A Second Chance at Life Close to Home

Pictured left to right Dr. Eric Butler, Dr. Kory Blank, Mr. Robert
Howland, and Dr. Richard Thomas

After spending many years working as a hospital administrator in Springfield, Illinois, Robert Howland of Clarksville, Missouri, believed he understood healthcare well. His professional experience had shaped a long-held assumption that when facing complex or serious medical conditions, the best option was to travel to a large metropolitan hospital.
That belief was put to the test when Robert found himself in need of a complex, life-saving surgery. He was under the care of a large hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, where the procedure was scheduled and plans were made. But just days before the operation, the surgery was abruptly canceled. With no alternative path forward offered, Robert was told the devastating news that hospice care was his only remaining option.
Seeking answers and hope, Robert’s hospice team reached out to their medical director, Hannibal Regional emergency physician Dr. Richard Thomas, to see if anything more could be done. After reviewing Robert’s case, Dr. Thomas referred him to General Surgeon Dr. Eric Butler at Hannibal Regional. Dr. Butler carefully evaluated the situation and determined that not only was the complex procedure possible, but that it could be performed robotically – a minimally invasive approach that resulted in less pain and a quicker recovery for Robert. The surgery was a success, and in a remarkable turn of events, Robert was able to come
off hospice care and begin healing.
Robert admits he was initially apprehensive about having such a major operation at a smaller, regional hospital, but that hesitation quickly disappeared. Dr. Butler’s expertise, confidence, and personal approach, combined with the exceptional care from the hospital nurses and support staff, delivered a level of attentiveness and compassion that Robert says he had never experienced in larger healthcare systems.
After recovering from his surgery, Robert’s positive experience gave him the confidence to finally move forward with something he had been putting off for nearly 15 years, addressing his chronic hip pain. Encouraged by the success of his surgery with Dr. Butler, Robert chose to have both hips replaced at Hannibal Regional with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kory Blank.
Robert underwent his first hip replacement in October and his second in  December of 2025. Once again, the care exceeded his expectations. He was especially impressed by how seamlessly the hospital team worked together during his recovery. “When I asked for pain medicine, or even mentioned I was a little hungry, someone was there within about 15 minutes,” Robert shared. “That level of teamwork and attentiveness made all the difference.”
Robert says the pain from his hip replacements was far less than he anticipated, and his recovery has been quicker than expected. Just one month after his second surgery, he has already progressed to walking with a cane.
Today, Robert is recovering well and is deeply grateful for the physicians and care teams who refused to give up on him. His experience not only restored his health, but also reshaped his beliefs about where exceptional care can be found. His story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact access to skilled, compassionate care can have, and of the second chances made possible every day at Hannibal Regional.
For more information about surgical or orthopedic services at Hannibal
Regional, please visit hannibalregional.org or call 573-629-3500 to schedule
a consultation.