Campaign Spotlight: Dr. Chuck Dietzen: A Doctor in the House

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

The upcoming 2020 Indiana Republican primary is probably one of the most closely watched as the battle for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District seat wages on throughout the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has sieged the state’s economy, workforce and health care system.

Dr. Chuck Dietzen, a Kokomo native and Zionsville resident, is a board-certified pediatric rehabilitation specialist. Dietzen—a lifelong Republican and Hoosier—is also an entrepreneur and is the founder of Timmy Global Health—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—headquartered in Indianapolis and focuses on expanding health care—in the U.S. and abroad.

Dr. Chuck’s values of faith, freedom and family and his sanctity for life stem from being raised by his parents who cared for 150 foster children from around the world, representing a myriad of ages, M

backgrounds, creeds, abilities and disabilities. Having been reared in a working-class community, Dr. Chuck has firsthand experience of laboring on local farms and in industrial mills.

Dr. Chuck’s contributions to his Hoosier communities, his world-renowned care for the underserved—in the U.S. and abroad—and expertise in pediatric rehabilitation are what sets him apart from his peers.

Dr. Chuck served as the chief of pediatric rehabilitation medicine at Riley Children’s Hospital at IU Health and has written and/or consulted on several industry-related state and local policies throughout his career, helping pass Indiana’s Medical Health Shield Act (HEA 1145, May 2015).

Exhibiting Dr. Chuck’s entrepreneurial achievements, he co-founded iSalus Healthcare—a digital medical records and telehealth software company—paving the way for affordable, reliable and secure global telemedicine.

“Gov. Holcomb recently set forth a road map for reopening our state,” Dr. Chuck stated. “As a businessman, I look forward to getting our economy back on track. As a physician, I challenge our nation to consider how we change our trajectory moving forward.”

As a medical doctor with a focus on preventive medicine, entrepreneur and your next congressman, Dr. Chuck will continue to roll up his sleeves and tackle the pressing issues head-on—COVID-19 related and beyond—combating real problems with real solutions.

“I have counseled many patients about improving their lifestyle choices,” Dr. Chuck said. “Now, I would like our nation to consider my Blueprint for America’s Future Good Health. We all must begin making lifestyle changes to be proactive rather than reactive.”

Dr. Chuck’s “Blueprint” calls on Congress and the country’s

Paid for by Dr. Chuck for Congress, Inc.

educational institutions to do their part in creating a healthier nation.

Dr. Chuck explained. “My Blueprint for America’s Future Good Health lists ways to build a foundation of good health:

“First, we need to better prepare our doctors to work with patients on the importance of diet and nutrition.

“Second, we need to address and educate on the issues related to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) so our future populations are less impacted by negative lifestyle effects and reactions to severe stress.

“Third, we can all do things to improve our health. I have enjoyed seeing families outside walking and biking during the pandemic. Be active doing things you enjoy while practicing social distancing.”

Dr. Chuck’s experience with health care at both global and local levels, his experience with non-for-profits and his small business experience require unwavering leadership and the ability to guide. Dr. Chuck’s strengths include the ability to focus and lead with expert precision and humility.

“Someone asked me the other day why I am running,” Dr. Chuck shared. “I have worked my entire life—going back to age 7— to give children a high quality of life. And now my question is, ‘Are we [as a nation] going to provide a future for them and a quality of life?’ One thing I do know is that we must make sure that there is a future for our children. Politics and health care always intersect, and now, they have collided.”

The global and local experience that Dr. Chuck brings to Indiana’s 5th Congressional District—having witnessed and endured war-torn communities while providing medical aid to refugees as well as pandemic and financial ruin in 21 countries—are tactical lessons and wisdom that are unique to Dr. Chuck as a candidate.

The health and success of Indiana’s 5th Congressional District needs an advocate who understands the micro and macro economies, health care challenges and the ability to “train up”.

“Whether I was playing quarterback, was captain of the wrestling team, medical director or chief of staff in the pediatric rehab division, I always looked at who I was going to help lift up,” Dr. Chuck said. “That’s the whole concept of Timmy Global Health—how do I train up the next generation because this isn’t about me. The kids that I have cared for throughout my career taught me that. Another thing that I learned growing up with 150 foster children is that you have to love and accept people and learn how to work with them.”

Dr. Chuck expressed, “My heroes are the children and the people I’ve worked with in other countries who stood up to tyrants, who were helping the underserved and were imprisoned, tortured and, in some cases, killed. In honor and memory of them, I have to live my truth. I will continue to speak my truth. I have to make a difference for all the children and for the people who live and work in our district.”

Dr. Chuck concluded, “We must lead by example as a country and as a state. If we abide by Gov. Holcomb’s restrictions, we can successfully limit the spread of COVID-19. This is not the first pandemic our nation has faced, and it will not be the last. Even though we are six feet apart, we will get through this together.”

For a more in-depth explanation of Dr. Chuck’s Blueprint for America’s Future Good Health and additional important campaign issues, visit drchuckforcongress.com.

Remember to vote for Dr. Chuck Dietzen on June 2 and as Dr. Chuck says, “We can do better—we must do better—please join me in our campaign to bring Hoosier values to Washington.”