03/03/2026
Dr. Dix has an amazing story of being a preemie herself and helping so many families with a high risk pregnancy after her own rocky start to life!!!
In 1946, two unexpected twins were born prematurely at a Catholic hospital in Chicago.
One weighed 2 pounds, 10 ounces. Her sister, 1 pound, 13 ounces. Their parents were told to go home, as the twins’ survival was unlikely.
Instead, the twins were transferred to Chicago’s Michael Reese Hospital – one of the nation’s earliest special-care baby units – and survived.
But not only did they live, they thrived. And that 2-pound, 10-ounce baby – Dr. Patricia Dix – recently retired from CoxHealth after a 50-year career (including 37 years at CoxHealth), caring for the same high-risk pregnancies that she once embodied herself.
“I went from being a preemie to delivering preemies. I’ve told that story to so many families: I’m the proof,” Dr. Dix says. “Not only did I survive, but I’m the doctor they’re talking to. So have hope.”
Dr. Dix earned a biology degree at Alverno College, received her medical degree from the University of Illinois Chicago, and later specialized in maternal-fetal medicine.
“My maternal-fetal medicine fellowship at Bowman Gray School of Medicine was where I really learned how to take care of families, not just patients,” she says. “It confirmed I was exactly where I was supposed to be.”
That experience led to a decades-long career that included delivering thousands of babies – a total she estimates around 5,000, including close to 3,000 at CoxHealth.
“I love delivering babies. It’s so much fun,” she says. “For me, it’s never been a job. I’m just doing what I love to do.”
Dr. Dix moved to Springfield with her husband, Tom, and started her career at CoxHealth as a contract doctor in 1988 before going full-time. She had a demanding career and a strong marriage that Dr. Dix fondly remembers.
“Tom bragged about me all the time, and I bragged about him,” Dr. Dix says. “He never, ever, ever, ever, ever complained about me not being home. Not ever.”
That time at the hospital involved leadership roles, too. In addition to her core job where she consistently cared for high-risk pregnancies, she also served as director of the Regional Perinatal Center for many years and spent 25 years as a member of the CoxHealth Board of Directors.
It’s a legacy that will persist, says Kayla Miller, Clinic Manager of Maternal and Fetal Health in Springfield.
“Dr. Dix has been a foundational leader in the high‑risk obstetrics community in southwest Missouri,” Miller says. “Her dedication to patient care and the profound impact she has had on countless families will remain. We will deeply miss her, and we’re excited for her as she embarks on this next chapter: One that allows her to enjoy time beyond the hospital and discover new passions.”
In retirement, Dr. Dix says she has no plans to slow down. After a short break in March, you can find her volunteering locally and teaching residents and doulas.
“I’m planning to hit the ground running,” she says. “I can’t imagine sitting around doing nothing. I’ll be busy as long as I’m able.”
So after a long career that touched thousands of lives, Dr. Dix steps away with gratitude and knowledge of a job well done.
The premature baby born in Chicago became an award-winning doctor who’s given hope and joy to so many.
“I came full circle,” Dr. Dix says. “It’s been a great 37 years.”
