Members of the community bid their farewells to Dr. Nathan Granneman on Sunday as he departs Jefferson City Medical Group's Family Health Clinic in California.
Granneman is joining Big Tree Medical in Boonville after about three years of service in California. Granneman began at JCMG in March of 2017.
Granneman said being in California and interacting with his patients felt like home.
"(And I) couldn't ask for better people to work with," Granneman said. "It makes it hard to leave."
Granneman said his patients during his time in California were largely Moniteau County locals, and he'll miss seeing them since many likely won't follow north to Boonville due to its distance.
"It's always good if you can seek care locally, and support your local town," Granneman said. "Or go to someone you personally know."
As for his final thoughts as he prepares for the next chapter?
"It was a blessing to have the opportunity to work with the people here and to see the patients I did during the time I was here," Granneman said.
It's evident that his patients are sad to see him go, too.
"I'm going to miss this place terribly," one patient said as he exited the reception.