New doctor to start in Imperial in June

    The Chase County Community Hospital (CCCH) will welcome a new doctor this summer.
    Liz Hatz has a projected start date of June 25.
    Hatz has a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Kansas City University of Medicine.
    She will be practicing family medicine in Imperial.
    Initially, she does not plan on offering obstetrics services.
    Hatz currently lives in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with her husband, Andrew; daughter, Sierra, 18; and son Michael, 16.
    Their two dogs, Aries and Lilli, will also be making the trip to Imperial with them.
    Hatz’s husband is a gun smith and will run his own shop once they arrive.
    She joked that people may be more excited for her husband to be here than her.
    His family lives in Denver. Hatz said they wanted to be closer to family, and a recruiter matched her with Imperial.
    She said it sounded like a perfect fit.
    Hatz and her husband came to Imperial to interview at the hospital in February.
    CCCH CEO Steve Lewis said it takes a special person to practice medicine in a small, local community like Imperial.
    “(Hatz) and her husband both seemed to really meet that criteria,” Lewis said.
    Lewis added how friendly, open and honest Hatz is and is really excited for her to start.
    “I think she’s going to be a great addition to town,” he said.
    Hatz is used to smaller towns. She grew up in Snohomish, Washington, with a population of about 8,000.
    Hatz said they are looking forward to paddle boating at Enders and riding their motorcycles in the area, too.