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Kerri
White is an avid local feature writer and also
works for a well-known advertising agency as
a copywriter of marketing materialss. She spent
over a year in China teaching college English
and uses her experience to cover everything
from human interest stories to promotional materials.
Kerri resides in Granger with her family.
See
Other Artilces by this author.
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This
article begins with a personal note from the author because
all things worth writing should, if anything, be personal. And
while the article is ultimately about the expansion of The South
Bend Clinic Granger - which on the surface may seem like a rather
technical and impersonal topic - it's not and that's my point.
Personally, I believe few things are as intimate as the health
of our family. For some reason, however, the relationship many
share with their doctor feels anything but intimate. As someone
with a mother who has had multiple sclerosis for over 26 years,
I've accompanied her on countless doctor visits housed in some
beautiful facilities. But in most of those visits, she didn't
receive the heartfelt, committed care that we later learned
makes all a difference. My point? Too many of us have sacrificed
a personal relationship with our doctor in the name of convenience,
as if we could only have one or the other. But as for The South
Bend Clinic, I think they have it right. It's not a matter of
choosing one over the other. In order to provide patients with
a lifetime of care, you need both.
On
May 5th The South Bend Clinic Granger will unveil their upgraded
and expanded facility, a project that has taken years of careful
thought and planning. Internal medicine and pediatrics have
been added to Granger's existing practices, which had already
included family medicine, urology and obstetrics. The original
building on the campus has been upgraded to house the x-ray,
mammography and lab departments. In addition to these services,
ultrasound is now also available. Connected by a convenient
walkway, the new building provides trouble-free access to
pediatrics and internal medicine. It also allows patient entry
to other primary care services available at Granger.
What
makes this expansion project worth writing about is how it
reflects and enhances the personal, life-long relationship
that should always exist between doctor and patient. Sadly,
I think the "fast food - fast service" mentality has seeped
into too many aspects of our lives making our most personal
affairs just another errand to check off our laundry list
of to-dos. But from my own experience, I've learned that very
few things are as important, as personal, as intimate, or
so striking the core of what really matters than the health
and well-being of those we love. So why would we ever settle
for a patient-physician relationship that doesn't respect
the sacred and personal nature of healthcare?
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The
South Bend Clinic believes you shouldn't. That's why this expansion
is designed to provide Michiana families greater convenience
without sacrificing the one-on-one care that has always been
the bedrock of their practice. In fact, this expansion should
help families connect with their doctors in a more meaningful,
comprehensive way. It even allows a patient to coordinate their
own doctor visit with those of other family members - and with
just one phone call. That means if you're a busy mom, dad or
grandparent, The South Bend Clinic Granger might just end the
juggling act you perform with various doctors all over town.
Now you'll be able to call The South Bend Clinic Granger and
talk to one person who will coordinate your entire family's
scheduling. Same day. Same location.
Michael
Darden, Director of Primary Care at The South Bend Clinic explained
that this expansion represents their wholehearted commitment
to fostering the personal relationship between patients and
their doctors. And it's a principle which has guided and shaped
the project, down to the smallest detail. "We designed the interior
to have a comfortable, homey feel that reflects the family-oriented
care we value," explained Darden. "The new design also allows
patient walk-ins for lab and radiology whereas in the past patients
had to schedule an appointment and travel all the way downtown."
As
part of Granger's unique brand of personalized family-oriented
care, patients have access to all the services they need at
every stage of life. That is to say, as a patient ages or their
physical needs change, The South Bend Clinic Granger will be
there every step of the way. Kids may grow out of pediatrics,
but Granger's commitment in providing those kids with a lifetime
of care means that they'll never outgrow The South Bend Clinic
Granger community. They'll just move down the hall to meet with
their family doctor or internist. Because the atmosphere and
setting is so personalized and patient oriented, you and your
family will have a network of support for every stage of life.
Part
of the new support team at Granger includes two pediatricians
that come from Michiana Pediatrics, a satellite of The South
Bend Clinic. Daniel Barrett, M.D. has been treating kids in
the area for over 25 years and is thrilled to continue his practice
in Granger. Talking with him, it's easy to see he has a heart
for people and loves what he does. He says he personally appreciates
the thoughtfulness and planning that went into this expansion
because of the warm, family-like atmosphere that has been maintained.
He believes it will help foster relationships with his own patients
and provide an environment where he can get to know his colleagues'
patients as well. Dr. Barrett has been with The South Bend Clinic
for many years and the relationships he has built with patients
throughout his career is something he truly treasures. "I enjoy
the friendships I have with patients," he explained to me, "because
they're friendships that extend past the office. I've seen my
patients in grocery stores, restaurants, and when my children
were young, at school."
Shobana
Pandian, M.D., is a colleague of Dr. Barrett. She moved to the
area with her husband and toddler in order to be close to family
and live in a family friendly community. Recently, she gave
birth to her second son, which means she's most likely tired
but radiantly happy. As a new mom, she also knows what many
young parents are experiencing and believes her empathy translates
into better care for patients. "In my new practice, I make my
visits longer so that patients feel comfortable with me and
know that I'm here to help them get through the newness of motherhood."
She also explained that pediatrics isn't just about medicine.
It's about practical experience and insight. That means Dr.
Pandian might be able to reveal to new mom and dads the Holy
Grail of early parenting - how to get through the night with
a newborn.
Dr.
Pandian strikes me as extremely approachable, relaxed and down-to-earth.
So if you're looking for a kind-hearted pediatrician to provide
your child with a lifetime of care, I have it on good authority
that Dr. Pandian is accepting new patients and would welcome
the opportunity to get to know you and your family.
The
commitment and dedication these doctors and their colleagues
prescribe are not weakened or lost due to the expansion. Instead,
they are strengthened. That's because The South Bend Clinic
Granger has tapped into something very special, yet very basic:
build life-long, personal relationships with patients and let
your expansion and building projects reflect your commitment
to a lifetime of care.
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