Community Reacts after Beloved Dr. is Fired

Doctor Jeffery Haggenjos has practiced medicine in New Lexington for decades.

His patient of 27 years, Jody Bowen, said “he’s the heart of our community.” She said “he’s so much more than a doctor.”

Dr. Haggenjos has built a trust with his patients on every level of their lives.

“He cares so much about us, and we care about him,” Bowen said.

Wednesday, as patients entered his office, an orange note greeted them on the outside door. It’s a note from Genesis Healthcare System that said Dr. Haggenjos has been fired.

Genesis released a statement Wednesday afternoon which read:

“Dr. Jeffery Haggenjos is no longer practicing at the New Lexington office. Genesis is committed to continue to provide care at this location. Dr. Brian Lott a temporary physician and two nurse practitioners are currently caring for patients. Genesis is in the process of recruiting a full-time physician for that office.”

We responded with an email asking why Dr. Haggenjos was fired. A Genesis spokeswoman responded shortly after to say “There is no other information that is being released.”

Bowen said that she’s “devastated” by the announcement.

Less than 24 hours after being created, the “Support Dr. Haggenjos” Facebook page has over 3,000 likes.

“It’s shocking,” patient Brittany Searl exclaimed. “He knows me inside and out, and I support him.” The 25-year-old said she has seen Dr. Haggenjos since she was born and takes both her 7-year-old daughter and 5-month-old son to see him.

To show support, Bowen will host people at her home at 640 Eastern Ave. in New Lexington in the next two days to make signs for a Friday morning protest.

“They can’t just take our doctor away and think we’re going to be okay with it,” Bowen said. “We love him.”

The protest is planned for 11:00 a.m. Friday in front of the Genesis office at 401 Lincoln Park in New Lexington.

With tears in her eyes, and her dog Buddy sitting by her side, Bowen said the community will stand with Dr. Haggenjos.

“You did so much for us,” she said. “We’re going to do this for you.”

Several of his former patients said he would make house calls and accept walk-ins at any hours of the day. Bowen said she even made a handful of trips to the office after 10:00 p.m.

WHIZ news reached out to Dr. Haggenjos for comment, but we were unable to reach him.