Once a Shocker, always a Shocker
For many people, college is a chapter. For Dr. Heidi Larison ’02, Wichita State has been a lifelong story.
Larison first stepped onto campus at 14 years old, following in the footsteps of her older sister and beginning a relationship with Wichita State that continues today.
By the time she graduated magna cum laude in 2002 with degrees in chemistry, biology and geriatric studies, she had already spent years immersed in campus life as a student leader, teaching assistant, student ambassador, campus tour guide and mentor.
“I don’t use past tense with Wichita State. Once a Shocker, always a Shocker. Wichita State isn’t a four-year experience to me. It’s a springboard to a lifetime of success, friendships, bonding and connection.”
Today, Larison is the founder and CEO of Wichita Primary Care, a thriving practice serving thousands of patients across the Wichita community. What began as a leap of faith in two rented exam rooms has grown into a clinic known for its compassionate, comprehensive care.
Her path to medicine began long before she opened her own practice. As a teenager volunteering in a local nursing home, she discovered a passion for caring for others. At Wichita State, that passion took shape as professors and mentors encouraged her pursuit of a career in medicine.
After completing medical school and residency training, Larison eventually decided to build something of her own. “I wanted more time with patients,” she says. “I wanted them to feel like part of our family rather than just another appointment on a schedule.”
“It’s the little wins each day that fill my cup,” she says. “It’s the patients who improve their health, or maybe they’re going to live longer because of some advice we gave them. Those one-on-one interactions are what really makes the biggest difference.”
Relationships have also shaped her connection to Wichita State. She credits much of her success to the people she encountered on campus, including longtime chemistry professor Dr. Erach Talaty, who became a mentor and friend.
“I remember my mom asking if I’d made any friends on campus yet,” Larison laughs. “I do not think she expected me to be like, ‘Yes, this chemistry professor named Dr. Talaty, and we have so much in common.'”
Those lessons in connection and collaboration continue today. Larison mentors Wichita State nursing students in her clinic and works with medical students from the Kansas Health Science Center’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.
In recognition of her professional accomplishments, commitment to patient care and service to the community, Larison was selected as the 2026 Alumni Achievement Award recipient, an honor she describes as both humbling and unexpected.
“I was shocked,” she says. “What an honor to be nominated. It’s just so cool to see how maybe your journey has impacted more folks than you realized.”
For Larison, the award is not just a celebration of what she has accomplished. It is a reflection of the community that helped make it possible.
“Wichita State is powerful,” she says. “Wichita State takes students who are maybe still at the beginning of not even knowing what they want in their career and maybe help mold them into the people that they want to be. I’m proud to be part of that.”
Join us in celebrating Larison and her fellow 2026 Alumni Award honorees at the Heritage Gala on Friday, Oct. 2.
