Russell R. Dohner

Russell R. Dohner, MD (February 8, 1925 – August 7, 2015) was a general surgeon and private medical practitioner affiliated with the Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, Illinois. His selflessness as a hometown doctor gained him national attention as he was featured in People Magazine, NBC Nightly News, the Today Show, and other publications and media.

Life and career Russell Dohner was born on February 8, 1925, at home on a farm outside of Vermont, Illinois. As a child, Dohner suffered from very high fevers which would also cause seizures. Waking up from one of these seizures in the presence of his doctor, Doctor Hamilton, inspired Dohner's journey to become a doctor himself.

After graduating from Vermont High School in 1943, Dohner was drafted in the spring of 1944. WIU recognized him as an Alumni Achievement Award recipient in 1982. He didn't expect to stay but felt an obligation after the other doctor left town. He also did house calls and didn't take insurance plans. after 58 years of medical practice. He died at the age of 90 on August 7, 2015. Dohner was the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade Grand Marshal on August 8, 2013. In 2013, Dr Dohner was the subject of US Congressional Record, Volume 159, Issue 180, titled "Tribute to Dr. Russell Dohner" by Senator Dick Durbin. Since 2013, the Doctor Russell Dohner Statue on the town square stands as a tribute for his service to the community.