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NC Medical Society Foundation
222 North Person Street
PO Box 27167
Raleigh, NC 27611
1 919 833 3836
1 800 722 1350 (NC only)
1 919 833 2023 FAX
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| What CPP Providers Have to Say about the Program |
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Beth Hodges, MD (Asheboro)
Because of a longstanding family physician shortage, when my husband and I opened our family practice in Asheboro, we acquired many patients who had not seen a doctor in over 20 years! Now, six years later, hardly a day goes by that we do not receive thanks from someone for making such a difference in their mother's, father's or grandparent's life.
Daniel Frayne, MD (Linville)
The CPP allowed me to practice in a rural site that, although underserved, does not meet federal assistance guidelines. Without this help I would likely have chosen another area. Since I have been here, I have made a tremendous impact on the needs of the hispanic community (I am one of only two practitioners in the county). It has been a wonderful learning experience in the rural setting. I am very grateful.
Charletta Carter, MD (Eden)
It amazes me that . . .programs like this are in jeopardy of losing funding. . .I am a practicing pediatrician, and it seems like children are at the bottom of the barrel in finding access to care and resources in rural communities . . .our office, like may others in rural towns, turn away patients daily because the need is larger than our practice can handle. If a child needs subspecialty care they sometimes have to drive over 90 miles to get to that physician when they may not even have reliable transportation. There should be no question as to the need for this program to exist, it should speak for itself.
Lawrence Watts, MD (Clinton)
CPP has drawn my interest as well as supported a high need, low income group of patients. Many of these patients are advanced in age and have chronic as well as complex health care needs. Many could not obtain a physician due to their current health status. I have grown to love and care for these patients and have received tremendous gratification from their loyalty and respect . . .
This by far a much less glamorous setting than I could have had along with 30-50% less income than current offers, but the "community connection" that CPP has allowed me to experience through their assistance is without a doubt an experience that I could never trade.
Chan Park, MD (Eden)
CPP has allowed me to practice in a rural area serving the uninsured and the underserved (I have a high population of Latino, minorities, and low income patients). I enjoy my work, the patients are appreciative, and I plan to practice here until I retire.
Lucy Brown, MD
CPP provided me with relocation funding that allowed me to accept a position in a migrant farm worker clinic when I was just out of residency and deeply in debt. My practice there was interesting, challenging and intensely rewarding.
John Watters, MD (Etowah)
I have thoroughly enjoyed providing medical care as a single practitioner to a rural community in Western NC. Most folks here have seen a great turnover of physicians and are simply grateful that I am able to provide stable care for the medical concerns. I hope to remain in this community for a long time and to continue the strong relationships that I have built thus far.
Denise Absher, MD (Sparta)
I have been honored to be involved in the CPP program, and it has been very helpful for me. I enjoy being able to work in this area (which happens to be my hometown) and provide needed care in this rural, economically poor area. I also am involved with many aspects of the community, including being on the Board of Directors for the Alleghany Wellness Center and helping to teach health promotion classes at area schools.
Christopher Stewart, MD (Coats)
Our community continues to be ravaged by industry closings. With CPPs help, I can pay back my loans and not be so concerned about generating more income. We are caring for more newly uninsured people than ever before.
Jason Creel, MD (Franklin)
. . .The community was in great need of primary care physicians, including obstetrical services. At the time I arrived, there was only one physician providing obstetrical care for almost 200 deliveries per year, the majority of which are Medicaid. Within my first few months of practice, I had gained over 20 new OB patients. Also, there is a great need for geriatric medical care. I have been delighted to gain many patients 85+ years of age. I am currently trying to get on staff at a local nursing home. I also have been doing home visits since coming to Franklin. This has provided a service for those that have great difficulties leaving their homes due to severe chronic illnesses. I have grown to love it here in Franklin. My practice grows steadily each week. I believe that I will have a full practice within 18 months of my arrival.
Kelly Rothe, DO (Burnsville)
[The CPP] grant allowed me to start a rural health practice in a severe shortage area which couldn't afford to hire another physician. I have added 2 employees, allowing me to see more patients. By next year I will be hiring another physician to increase our patient load, as there are still many residents without a primary care doctor.
William Watkins, MD (North Wilkesboro)
I have been in practice for almost 6 years. Dozens of physicians have come and gone in that time. The CPP program has financially helped my educational debt and encouraged me to stay in this community. Now my practice is booming and I love practicing medicine here.
Kit Helm, MD (Franklin)
Sondra Wolf, MD
The CPP has allowed us to work with uninsured patients, Hispanic immigrants, and Medicaid patients and still maintain a viable practice. This is important because or community does not have a public clinic to provide a safety net for these high-risk populations.
Tammy Vannoy, MD (Yadkin)
I am the first pediatrician in Yadkin County. It has been very rewarding to bring child advocacy into this area and to focus on the issues and illnesses unique to children and adolescents.
Art Apolinario, MD (Harrells/Newton Grove)
If it weren't for the close collaboration between the Office of Rural Health and the CPP, I would not have found Sampson County. It just never really occurred to me that my perfect practice experience could come from one of the most rural counties in the state. When I met with people involved with the program, I knew they had the interests of the most needy patients in the state at heart. Knowing they were behind me and my potential success in the communities of Newton Grove and Harrells made me that much more confident that a lifestyle and practice in Sampson County could work for me and my family. They worked hard to make sure I would match with these communities, and that has made the biggest difference in ensuring I would stay in the community.
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©2006 North Carolina Medical Society Foundation. All rights reserved.
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