Stephan Groth

Stephan (Steve) Groth entered Auburn-Washburn district as a sixth grader eventually graduating in 1985 as co-valedictorian. He competed in three sports at WRHS earning team state championships in basketball (1985) and track (1984) as well as state runner-up in cross-country (1982) and track (1985). He earned WRHS track records in the distance medley and 4x800 meter. Steve was named to the Topeka Jaycees All-City Scholastic Team in 1985. He credits Washburn Rural faculty and fellow students with inspiring his love of learning, exploration, and service. He remains close friends with many of his WRHS classmates.

Steve subsequently attended Kansas State University graduating summa cum laude in 1989. He pursed his passion in healthcare enrolling at the University of Kansas Medical School and later receiving Alpha Phi Alpha honors before graduating in 1993. Dr. Groth accepted residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center serving as chief resident his final year.

Dr. Groth has been practicing general obstetrics and gynecology in a small community for the last 20 years. He estimates that he has delivered over 3,500 babies in his career to date. He also provides gynecologic care including robotic surgery to his patients on the southern Oregon coast. "I am blessed to be able to assist women and families in some amazing, as well as very trying, times in their lives," says Groth.

Steve and his wife, Jennifer, have volunteered often in the Coos Bay community including serving as Boys and Girls Club track coaches for 10 years, assisting with the Prefontaine for Kids Run, and other projects. Dr. Groth also volunteers with the Coos County Public Health Department providing contraceptive and other women's health services to uninsured and underinsured women. He earned a "Super Star" award from the Friends of the Coos County Public Health.

Steve and Jennifer have a daughter, Isabel, who is attending the University of California at Berkeley. Parents are Bill and Marcia Groth (a retired WRHS teacher). Brother, Scott, and sister, Jeanne, are both WRHS graduates.