Dr. Jennifer Hohman, M.D., pediatric hospitalist, joined the Bluffton Hospital staff this month in a new service offered by the hospital.

She joined the staff on Sept. 4, and is able to admit youth who require hospitalization. Her focus is newborns through 18-year-olds.

In addition, she is in training with Dr. Lorie Thomas to see persons in the Beyond MedSpa at Bluffton. Here, she will handle laser hair removal, laser facials involving removal of age spots and administer Botox injections. Her Beyond MedSpa treatments involve women and men.

“Dr. Hohman’s addition to our staff is huge for Bluffton Hospital,” said Nicki Keuneke, director of operations at the hospital.

“To have a pediatrician on our staff is a great thing and youth served by the hospital will receive specialized care.”

Prior to Dr. Hohman’s arrive on staff, area youth needing hospitalization were typically transferred to larger hospitals. That option will change as youth may now have overnight stays in Bluffton.

“At Bluffton, I will work with local family physicians and the ER physician on staff for medical needs related to youth,” she said.

As examples, these treatments could range from children with stomach flu who are dehydrated, to youth with asthma symptoms, pneumonia and newborns with jaundice.

In her role at the hospital she will also provide consultations with ER physicians.

Dr. Hohman, a Delphos native, said she has always had an interest in primary care.

She said that she wants to be in a place where she can make a difference in a small town, adding that she likes small community hospitals and enjoys working in an environment involving newborns.

Since 2008 she was pediatrician at Van Wert County Hospital. She is a Delphos St. John’s High School grad. Her undergraduate degree is from University of Dayton. She graduated from Case Western Reserve and completed a three-year pediatric residency at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

She and her husband, Darin, have three children, Henry, 11, Max, 8, and Eva, 6. Her husband is owner of Dark Horse Productions, a video and photography production house.