BY DIANE SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — In the heart of Martin County, there is a physician who has touched countless lives throughout his long-standing career – Dr. Lon Lafferty. Driven by his faith, family values and an insatiable love for his community, Dr. Lafferty’s journey in medicine is nothing short of inspiring. His devotion to patient care and commitment to accessible health care echo in the walls of the Lafferty Medical Clinic in Inez, a testament to his passion for wellness and compassion.
“I knew it was my calling when I was just 9 years old,” Dr. Lafferty recalled.
Lafferty’s career path began at Sheldon Clark High School, leading him to Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Transylvania University, the University of Kentucky Graduate School and finally, the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1984. After completing his residency at Marshall University in Family and Community Health, he did something no one else from Sheldon Clark High School had before: he returned to his hometown in 1986 to open a medical practice.
“Nothing was going to stand in my way of becoming a country doctor,” asserted Lafferty.
A lifetime of exposure to medicine, influenced primarily by his mother, Dolores, a retired nurse, played a significant role in shaping the doctor’s path.
“Psychologically, I’m sure that played a big role, along with an uncle nicknaming me ‘Doc’ at the age of 2-3,” he laughed. “My parents taught me how to treat people and school taught me the science of it.”
Since its establishment in 1986, the Lafferty Medical Clinic has been committed to improving the health and happiness of its patients. Driven by a deep sense of community and inclusivity, the clinic achieved its goal of becoming a certified rural health clinic in 2009. This status allows it to set fees appropriate to people’s income, offering affordable health care to the community it serves.
“It was always my goal to become a certified rural health clinic,” said Lafferty.
Over the years, the clinic’s team grew, with Steven Gauze, ARNP, joining in 2008 to assist in patient care.
Adding to its commitment to holistic health services, Lafferty Medical Clinic also houses the Hometown Pharmacy, established in 1991 by Dr. Lafferty’s parents. Mrs. Lafferty continued to operate the pharmacy until 2015, then passed it on to her son.
“I don’t foresee an end to my practice as a doctor for my community,” said Lafferty. “Long as the Lord sees fit to give me breath, I’ll keep practicing. It’s been an honor to practice medicine and give back to the place of my birth and I’ve done it for 37 years…I can’t imagine a more fulfilling job.”
Today, in addition to running his clinic, Dr. Lafferty serves his community as Martin County Judge/Executive. His story is not just about being a doctor; it’s a story of unwavering dedication, compassionate care and a commitment to his community, embodying the true spirit of a country doctor.
Find Lafferty Medical Clinic at 2160 Blacklog Road or call 606-298-7405.