Eldon Grad's Remarkable Journey: 2024 Physician of the Year

By Vicki Wood

Dr. Christopher A. Paynter, D.O., SSM HealthcarePhoto byKansas City University

Not only is Dr. Christopher A. Paynter, D.O. a family physician in Tipton, Missouri, he has just been awarded a huge honor! But, it is not his first.

Dr. Paynter, D.O. is a 2004 graduate of Eldon High School. He then went on to enter Lincoln University in Jefferson City's Program of Nursing. The incredible young doctor was accepted into Kansas City University's College of Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Osteopathy.

The Missouri Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (MSACOFP) just awarded him with the 2024 Family Physician of the Year honor at last month's Winter Update Conference in Columbia, Missouri held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center.

Dr. Paynter receiving 2024 Family Physician of the Year award.Photo byMissouri Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians

Dr. Paynter's story is an amazing journey of diligence and trials. He and his brother were abandoned in a park at night in his native country of Taiwan, according to a speech that he gave to a group of students at Eldon High School in 2014. He was adopted by a local church. He flourished as a gifted athlete and student at Eldon High School.

 Paynter is the past president of the Missouri Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. He has been a member of this organization since 2008 and a member of the ACOFP since 2012. He was instrumental in bringing student rotations to SSM Health Jefferson City Hospital in 2022. He has received several awards including the MSACOFP James A. DiRenna, Sr. Appreciation Award with SSM Health, the MSAOPS Professional Medallion Award, Lincoln University's 40 under 40 Award, Jefferson City Magazine's Ones to Watch Designation, and SSM Health Physician of the Year.