Full Circle: Dr. Brooke Larson Returns to Colby to Provide Compassionate Hearing Care

For Dr. Brooke Larson, the newest addition to the Citizens Health medical team, returning to Colby isn’t just about offering healthcare — it’s about honoring the community that helped raise her.

Born in Rexford and later a graduate of Colby High School, Dr. Larson (formerly Brooke Wark) has returned to northwest Kansas to serve as a Doctor of Audiology — and her story is one of personal strength, rural pride, and coming home to serve others.

“I always knew I wanted to come back,” she said. “Northwest Kansas gave me so much — a strong sense of family, a community that cares, and the kind of values that stay with you wherever you go. Now, I get to give something back.”

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But Dr. Larson’s journey to audiology wasn’t just inspired by her rural roots — it was deeply personal. From a young age, she experienced her own challenges with hearing, which planted the seed for a lifelong passion to help others navigate the same path.

“I had my own hearing issues growing up, and I remember how confusing and isolating it could feel,” she shared. “That experience shaped everything. It helped me understand what my patients are going through — because I’ve lived it.”

Now, back in her hometown, she brings not only her clinical training, but a profound sense of empathy to her work — something patients are sure to notice.

Through her role at Citizens Health, Dr. Larson offers an expanded range of audiology services that many residents have never had access to locally. For years, those needing hearing care had to travel hours to receive treatment. Soon, those services will be available right here in Colby beginning August 25:

“These services aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential,” she said. “Rural communities deserve the same standard of care as anywhere else.”

Appointments are now being accepted by calling 785-460-1223.

After high school, Larson pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas and then earned her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Memphis. She practiced in both urban and rural settings before deciding to return home — not just as a provider, but as a neighbor and community advocate.

“Coming back wasn’t just a career move,” she said. “It was personal. I wanted my family to grow up with the same values I had. I wanted to be part of this place again.”

Community leaders view her return as a shining example of rural resilience and self-investment.

“When someone like Dr. Larson comes back home to practice, it speaks volumes about who we are,” said one Citizens Health administrator. “She could be anywhere — and she chose Colby. That means a lot.”

Dr. Larson hopes her story will inspire other young people from the area to chase their dreams — and then come back home to build something meaningful.

“I want kids growing up here to know they can go far and still return,” she said. “You don’t have to leave your roots behind to be successful — you can build on them.”

As she settles into her practice, reconnects with old classmates, and raises her own family in Colby, Dr. Larson embodies the best of what rural Kansas has to offer: grit, heart, and a deep commitment to community.