Family Ties

As life changes, so do healthcare needs for you and your loved ones. If finding a different physician each time you have a health issue seems overwhelming, you may want to consider choosing a family medicine physician. A family medicine physician fulfills all of those needs, and then some. “We have a unique opportunity to see patients from every stage in life — from newborn through the golden years — and focus on long-term, caring relationships with patients and their families,” says Mary Corbett, MD, a Cleveland Clinic family medicine physician at Lakewood Family Medicine, Rockport.

Family medicine physicians are trained to treat a wide range of conditions — from allergies and ear infections to orthopaedic issues and women’s health problems. That’s exactly the type of physician Dawn Daugherty, 42, wanted to find for herself and her daughters, Anissa Fields, 23, and Jaylin Fields, 16.

“In 2013, I was looking for a new physician and wanted one who could take care of my girls, too. My sister and her sons were seeing Dr. Corbett, and she suggested I make an appointment with her as well,” recalls Dawn. “Since we live on the near West Side of Cleveland, her office location in Lakewood is convenient and close to home. Dr. Corbett is so genuine and makes you feel at ease. I immediately felt comfortable with her and knew my daughters would, too.” Over the past few years, Dawn and her daughters have built a partnership with Dr. Corbett, and they’ve experienced firsthand the benefits of having a family medicine physician.

Many patients are unsure about health concerns and diseases in their family tree. Since a family medicine physician can take care of family needs, he or she knows your medical history in the context of the whole family.

This was especially helpful for Anissa when she learned she was pregnant with her first child. “I feel very confident with Dr. Corbett,” Anissa says. “Not only does she know my medical history, but she knows my mom’s too. And that’s really important for my daughter’s health now and over her lifetime.”

“I didn’t have to find another doctor to take care of me during my pregnancy or look for a pediatrician. I could just concentrate on being a mom.”

In most cases, family medicine physicians can address multiple medical needs during an office visit or make referrals to the appropriate specialist(s), if necessary.

“With each visit, I get to know each patient very well. As I become familiar with his or her health history, family history and risk factors, I’m able to advocate for my patients, and help them navigate the healthcare system,” explains Dr. Corbett. When Anissa found out she was pregnant, she was happy to learn that Dr. Corbett could handle all of her obstetric needs too — including delivering her daughter.

Dr. Corbett delivered Serenity Goodgame at Lakewood Hospital on Sunday, May 10, 2015. “It made being pregnant less stressful,” recalls Anissa. “I didn’t have to find another doctor to take care of me during my pregnancy or look for a pediatrician. I could just concentrate on being a mom.”

Family medicine physicians build longstanding relationships — and trust — with their patients and families over time. It makes it easier to talk about issues when there’s a level of comfort and camaraderie. Sixteen-year-old Jaylin Fields already has started building her relationship with Dr. Corbett.

“Dr. Corbett is gentle, understanding, caring, compassionate and interested in getting to know me. I feel really comfortable with her because she’s not judgmental,” says Jaylin.

“I can talk to Dr. Corbett about anything and know that she’ll respect my privacy. But, if anything major ever comes up and she needs to talk with my mom, it makes me feel better because they already know each other.”

Dr. Corbett loves taking care of families through each stage of life. “Being able to journey through their lives and see Dawn become a grandmother, Anissa become a mom, Jaylin become an aunt, and delivering Serenity is what family medicine is all about,” says Dr. Corbett.