By Heather Knight | Special to the Advertiser

 

About 250 family, friends, patients and co-workers attended an annual Christmas party thrown Dec. 11 at Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center by two local doctors.

Dr. Ajay Patel and Dr. Cherrie Herrera from Clanton Internal Medicine hosted the party, which has grown into a holiday tradition and featured food and door prizes sponsored by SunCrest Home Health.

“We do this event every year for fun and to celebrate Christmas with our family, staff and patients from the last 23 years,” Patel said. “We appreciate their confidence in us.”

Patel’s son, Raj, was among those helping organize the event, and he will be joining the staff as a dermatologist in August 2016.

Anne Taddicken, an employee at Clanton Internal Medicine, said the party was festive and fun.

“This is a great experience, and for them to do this is amazing,” Taddicken said. “It shows they care, and it’s fun to see the patients mingle and have fun.”

Patel and his son were among those who provided musical entertainment for attendees.

“I have never known a doctor who cared so much that they even throw a party for their patients every year,” said Ester Barron, a patient at Clanton Internal. “My family drives from Slapout for our doctor visits.”

Another patient at the party, Dennis Pike, described Patel as “more than a doctor.”

“He listens and talks to his patients,” Pike said. “He gets to know your family, and he’s a real good guy.”

Clanton Internal Medicine is located at 1008 Lay Dam Road in Clanton.