by Dr. Shadiar Ohadi
In many ways, my first year as a concierge physician has brought me back to my early days in medicine more than two decades ago. Then, there was time and flexibility to care for patients who became like cherished members of my family. I remember Pearl, a 101-year-old patient, whom I used to visit regularly at her home. It was my pleasure to bring a little gift each time – a snack or a trinket – and just sit and have a conversation with her. It was so meaningful for us both, and I treasured our connection.
But healthcare started to change, with endless paperwork and requirements to see more and more patients with less time for each. It all too quickly became an unsustainable cycle of rushed, 10-minute visits, longer waiting times in the office and appointments scheduled out for months. The idea of being able to check in on an elderly patient at home was now simply unimaginable. Yet, I never stopped wanting to find a way to recapture that connection with patients, and practice truly holistic medicine. I am incredibly grateful that converting to a concierge medicine model in 2023 allowed me to do just that.
At my concierge practice, I can be contacted quickly and easily during office hours, and by cell phone or email after hours. When patients call, they’re able to speak to my staff directly and arrange for an appointment the same or next day. Should a specialist be needed, we help make arrangements with highly regarded physicians who provide the same care and attention as I would.
Most importantly, appointments are routinely scheduled for an hour, allowing all the time needed to really listen to what patients are experiencing. As an osteopathic physician, I have always believed in a “less is more” approach to care that permits the body to more naturally heal itself. It requires far more time and attention to explore the root causes of an individual’s health issues than to immediately prescribe a medication or recommend an invasive procedure, but this is what defines holistic care. There’s so much to be learned from an unrushed discussion that allows me to dig deep and understand all facets of a patient’s life that affect their well-being. The concierge medicine model has made it possible to address prevention through lifestyle modifications and more fully focus on health of body, mind and spirit, forever intertwined.
We have formed a community of caring, comprised of long-time patients I’ve seen through life’s highs and lows, and newer patients who are understandably frustrated with the traditional medical practice and seeking more. It’s my privilege to be their ally throughout their healthcare journey, helping them navigate an impersonal and unfriendly system that grows more challenging every year. Nothing is more satisfying to me than being able to answer all my patient’s questions at each visit, and work together to plot out a personalized plan for optimal wellness. We’re all just beginning to reap the benefits of this model, built on listening, connecting, and creating an unshakable bond of trust.
At the end of year one, I find myself most appreciative for the gift of time – to provide care that heals from within, and to guide each individual to pursue their best, healthiest life. Thankfully that also includes my own life, now more balanced than it’s been in 20 years, enabling me to be fully present wherever I am…in the exam room, at home with my family, or enjoying a delightful visit with a future “Pearl.”