Centralia

Thomas E. Walsh, MD

Dr. Tom Walsh holds an undergraduate degree from Notre Dame University and a medical degree from the University of Kansas. He completed his residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. His clinical interest is family medicine. “I’m the definition of boring,” Dr. Walsh says, because he has had the same wife, Marcia, and the same job for more than 44 years. “I have been very blessed,” he says. Dr. Walsh and Marcia have three children, two daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, and eight grandchildren. Dr. Walsh grew up in a healthcare family. His father was a physician, and he and his brother used to accompany their father on house calls two or three nights a week. “I knew what I was getting into,” Dr. Walsh says. Dr. Walsh loves getting to know patients as people rather than just as medical conditions. “My patients are neighbors, friends, colleagues, and co-workers,” he says. He also enjoys following Notre Dame sports – including fencing, hockey, basketball, and football – and attending the activities of his eight grandchildren.

Merica Surdez, APRN‐C

Merica Surdez, APRN-C, holds a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Kansas Medical Center and a master of science in nursing-family nurse practitioner degree from Fort Hays State University. She maintains board certification with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, and Neonatal Resuscitation. Surdez’s areas of clinical interest include women’s health, including contraception counseling; reproductive health; prenatal care; lactation support; and preventive care. Surdez enjoys helping others when they need it most, creating relationships, and watching families grow. When asked for advice to share with patients, she says, “We all take our health for granted. Sometimes it takes work to better yourself. Do it! You’ll never regret investing in your health.” Surdez was born and raised in Frankfort, Kansas, and lives there with her husband, Derek, plus their two sons, Bowen and Blake, and their daughter, Wren. Surdez does not like chocolate but does enjoy spending time with family and friends, creating memories with her children, playing volleyball, and membership in the Teams of Our Lady (TOOL) church group.

Andrew Barnes, APRN‐C

Andrew Barnes, APRN, holds a bachelor of science in nursing from Baker University and a master of science in nursing from Washburn University. He is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a board-certified emergency nurse. He takes a special interest in emergency medicine, trauma, and acute care. Barnes was drawn to medicine through his father’s encounters with healthcare providers who always amazed him. He lives in Wheaton with his wife and three children, and he enjoys being outdoors with his family. They enjoy caring for cattle as well as dogs and barn cats.

Amy Jones, MSN, APRN-C, FNP

Amy Louise Jones, MSN, APRN-C, FNP studied pre-nursing at Kansas State University then completed a bachelor of science degree in nursing at Washburn University. After working as a registered nurse for 12 years, she obtained a master of science in nursing from Wichita State University. Jones is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and enjoys working with patients of all ages, but she is particularly fond of the elderly. She loves to help solve dermatological problems, provide women’s healthcare for all ages, help manage diabetes and high blood pressure, and provide foot care. Jones says she has made many home visits to patients over the years. Jones was born in Kansas and started working as a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, at age 16 in a nursing home. She says she loves practicing medicine because it is “never boring and never a waste of time.” Jones has been married to her husband, Barry, for more than 30 years. They live on a farm near Frankfort, and they have three grown children and two grandchildren. When not at work, Jones enjoys her “farm wife duties,” cooking, playing with her grandchildren, and taking long country walks with her Airedale Terrier, Archie.  

Claire Blumer, PA-C

Claire Blumer, PA-C, grew up in Hanover, Kansas, where she attended Hanover High School. She obtained a bachelor of science degree in life sciences at Kansas State University and completed her education at Wichita State University with a master of physician assistant degree. She gained experience working at K+STAT Urgent Care in Manhattan prior to joining CHCS. Blumer is eager to provide comprehensive, holistic healthcare and to help her patients learn more about preventative healthcare. Her special interests include women's health, men's health, acute care, family medicine, and youth services. Blumer lives in Marysville with her husband, Dave, and their daughter, Sophia. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, reading, and watching or attending sporting events.