Family medicine seems like a very broad term, so what exactly does it mean and what does that mean for you, as a patient? Here are 6 fast facts about what family means to us:
1. Family physicians work with any patient of any age
Family medicine doctors are equipped to work with any family member and even your whole family! Dr. Daniel Wells can attest to this, “A few years ago, after a delivery and with many siblings and cousins coming in to greet a newborn, I looked around and realized that I had delivered every child in the room. It was awesome to realize!” Our prenatal and maternity care strives to be intentional and personal, allowing you to keep the same provider from your first ultrasound to delivery and beyond.
2. Family medicine has a specific focus on continuous care
Family physicians aim to know you and work with you for as long as they possibly can, from diapers to dentures. Dr. Jennifer Pense once remarked that she enjoyed being able “to see the babies grow and to see those developmental milestones and to really see them come into their own and achieve those different things as they’re getting bigger. It’s a really exciting and joyous time.” Our pediatrics care covers well and sick child visits, sports physicals, immunizations and so much more.
3. Family medicine has an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion
Family medicine strives not just to make you feel better when you’re sick, but to promote overall health, all the time. Your family provider is the one encouraging you to vaccinate, and screen for cancer, just in case. Dr. Julie Komarow says, “As a breast cancer survivor, I have a personal perspective on the value of heading off problems before they become serious. Patients who select me as their provider need to plan on seeing me on at least a yearly basis and be prepared to consider preventive services once a year.” Our clinics also provide lab services like cholesterol and diabetes screening, and vaccinations to keep you safe before you can get sick.
4. Family physicians treat any type of patient with any sort of health concern
Our providers have special training in all fields of medicine, so from heart disease, stroke, to diabetes, cancer and asthma, family physicians provide ongoing personal care to you and your family. Our Doctors of Osteopathy (DO) are especially trained studying the musculoskeletal system, making them “a one-stop shop” as Dr. Kent Walker says.
5. Family medicine is not just for people with families
Family medicine is not exclusive to those with children or in relationships. There is special focus on you as a part of your family, but statistically, family doctors see mostly adults. We also have internal medicine physicians. Dr. Neena Chawla and Dr. Alexandra Vladimir, for example, focus on seeing adults and helping them through their stages of life.
6. Family medicine works in the context of community
Just like family physicians strive to know you in the context of your family, they also aim to serve you best in the context of your community. Many of our providers work in their local communities. PA Jared Rapier and Dr. Kevin Taggart help as team physicians for Auburn High School and Puyallup High School’s football teams respectively.
Sound Family Medicine’s core values are integrity, care, patient focus, and intention. As your family physician, we strive to provide excellent, comprehensive, and compassionate care to best serve you and your family. But don’t just take it from us. Aries D., a patient for 13 years said, “I have been a patient at Sound Family Medicine since my first pregnancy in 2004. I love that I didn’t have to find another doctor for my babies after they were born. The staff is amazing and caring. My kids and I will always be patients at Sound Family Medicine.”
To those of you in our family, we thank you for your loyalty and support. To join our family, check out our clinic locations and read more about our providers accepting new patients.
