Michelle Seeber
Woodward News
Woodward, Okla. —
A new doctor from the West Texas area has established an office in Woodward and is already taking appointments.
Dr. Larry Balzer, board-certified in family medicine, has more than 30 years of experience and practices geriatrics as a sub-specialty.
“I have a lot of experience with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung diseases -- illnesses you acquire as you get older," Balzer said Thursday.
He also has a special interest in diseases of the skin, he said.
In addition, Balzer said he enjoys teaching as well and feels that patient education is an important part of his practice.
Balzer is a graduate of the OU College of Medicine, completing his residency at Scott Medical Center on the Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, where he was chief resident from 1976 to 1977. He was also a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force for 6 years.
Before coming to Woodward, he was president of the medical staff of Covenant Hospital-Plainview in Texas.
Prior to that he served as chairman of the family medicine department at Bapist-St. Anthony Hospital in Amarillo, Texas, for several years.
Balzer said he chose to come to Woodward because his wife, Gaye Lynn, will be close to her parents and sister who live in Laverne.
The location also fits in with his other interests, he said, noting those include astronomy, hunting and fishing.
Balzer also has a variety of other interests which include biblical studies, gardening, photography, woodworking, and playing the guitar, banjo and harmonica.
He and his wife have 5 adult daughters -- Kerri, Brenda, Shanon, Keli and Erin.
His new clinic is located at 1611 Main St., Suite 203.
For an appointment, his office may be reached by calling (580) 256-1789.
