A Doctor in the House

Who says you can’t go home.

Dr. Erick Madrigal, a 1998 graduate of Monache High School, is returning to his home town to offer medical care to his community.

Madrigal, son of Francisco and Mireya Madrigal, plans to open up his primary care practice on West Henderson Avenue in the location that was once Yellow Rose Flower Shop.

He is believed to be the only medical doctor in town who grew up and attended local schools here and that is a rarity in many small towns in the San Joaquin Valley.

“My goal and passion is to give back and serve,” said Dr. Madrigal.

As a family medical doctor he will be seeing patients of all ages; from prenatal, to adolescent, to geriatric.

“My primary plan is to help bring in more providers to the community. It is needed,” he said.

His coming back to town to practice medicine is a source of pride for many.

His former high school principal, Val Staley, the current assistant of curriculum at Porterville Unified School District (PUSD), was ecstatic.

“I think it’s marvelous that he’s back in town. As a well trained doctor that understands the community in terms of health needs and culture, he will be actively involved in the community,” stated Staley who pointed out that he was actively involved in school life and leadership.

“He has always shown a capacity to give back to the community and was an outstanding student.”

John Snavely, superintendent of PUSD, was surprised.

“I’m quite pleasantly surprised. He sets a great example” said Snavely who added that Madrigal’s case illustrated how well the district could prepare students. “You can come back and be successful. Porterville does have a lot to offer our students.”  

Madrigal studied premed at  Georgetown University in Washington D.C. for four years and then attended a combined medical and business school at the University of California Los Angeles for five years.

His favorite part of medical school was the variety of learning that took place.

“Family medicine deals with the issues of family. One day I’m learning about pediatrics, one day geriatrics, and one day OBGYN. I liked the diversity and challenge of that,” stated

Madrigal who, sponsored by the Rotary Club, also studied abroad in France as an exchange student and completed a semester in Senegal while studying at Georgetown University.

His mother is full of pride.

“I’m very happy and proud. He had a lot of offers and decided to give it a try close to home,” said Mireya Madrigal, who assists her husband operating Don Vino’s and La Fuente restaurants,

The practice, which will consist of four to five staff members including medical assistants and a receptionist, will have the normal business hours of Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the primary focus of his practice to be to serve the needs of the community be it walk-ins or appointments. He is currently accepting applications for the aforementioned positions.

Hospital Pleased As Well

Along with his practice, he will also have privileges at Sierra View District Hospital (SVDH).

“Anytime a licensed and trained doctor can be convinced to do business in Southeast Tulare County, it is a huge benefit to the entire county,” said Brent Gill a second term member of the board of directors at SVDH. “ As a long time member of the community and as a second term member of the Board of Directors I bid him welcome and thank him for returning to the community.”

Dick Hatfield, another board of director member at SVDH echoed those sentiments.
“I’m very pleased that he’s obtained his medicalship and very proud that he’s coming back to Porterville,” stated Hatfield.  

Madrigal’s future goals include being actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and city government. His advice to the future generations is this:

“It’s not going to be easy but there is nothing to stop them from reaching higher goals.”