Craig Tatom, FNP-BC

I’m Craig Tatom, FNP-BC, and I joined Phelps Health in March 2022 as a family nurse practitioner who specializes in Walk-In Clinic care. I see patients of all ages on a walk-in basis. My collaborating physician is Phelps Health Family Medicine Physician Rachelle Gorrell, DO.

Common procedures that I perform include joint injections; toenail removal; excisions (removals) of lesions and masses; minor biopsies; incision and drainage of wounds/abscesses; wound and burn debridement (removal of dead tissue); Unna Boot application; and EKGs (electrocardiograms). I also see patients for common ailments, including colds, flu, back and joint pain, headaches, urinary tract infections (UTIs), fractures, sprains, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and more.

Initially, I wanted to pursue a career as a veterinarian, but later decided to pursue medicine and care for people. I enjoyed anatomy and physiology classes in school. I also come from a family of nurses and feel it is in my nature to help people. I love interacting with people, trying to find solutions to their health problems and assisting them in becoming healthier. Prior to joining Phelps Health, I worked for several years in emergency departments, walk-in clinics and family medicine clinics.

I consider myself a good listener and believe that patient education is important. All patients are human beings who have some type of health issue(s). It doesn’t matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, education, religion, age, etc. My job is to see patients as individuals and provide the best healthcare that I can, regardless of their demographics or the choices they have made in life.

I was born at Phelps Health Hospital and have lived in Dent County, Missouri, most of my life. My wife and I currently reside on a cattle ranch south of Salem, Missouri, and are parents to three grown children who work in the area. We also have three dogs and 30 big pets (cattle). When I can find time, I enjoy woodworking.

I chose to work at Phelps Health because this area is home for me, and I have had many positive interactions with the organization’s physicians, nurses, EMS workers and other staff members. I have been impressed with everyone’s caring manner, not only toward patients, but also toward each other as coworkers. I enjoy being a part of a team that works together to provide high-quality patient care, close to home.