Visitors to Memphis Health Center Inc.’s main location at 360 East EH Crump Blvd. will be greeted by an image of the man who helped make possible the medical care they receive there.
The Memphis Health Center hung an oil portrait in the lobby recently honoring the late Chauncey O’Hara Daugherty, MD, for his contributions to health care in Shelby County and later in Fayette County.
Artist Henry Wiley, who specializes in portrait painting and other mediums, painted the portrait of Daugherty, a former cardiothoracic surgeon who founded the center in 1970.
Daugherty, who died in 2001, was a pioneer in Memphis’ medical community, ensuring that quality health care was accessible to all, especially underserved and vulnerable populations, regardless of their ability to pay. His dedication to his patients and the larger community left an indelible mark on the city, particularly among Black Memphians who had historically faced barriers in receiving medical attention.
Lois H. Stockton, interim CEO of the Memphis Health Center, said acknowledgement of Daugherty’s legacy was overdue. “It has been 55 years since the health center was founded, and he wasn’t recognized for what he has done to help make the Memphis community safer and healthier,” Stockton stated. “Now is the right time to make amends.”
Several members of the Daugherty family attended the unveiling, including his daughter, Valerie Daugherty, MD, who reflected on her father’s work and his impact on health care in Memphis. “When he got to Memphis, he was the only board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon in the entire Southeast,” she said. “There were a lot of Black people in Memphis at that time who had never seen a doctor; and for them, it was comforting to be treated by someone they could trust.”
Daugherty’s commitment to the well-being of his patients extended far beyond the operating room. His vision for the Memphis Health Center was rooted in the belief that health care is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for the financial elite. Under his guidance, the center blossomed into a representation of hope for those in need, providing essential medical services to a historically underserved community.
Memphis Health operates three primary care sites, a mobile medical clinic, and three homeless centers. Its clinics offer primary and preventive care services including pediatric/adolescent, adult medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, oral, vision and behavior health among others. Sliding scale payment plans are available for those without insurance.
Willeen Hastings, former CEO of the Memphis Health Center emphasized the continued importance of prioritizing public health in Memphis. “His work laid the foundation for equitable health care in this city,” Hastings said. “But there is still much work to be done. Memphis continues to face serious health challenges, ranking high in HIV and STD rates. We must continue Dr. Daugherty’s mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the care they deserve.”
