Since my community was in dire need of a physician, I chose not to do a residency but rather return home immediately to practice medicine.
Why Did Dr. Mauterer Choose to Serve His Hometown?
Dr. KP Mauterer’s commitment to his hometown of Olla, Louisiana, showcases his selflessness and dedication to rural healthcare. While many doctors pursue residency to specialize, he recognized the urgent need for a physician in his community and made the bold decision to return home immediately. His choice was driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to ensure that quality healthcare was accessible to those who needed it most.
How Did He Impact His Community?
For 34 years, Dr. Mauterer ran a private practice, providing compassionate care to generations of families. His patients were not just names on a chart—they were neighbors, friends, and extended family. His dedication extended beyond the walls of his clinic. He often made house calls, ensuring that even those unable to travel received the medical attention they needed. Over the years, he delivered 1,138 babies, marking the beginning of countless lives in Olla.
One of his most memorable moments came at a local tee-ball game when he realized he had delivered every player on both teams. This heartwarming realization reflected the depth of his impact on the community, reinforcing his role as not just a physician but a beloved pillar of Olla.
What Was His Role at Hardtner Medical Center?
In 2009, Dr. Mauterer transitioned to Hardtner Medical Center, where he continued his legacy of care. His expertise and leadership quickly earned him the trust and admiration of both patients and colleagues. His dedication was recognized through his appointment as Director of Ambulance Services, a role he held for eight years. He was later named Chief of Staff, a position he honorably served in for an impressive 22 years. His leadership helped shape the hospital’s standards of care, ensuring that the people of Olla had access to top-quality medical services.
How Did LSU Influence His Legacy?
Beyond medicine, Dr. Mauterer had a deep passion for LSU Tigers football. His love for the team was no secret, and those who knew him well could often find him cheering on the Tigers. As a tribute to this lifelong devotion, the Dr. Kenneth P. Mauterer Outpatient Center was sodded with the same grass grown at Tiger Stadium—Celebration Bermudagrass. This unique honor ensures that his legacy is forever tied to both his medical contributions and his love for LSU.
What Was His Lasting Legacy?
After more than four decades of service, Dr. Mauterer retired in 2021, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment. His influence extended beyond patient care—he mentored young medical professionals, inspiring them to follow his example of selfless service. His work shaped the healthcare landscape in Olla, proving that one person’s dedication can create lasting change.
Dr. Mauterer’s legacy lives on in the thousands of lives he touched. His patients, colleagues, and loved ones continue to share stories of his kindness, humor, and expertise, ensuring that his impact will never be forgotten.
What Were His Accomplishments?
Country Doctor of the Year, 2004
Education
- 1966-1967: Ole Miss University
- 1967-1970: Northeast Louisiana University, Monroe, LA (Magna cum laude) – BS in Science
- 1970-1974: Louisiana State University at Shreveport, LA
- 1974-1975: Internship at Confederate Memorial Hospital, Shreveport, LA
Memberships
- Masonic Lodge
- Barak Shrine Temple
- Monroe Scottish Rite Bodies
- Phi Kappa Honor Society
- Louisiana Medical Society
- Rapides Parish Medical Society
- American Medical Association
What Would He Say About This Honor?
His wife, Pam, believes he might humbly say: “I don’t deserve this, but I am truly honored.”
Dr. Mauterer’s love for Hardtner Medical Center was undeniable. Throughout his career, he received job offers from prestigious hospitals in larger cities, but he always chose to stay in Olla. His heart remained with the people of his hometown, and he dedicated his life to ensuring they had the best possible medical care.
His story is a testament to the power of dedication and service. Through his work, he left a lasting impact that will continue to inspire future generations. His memory lives on in every life he touched, every baby he delivered, and every patient he cared for with compassion and respect.
