There are some things in life we don’t think about much until we really need them. Healthcare can be one of those things, and this is why I’ve often discussed the importance of advanced primary care. Even if you are otherwise healthy, it is critical to build a relationship with a primary care provider who gets to know you and commits to being accountable with you for your health over time. When this type of relationship does not exist, the patient is often left to fend for themselves, and this can be very confusing. It often results in inefficient or unnecessary hospital visits, which are not in the best interest of patients or caregivers.
Recently, a friend called to let me know their loved one was heading to our emergency department with symptoms that likely could have been effectively managed in the primary care setting. Unfortunately, this person’s loved one did not have an advanced primary care physician and was left to connect the dots on their own.
Advanced primary care, which is offered in each of our GBMC Health Partners patient-centered medical homes, differs from typical primary care. Although both care models feature excellent physicians and staff, advanced primary care is designed to be available to help you when you need it and to be accountable with you for your long-term health.
In advanced primary care, it’s not about a visit; it’s about a relationship. The healthcare team focuses on preventive care and managing acute and chronic illness to keep patients healthy and out of the hospital. They connect patients to specialists for their medical and mental health needs and check in with patients following other healthcare encounters, such as emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
Extended hours and accessibility ensure patients get the appropriate care, at the appropriate time, in the appropriate setting. Our advanced primary care network is available 24/7, whether through MyChart (our electronic health record system), extended hours or an on-call provider. Our teams embrace telehealth and video visits when appropriate as another means of accessible care. Our model is designed to see you when you are sick and not having an emergency, so you don’t have to visit an emergency department or urgent care, where they have no pre-existing relationship with you and may not have your medical records.
I encourage everyone to develop a relationship with an advanced primary care practice. You deserve this type of well-rounded, highly coordinated, and long-term care. Click here to learn more about GBMC Health Partners primary care and to find a physician or advanced practitioner and team that is right for you.
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| Top: Dr. Jayashrei Sairam; Bottom: Dr. Fatima Halilu |
Elisabeth Carr, MD, Director of GBMC’s Internal Medicine Residency Program, shared a wonderful story of success about our residents at the Maryland American College of Physicians (ACP) Mullholland Muller Residents Meeting. Our residents took 1st place in both oral presentation and poster presentation, out of more than 180 posters submitted by residents across the state!
Congratulations to Dr. Jayashrei Sairam, currently a PGY-2 (incoming chief medical resident for 2024-2025), who won first place as she presented on a case of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) presenting as hemoperitoneum. Congratulations also to Dr. Fatima Halilu, a current PGY-3, who wrote about a case of renal medullary carcinoma associated with sickle cell trait.
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| Photos from our AAPI Heritage Month event |
Once again, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning Committee, led by Lisa Walker, Chief Diversity and Learning Officer, planned a great event in honor of AAPI Heritage Month. While I was not able to attend this time, colleagues shared how engaging and educational the program was. Thank you to those who shared their AAPI heritage stories during the event, specifically Angela Wu, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager; Elizabeth Yee-Hess, Physician Compensation Analyst; Sabrina Gurwah, BS, CRCST, CSP Manager; Roel Tiberio, BSN, RN, CGRN, Nurse Manager; and Fred Chan, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer.
In Observance of Memorial Day
As Monday approaches and we prepare to observe Memorial Day, I’d like to take a moment to pay tribute to the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation in the military. Let us not forget those who have given their lives for our freedom and security. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to all veterans, living and deceased, for their dedication to our country.
Not all CEOs of hospitals understand the value of an integrated system that is inclusive of Primary Care. I am proud to work in the GBMC system that values this work. Thank you for understanding and supporting Primary Cate!
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