Dr. Baker & Dr. Nava: A Legacy of Care at Calhoun Liberty Hospital
Calhoun Liberty Hospital (CLH) isn’t just a hospital; it’s a vital part of the community, a place where neighbors care for neighbors. This commitment to local care is exemplified by the remarkable father-daughter doctor duo serving in the Emergency Department: Murray Baker, MD, and Kristen Baker Nava, MD, along with a team of highly skilled physicians, nurses, and support staff.
Dr. Baker, who arrived in Blountstown with his wife Ginny in 1987, has dedicated his career to serving the healthcare needs of the community. His journey led him to emergency medicine, and he joined CLH in 2018 as medical director. “In our area,” explains Dr. Baker, “the ED plays a pivotal role in assessing and stabilizing patients before they need to be transported to a higher-level facility or admitted for further care. The ED allows us to quickly evaluate a patient’s condition, provide necessary treatment, and determine the most appropriate course of action.”
Dr. Nava’s passion for rural medicine was ignited by witnessing her father’s dedication to his patients, not just as patients, but as friends and family. “As I watched my father care for our neighbors… I knew this was the kind of medicine I wanted to practice,” Dr. Nava recalls. She fondly remembers assisting him as a child, acting as an impromptu scrub nurse, and witnessing reciprocal generosity, with payment for his services often coming in the form of baked goods or fresh eggs. This experience, combined with the influence of her late mother, instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility towards her community. Her time volunteering alongside local physicians Dr. M. Faruqui and Dr. Gerry Skipper, further solidified her desire to return home and serve. As Dr. Nava aptly puts it, “It’s such a pleasure to be able to work in this community. Overall, I just love the people here. It’s home sweet home.”
In a rural setting, the ED is a lifeline. “In essence,” says Dr. Baker, “the rural ED is a ‘jack of all trades,’ offering a critical first line of defense for the health and well-being of our community.” CLH’s ED, which sees up to 1,000 patients per month, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including CT, MRI, and echocardiogram capabilities. This allows for rapid on-site assessments and facilitates timely consultations with specialists at larger medical centers, such as Neurology, for possible stroke patients through partnership with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH). This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate care, whether they require immediate stabilization and transport or further evaluation and treatment within the hospital.
The resilience and spirit of the Calhoun-Liberty community are truly unique. Dr. Nava recalls a young boy in the ED after Hurricane Michael with a significant leg injury sustained while helping his grandparents clear debris. His unwavering response, “Fix it here. Don’t send me out of town, we don’t need that kind of bill,” perfectly encapsulates this community’s “can-do” attitude and desire for local care. This spirit is evident in the way residents approach their healthcare, often demonstrating remarkable grit and a willingness to work alongside providers.
Both Dr. Baker and Dr. Nava, along with the entire CLH team, are eagerly anticipating the move to the new state-of-the-art facility in Summer 2025. This modern facility will provide an even better environment for the exceptional team to deliver the highest quality care to the community they proudly serve. We all look forward to the facility itself matching the outstanding talent and professionalism of the staff that works inside, ensuring professional quality healthcare close to home for years to come.