Timeline
Born in Kansas
Born & raised in Fredonia, Kansas and grew up raising hogs & custom-cutting alfalfa fields
Pre-med, Summa cum Laude Graduate
John graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in pre-medical sciences, graduating summa cum laude. While at Kansas State, he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity and served as president his senior year.
KU Medical School Graduate
John attended medical school at University of Kansas Medical School, graduating in three years, with a keen interest in Family Medicine.
Outstanding Family Medicine Resident Award
In 1981, he completed a three-year Family Medicine residency at St. Joseph’s Family Practice (now Via Christi), where he received the Robert A. Reiderer, M.D. award in his senior year for the outstanding Family Medicine Resident.
President of the Kansas Medical Society
Dr Eplee has enjoyed continuous membership in The Kansas Medical Society since completing his residency in 1981 for 35 years. He began serving on the KMS board 2010 and was elected President of KMS for 2014 – 2015. He continues on the board as current Past President at this time.
Troy Clinic – Atchison Hospital
John founded the Troy Clinic in 1982, which has continued ever since under Atchison Hospital.
Immunization Advocacy
In 1986, he was asked to serve on the governor’s task force on immunization access and advocacy.
President of Kansas Academy of Family Physicians
He was the president of the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians in 1992 and served as a delegate to the American Academy of Family Physicians at the national meeting for four years.
Chairman of the National Committee on Rural Health
In 1995, he held the position of chairman of the National Committee on Rural Health (CORH) and helped evaluate the beginning of provider-based insurance networks.
Senate Bill 36-Infant Immunizations
He was instrumental in seeing the passage of Senate Bill 36 in 1995 through the task force to provide first dollar coverage for all infant and toddler immunizations.
KaMMCO Board of Directors
John was nominated to the KaMMCO board of Directors in 1996 and served through 2008. And then was renominated again in 2010 as a KMS board member and continues to serve currently. KaMMCO is a physician-held mutual company providing malpractice coverage to many providers and hospitals throughout the state.
KSU Delta Upsilon
Member of the KSU DU Board and was Chairman of the board during the last major building campaign in 1999. The campaign, called ‘Vision 2000’, was for the completion of a 1.5 million refurbishment of the chapter house. The project was completed on time and on budget. Dr. Eplee currently serves on the Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation for the International Fraternity.
Health Care Stabilization Fund Board of Directors
He has served on the Health Care Stabilization Fund Board of Directors continuously since 2013, and was chairman in 2014. The HCSF provides top-end malpractice coverage to providers and facilities throughout the state of Kansas.
Atchison Flyers / Atchison Red Ravens
He was a founding member of Atchison Flyers/Atchison Red Ravens, a competitive venue for youth athletes in Atchison, and was on the Atchison Recreation Commission for eight years.
Pack and Troop 86
He has been very involved with Boy Scouts through Pack and Troop 86 in the Kanza District for 10 years and was a recipient of Kanza District Award of Merit.
Advocating for Digital Education
John is currently in his second 4-year term as a USD 409 Board Member, advocating for digital education through the 1:1 initiative. He has learned a great deal about school funding and the challenges that face all our districts.