Dr. Elmer Heap

Dr. Elmer Heap

Dr. Heap was instrumental in the formative years of MCC's Athletic Department by providing his medical expertise to numerous student-athletes at no cost. Along with Paul Widmer, Dr. Heap would provide free physicals and medical treatment to those student-athletes who couldn’t afford health care service.

Elmer was born Nov 2, 1924 in St Johns, AZ. He was one of 11 children born to Etta and Ward Heap. In his youth he worked on the family’s cattle ranch and farm and played high school football and basketball. After serving in World War War II, he went to college and graduated from the University of Utah Medical School. 

In 1962, he moved to Mesa, AZ to start his family practice, Pioneer Medical. Dr. Heap loved helping his patients and those around him with their medical needs. He always put forth extra effort on their behalf, and would wake up early each morning to see his patients in the hospital before going to the office. Dr. Heap was the Chief of Staff at Southside Hospital and Mesa Lutheran Hospital, and practiced medicine in Mesa until 1988.

Dr. Heap also enjoyed serving the Mesa Community College football team as team doctor for several years during the 60’s and 70’s. He gave the young men physicals and enjoyed attending the football games to help with any sideline injuries. His example of caring was passed on to his children. Elmer Jr. remembers attending several of those games with his dad where he witnessed first-hand his father’s service to the athletes. Perhaps Dr. Heap’s greatest accomplishment was raising a large family of 11 children. He was a wonderful father and made everyone feel valued.