Three Leaders, Decades of Impact at Northeast Missouri Health Council

For more than half a century, Northeast Missouri Health Council has played a central role in providing accessible, high‑quality healthcare to communities across Northeast Missouri.

Established in 1968 as a small medical clinic to serve the primary healthcare needs of residents in the region, NMHC has grown into a comprehensive, not‑for‑profit Federally Qualified Health Center serving an 11‑county area with a full spectrum of services including Primary care, Dental care, Behavioral Health, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Internal Medicine, Veterans and Mobile Medical & Dental Care.

Over the years, NMHC has continued to expand its reach—not only through clinic growth, but through innovative partnerships and services tailored to the unique needs of rural families. One such initiative is NMHC’s relationship with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which led to the establishment of a Community‑Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) that enables veterans to receive care locally while still benefiting from VA systems and support.

Recently, three leaders whose work helped shape NMHC’s growth and mission came together for a special moment of recognition: Dr. Margaret Wilson, Brooks Miller, and Dr. Rick Gooch—each holding a unique place in the organization’s history.

Dr. Margaret Wilson began serving NMHC patients in 1985 after graduating from ATSU‑KCOM. A board‑certified family physician with a focus on community health and preventive medicine, she became Medical Director in 1989 and served in that role until 2012. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Wilson spent more than 20 years as Chair of Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine, and Community Health before being named Dean at KCOM‑ATSU. She has been recognized with numerous state and national awards for her leadership, teaching, and commitment to patient care, and continued serving NMHC patients as a volunteer through March 2026—marking more than 40 years of dedication to our communities.

Brooks Miller served as CEO of NMHC from 1984 to 2002, after beginning his healthcare career with the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Rural Health Clinic program. Under his leadership, NMHC strengthened its foundations and broadened its services to better meet community needs. In 2002, he relocated to Springfield, Missouri, where he served as President and CEO of Jordan Valley Community Health Center, helping expand access to care in another underserved region.

Dr. Rick Gooch joined NMHC in 1995 and served until 2001. A Kirksville native, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri‑Kansas City in 1994. He went on to become a founding dentist of Kirksville Dental Group, where he continues to provide care in the region. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Gooch has remained closely connected to NMHC, serving on the Board of Directors since 2011 and supporting the organization’s mission through ongoing community involvement.

Together, these three individuals reflect a remarkable legacy of leadership, partnership, and service at NMHC—one that has helped build a healthcare home for thousands of rural Missourians over the last 50+ years.