By Rick Mitchell, M.D.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” (1 Corinthians 12, 4-6)

In this Pentecost season, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the gifts bestowed to us all.  At Pentecost, the disciples of Christ went forward and did amazing works in his name through the gifts given to them by God.  And in this season, after the departure of our parish nurse, we also find ourselves called to use our God-given gifts to share the many works he performed for us.

Some of the gifts given to me and my wife Michele are a desire to help others and a natural curiosity about health and illness which has led us both to become family physicians.  My wife and I will do our very best to provide you with ongoing information to help improve your health through regular health columns.

I thought it might be a fitting start to explain what a primary care provider is and why you might want one (if you don’t already have one!), and to dispel some myths about what primary care providers do.

Primary care providers come in many varieties – Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Medical Doctors.  In addition, many have additional specialty training such as Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Pediatrics.  When you call to establish care, there is usually a process to match you to someone qualified to take care of you.  Beyond that, while there are distinct differences between all the types of providers mentioned above, the most important thing is that you are with a primary provider whose style you like.  No matter how well trained they are, if you don’t feel like they listen to you, then you shouldn’t continuing seeing that provider.

The provider-patient relationship is like every other relationship – good relationships feature a level of comfort together and good communication.  Whatever type of provider you see, know that they will treat you as they are best able, and will get help or refer you elsewhere if you have a concern they don’t feel capable of managing.

Why have a primary provider?  People who have a primary care provider and see them for regular medical care are able to more easily navigate the medical system when there is a need, and are more likely to receive appropriate preventive care (like colonoscopies and flu shots). There are other practical benefits to having a primary provider as well.

Many people don’t know the extent of what primary care providers can do.  We practice in a wide range of settings and can provide services for all ages of patients, from newborns to end of life care.  We can manage acute conditions like fractures and infections, and chronic diseases like diabetes and cholesterol.  We treat emotional conditions and can also perform office surgeries such as stitches and mole removals.  We are often able to help with some of the practical obstacles life sends you, like FMLA forms and handicapped parking permits.  In short, if you are wondering who can help you with something, talking to your primary provider is a good starting point.  More often than you expect, you’ll find you’re already talking to a person who can help.

For most primary care providers, it is the personal relationship with our patients that brings us the most satisfaction with our work.   I recently had the chance to catch up with a colleague of mine who retired several years ago. “How are my patients?” was her very first question to me.  She wanted to know whom I was seeing, and how they were.  Then she passed on a bit of wonderful wisdom to me.  She said, “You know, when a doctor retires, it’s not like you are just losing your job.  It’s like you’re losing your family.  For the last several years you have heard from these people about their hopes, their dreams, their struggles, and their triumphs.  And then the day you retire, it’s all gone.  There’s just you, and that wonderful family you used to have is just gone.”  Our patients can be good for us, too.

I’d like you all to ask yourselves what you can do to help serve the Body of Christ.  Our church may not be as financially rich as previously, but we know that we all have been given many gifts.  Maybe you have time and like being around people – you could be perfect to visit those who are lonely.  Maybe you’re good with your hands – there may be people in our congregation who could use your skills.  Whatever gifts you have been given, I encourage you to find ways to share them with others.  My retired friend discovered a family when she shared her gift with others.  What blessings you will experience when you share of yourself?

Blessing of the Spirit to You!

Rick Mitchell