• Named Wyoming Physician of the Year, a Legacy of Healing

The Wyoming Medical Society recently announced Star Valley Health Family Medicine physician Martha Hageman, M.D., as the 2024 Wyoming Physician of the Year. Since its inception in 1961, Dr. Hageman is the second female physician and the second physician from Star Valley to win the award. She remembers the moment the call came in.

“I was just flabbergasted,” reflects Dr. Hageman. “I’m humbled and inspired by the amazing and selfless physicians who have come before me and have received this award in past years. It’s such an honor.”

“To anyone who knows Dr. Hageman, this is not a surprise,” says Dan Ordyna, Star Valley Health CEO.  “She is so deserving of this award. We are truly fortunate to have her caliber of talent at Star Valley Health. Congratulations to such an amazing physician.”

Dr. Hageman holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Michigan and a medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. She completed her residency training with the Duluth Graduate Medical Education program. Dr. Hageman and her husband, Dr. Donald Kirk, have worked at Star Valley Health since 1995. As for her chosen field, Dr. Hageman was drawn to the opportunity to provide care throughout a patient’s lifetime. “This is the beauty and essence of family medicine.”

Dr. Hageman’s family has deep roots in healthcare. Her paternal grandfather worked as a general practitioner, her maternal grandfather as a Hungarian psychiatrist. Dr. Hageman’s mother and father served their communities as a medical technologist and peripheral vascular surgeon. Dr. Kirk continues to provide clinical care while also holding the role of Star Valley Health’s Chief Medical Officer. And their two adult children, Evan and Sophia, have their sights set on healthcare and the sciences, as well.

In addition to her practice, Dr. Hageman has held many roles at Star Valley Health over the years, including Chief of Staff and Medical Director of the Thayne ambulance service. She currently serves as Chairwoman of Star Valley Health’s credentialing committee and in 2022 graduated from the Wyoming Medical Society’s Physician Leadership Academy. When asked what advice she would offer aspiring healthcare professionals, the response is thoughtful and impactful.

“Always keep the best interest of your patients in mind,” says Dr. Hageman. “It’s a tremendous honor and privilege for patients to trust us with not only their healthcare, but with their stories. Approaching our patients with compassion, and giving patients that time, is perhaps our greatest gift that we can share with our patients.”