Hannibal Regional welcomes adult psychiatrist to medical team

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Adult psychiatrist Dr. Matt Tochtrop has joined the team at Hannibal Regional.

Tochtrop earned his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine.

As a psychiatrist, Tochtrop has the ability to blend science and empathy, helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys.  Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can order and perform a variety of medical and psychological tests. These tests, combined with discussions about symptoms, medical history and family background, allow psychiatrists to diagnose mental health conditions.

In a press release, Tochtrop said, “During medical school rotations, I found psychiatry to be a calling.  Compared to other fields, it is one of the last frontiers of medicine that truly remains an ‘art’ as much as a ‘science’.  Common threads can run through diagnoses, but each and every person’s story and situation are different and should be evaluated and treated as such.

“I enjoy implementing standard of care evidence-based medicine while still personalizing treatment, thinking outside the box, and throwing out the ‘algorithm’ when necessary to attempt to help people achieve their desired goal of what mental health looks like to them.”

Tochtrop, who grew up in a small Missouri town, is passionate about bringing much-needed specialty care to rural communities.

“From the moment I began discussions with Hannibal Regional through present time, it feels like an environment that emphasizes putting patient care above all else in conjunction with a definite sense of camaraderie among staff.  To put it simply, it feels like home,” Tochtrop said.

Tochtrop emphasizes using evidence-based medicine and tailoring each patient’s treatment plan. 

“My priority lies with providing excellent psychiatric care through the means of listening to get to know the individual and using their history, evidence-based medicine, and conversation with the patient on workup and treatment options to guide a plan such as medical workup, medication management and lifestyle implementations that are foundations to mental well-being.  I help to fill the gap in medicine where things like imaging, lab work, or trial and error medicine may fall short,” Tochtrop said.

To schedule an appointment, call 573-629-3500.