Practice orientation

Statement of my practice orientation: 

I provide person-centered medical-counseling and advocacy services to individuals and their family members or personal representatives. My approach is informed by an understanding of medical-disease processes, knowledge of the confusion and demands of the healthcare system, and appreciation of the psychosocial challenges experienced by individuals confronted by physical disease or debilitation.

My focus is on you, the patient-client: 

I am not affiliated with any hospital, group, agency, or government service. Your interests come first. I will encourage and support your autonomy and self-determined choices in dealing with medical illnesses and medical systems.

I will not serve as your primary-care physician:

I will not provide "hands-on" medical care or direct management of your disease(s). Although I am a licensed, board-certified family practitioner, I have actively chosen at this time to focus solely on patients' psychosocial needs and patients' challenges in dealing with healthcare systems.  I will emphasize communication and collaboration with your primary-care physician, specialists, rehabilitation providers, and/or mental-health providers.

Practice setting:

In addition to office-based services, I will see clients in the home or facility setting, as needed, and as appropriate.

Nondiscrimination policy: 

I will not discriminate on the basis of ability to pay, English-language ability, race, ethnicity, country of origin, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.