outcomes by keeping more care close to home while supporting equitable access across our community.