The Aspirus Health Foundation held its annual “Partners in Health” event on October 5 at the Jefferson Street Inn.

The event celebrated many of the donors, volunteers and partners who support the foundation’s work to promote health and strengthen our community. Community and physician champions were also recognized at the event for their contributions to the health and well-being of people in north central Wisconsin.

Dr. John Hattenhauer, M.D. was recognized as the 2017 Community Champion for his commitment to supporting programs and initiatives which have significantly impacted the lives and health of people in our community.

Dr. Hattenhauer, an ophthalmologist, has been an instrumental part of the medical community for the past 45 years. He helped build a new hospital for our community in 1978, and today, Aspirus Wausau Hospital provides primary, secondary, and tertiary care services as a regional referral center, serving 14 counties across northern and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Dr. Hattenhauer has been an active volunteer at Aspirus and with many important community organizations. His devotion to our community has made the area a better place to live.

Dr. David Jenkins was honored as the 2017 Physician Champion for his outstanding contributions to cancer care and the family medicine residency. Dr. Jenkins was the first oncologist to practice at Aspirus, and he was the pioneer of the Aspirus Regional Cancer Center.

Dr. Jenkins served on nearly every committee of the Medical Staff and served on the Aspirus Wausau Hospital Board for more than a decade, with a passion for providing the best health care and cancer care possible for the community.

Upon retirement, his love of teaching led him to the Aspirus Family Medicine Residency where he created impactful learning opportunities for countless classes of resident physicians. His commitment to providing excellent and compassionate health care is a gift to our community.