About
Dr. Dru D. Hauter grew up in San Jose, Illinois, where his father served as the local physician for the small farming community and surrounding area. He studied chemistry at the University of Illinois before earning his medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. His Internal Medicine residency took him to St. Lukes Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he also met his future wife and practice partner, Marcia.
Dr. Hauter returned to Lincoln in 1991 to join the group his father had helped establish in 1972. Over the following decades, he led the Occupational Medicine department at BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal, served as Employee Health Director, and spent ten years at the Illinois Work Injury Resource Center at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. His son Ben, a medical student at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, introduced him to Direct Primary Care. That introduction led Dr. Hauter to open Central Illinois Direct Care in Lincoln. His clinical scope includes internal medicine, occupational medicine, and DOT physicals.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Illinois, Chemistry
Medical School
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL
Residency
Internal Medicine, St. Lukes Hospital, Milwaukee, WI
Additional Training
Occupational Medicine (BroMenn Regional Medical Center); Employee Health Director; Illinois Work Injury Resource Center (Methodist Medical Center, Peoria, IL)
Who is Dr. Hauter right for?
Dr. Dru Hauter is a strong fit for adults seeking an experienced internist with deep roots in the Lincoln community. Patients managing chronic conditions benefit from his internal medicine background and his long career in occupational and workplace medicine. Workers needing DOT physicals or occupational health evaluations find a knowledgeable resource in Dr. Hauter. He suits patients who value a physician with multigenerational ties to Central Illinois and a thorough, unhurried approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Hauter specializes in internal medicine and occupational medicine. He has extensive experience treating adult chronic conditions and managing workplace-related injuries and health concerns. He also performs DOT physicals for commercial drivers.
Yes, Dr. Hauter accepts new patients at Central Illinois Direct Care. Prospective patients can call the office or reach out directly to get started with a membership.
Dr. Hauter earned his medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at St. Lukes Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dr. Hauter has practiced medicine for several decades. His career includes ten years at the Illinois Work Injury Resource Center in Peoria, leadership of the Occupational Medicine department at BroMenn Regional Medical Center, and time as Employee Health Director.
Yes, Dr. Hauter performs DOT physicals. Members receive this service as part of their care. Non-members can schedule a DOT physical for a flat fee of $100 per exam.
His son Ben introduced him to the Direct Primary Care model while Ben attended Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. After two years away from full-time practice, Dr. Hauter opened Central Illinois Direct Care in Lincoln to deliver accessible, affordable primary care to his home community.
Yes, Dr. Hauter has deep experience in occupational medicine. He led the Occupational Medicine department at BroMenn Regional Medical Center and served as an Employee Health Director. He treats work-related injuries and conducts occupational health evaluations for members.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026