Coming Home: Ethan Weeks, DO, Returns to Serve His Community
From growing up in Bates County to beginning his medical career at BCMH, Ethan Weeks, DO, is bringing his journey full circle as a family medicine physician.
Ethan Weeks, DO, will join the staff of Family Care Clinics as a family medicine physician this September, bringing his journey in medicine full circle. From growing up in Adrian to beginning his medical career as a scribe at BCMH, completing clinical rotations here as a medical student and now returning as a family medicine physician, Dr. Weeks has remained closely connected to the community he has always called home.
Bates from the Beginning
Ethan grew up in Adrian, Missouri, and graduated from Adrian High School in 2012. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences in 2017, he returned to Bates County and worked with BCMH for two years to help establish an outpatient medical scribe position within Family Care Clinics.
“Early on, I recognized that some of the physicians I admired most were those who had a great deal of real-world healthcare experience. I felt that the more I could learn outside of textbooks—about how medicine actually looks and feels in day-to-day practice—the better prepared I would be for a career as a physician.”
Choosing to gain hands-on experience as a medical scribe was an early example of the intentional approach Dr. Weeks took to his medical education and training.
“It also made BCMH an important part of my journey into medicine, so being able to return here now as a physician is especially meaningful to me.”
From Local Scribe to Family Physician
During medical school at Kansas City University (KCU), Ethan made Bates County a priority, choosing to complete three separate month-long clinical rotations at BCMH and Family Care Clinics. He also took the opportunity to help provide sideline medical coverage for the Adrian High School football team for two seasons.
Dr. Weeks graduated Cum Laude with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from Kansas City University in 2023 and completed a family medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska (2023-2026).
“I was very fortunate to train at a large academic medical center, and I am excited to bring that training back to the community where my interest in medicine really began.”
During medical school, he also served as a student leader in KCU’s Family Medicine Interest Group. During residency, he earned several academic honors, including the UNMC Resident Teacher of the Year and Academic Excellence awards in 2025-2026.
The Care He Wants to Provide
With a background in nutrition and fitness, Dr. Weeks’ professional interests include metabolic health, diabetes management, weight management, and the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. He particularly enjoys helping patients understand how their everyday choices, medical conditions and treatments fit together.
“I most enjoy getting to know patients over time and helping them set and reach their own healthcare goals. Medicine is not always a ‘one-size-fits-all,’ and I enjoy tailoring care to the individual by understanding their priorities, their circumstances, and how they want to approach their health.”
Why He Chose Bates County
After years of education and training away from home, Dr. Weeks had opportunities to begin his career in many communities, and he chose Bates County.
“Bates County has always been home for me. I know the communities, the people, and many of the unique challenges that come with accessing healthcare in a rural area, and that connection was a major reason I wanted to return here to practice,” he said.
Dr. James Miller, medical director of BCMH Clinics, said, “Dr. Weeks will be an excellent addition to our medical staff. We are proud of his many accomplishments and are especially excited to welcome him back to Bates County.”
His decision to return comes at an important time for local health care. Bates County is designated as a federal Health Professional Shortage Area for primary care. His return will add another local resource for families seeking accessible primary care close to home.
Growing up in Bates County also gives Dr. Weeks a personal understanding of the community he will serve.
“I believe Bates County needs healthcare professionals who understand the area and our people’s needs, and having grown up and partially trained here, I hope I can help fill that role for many years to come.”
Learn more about primary care and Family Care Clinics of Bates County Memorial Hospital at bcmhospital.com or call 660-200-3627.
