Centralia

Ben Harstine, MD, FMOB

Dr. Harstine earned his bachelor of science in Public Health Nutrition from Kansas State University and attended medical school at the University of Kansas Medical Center.  He completed his family medicine residency and family medicine obstetrics fellowship at Waco Family Medicine in Waco, Texas.  He recently received both his family medicine and family medicine obstetrics board certifications. Dr. Harstine always knew he had a strong desire to teach.  In the years after college, while working in Manhattan, he realized he also wanted “to be in the trenches with folks discussing the events and on-goings of their daily lives.”  “Medicine became a place where I could use a natural interest in the sciences and human well-being to do a little bit of both. I want to be an active listener and teach my patients the benefits of daily exercise and movement to improve overall health." As a native Kansan, Dr. Harstine has always dreamed of living and serving a rural Kansas community.  “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with CHCS as a medical student because my wife was from the area.  I grew to love the hospital, staff, and community and I am glad to be joining an organization with such a long history of providing patient-centered care.” In his spare time, Dr. Harstine enjoys spending time with his wife Emily and their three children, working outside, exercising, reading and cooking. “Emily and I are excited to be back in rural Kansas, close to family, and are excited to make Onaga our home,” Dr. Harstine said.

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.

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.