Dr. Dayhoff was born and resides in the Kankakee area. He states “practicing medicine in your home town brings many rewards and challenges”. Dr. Dayhoff chose pharmacy as his first career graduating from Purdue University School of Pharmacy. After graduation he enjoyed a career with Osco Drugs which included Iowa, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois. Still interested in medicine he decided to pursue his second career as a physician and went to Midwestern University Medical School. He did his family practice residency at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Quincy, IL. Dr. Dayhoff has privileges to practice at both our local hospitals Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital and Riverside Medical Center. He is Board Certified Family Practice and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice. He and his wife Dawn have two grown children. Now in his 23rd year of practicing medicine, he balances work, family and enjoys the outdoors, especially waterfowl and white-tailed deer hunting in the cool weather and golf in the warmer weather.
Dr Long was born in Manteno, Illinois the youngest of seven children. His childhood dream of becoming a physician came true in 1986 graduating from The Chicago Medical School (now known as Rosalind Franklin School of Health Services). After medical school Dr. Long completed a residency in Family Medicine at U of I Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. Dr. Long married his wife Diane in 1982. After completing Residency in 1989 they chose to move to Herscher and Dr. Long started his Family Medicine practice. Dr. Long has now been in practice for 34 years. In addition to his medical practice he has held numerous hospital staff leadership positions and has remained active in community events. Dr. Long also serves as a member on the Kankakee County Board of Health. He has maintained board certification with the American Board of Family Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Long has four children. They are now successfully pursing career and families of their own. Dr. and Diane were thrilled to welcome grandchildren and look forward to spending as much time with them as possible. When not working, Dr. Long spends his time at his property in Iroquois County. Dr. Long is passionate about restoring habitat for upland birds and deer. The latest project is beekeeping (mainly Diane’s effort), which produces great benefits for wild life and great tasting honey.
Dr. Zaidi grew up in the Chicago-land area. His passion for medicine dates back to his early childhood years. During high school Dr. Zaidi worked for Walgreen’s pharmacy and his passion grew even stronger. He wanted to stay close to his parents and went to Loyola University for undergraduate studies. For his medical education, he chose UNIBE School of Medicine. Dr. Zaidi wanted to practice in a rural setting and decided to complete his family practice residency at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. He has staff privileges both at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital and Riverside Medical Center. Dr. Zaidi is Board Certified in Family Practice and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice. He is married and has three children. While he enjoys traveling and the outdoors, he also enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Patrick graduated from Herscher High School in 2012 before attending Purdue University where he graduated with a degree in Neurobiology & Physiology in 2016. He then attended Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, receiving his medical degree in 2020. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at SIU in Springfield, IL. Dr. Long is Board Certified in Family Medicine. His wife, Lauren, is a native of Manteno, IL and a graduate of Bishop McNamara High School. She recently obtained her Master's of Science in Nursing degree from Illinois State University.
Jennifer Christenson was born and raised in Lexington, SC. She completed her undergraduate degree at University of South Carolina and then went to Midwestern University in Downers Grove, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2008. She is Board Certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Physician Assistant. Jennifer was married in 2006, and lives with her husband and sons in Dwight, IL. Jennifer in her free time enjoys biking, camping, many outdoor activities as well as spending time with family and friends. Jennifer is delighted to be working for the Medical Group because it is challenging, and it allows her to see all ages and get to know the whole family.
Kristy Patterson was born and raised in Plainfield, IL. She completed her undergraduate degree at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, and then went on to Finch University in North Chicago to earn her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies in2002. She then began her career with The Medical Group. She is Board Certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Physician Assistants. Kristy was married in 2006 and lives with her husband and three children in Bourbonnais. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling. Kristy enjoys her position as it allows her the opportunity to work with all age groups and to work collaboratively with the physicians in this practice.
Megan is from Bloomington, Illinois and moved to Herscher in 2016. She completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Illinois Wesleyan University and worked in the intensive care unit for five years. After taking care of patients with severe medical issues she decided to become a nurse practitioner to help prevent issues in future patients. She earned her master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University and is a family nurse practitioner certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Megan loves spending time with her husband and daughter doing anything active and outdoors. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time spent living in and around Herscher and has grown to love the community. She is very excited to be able to serve the community she lives in and develop relationships with her patients.