Finding a Primary Care Provider - Perspective from an Upcoming Graduate
August 6, 2023
As I approach my senior year at the University of Georgia, one of my hardest farewells will be the University Health Center. Since freshman year, it has been my primary source of medical care, and my assigned PCP has been the first person I go to for support and guidance.
Whether it was a sprained arm, flu, or strep throat, my PCP was there to help me. He even helped me beyond physical illnesses; when the weight of school pressure was too much, he created a treatment plan to help me cope with my anxiety. Even when I faced a serious condition that I was unaware I had, rhabdomyolysis, my PCP was the one to call the local emergency room to tell them I was on the way.
The security of having a reliable healthcare provider was so normalized in my daily college life that I failed to recognize the upcoming challenge that would soon become a reality. It was the challenge of finding a new doctor, and I realize now how this relationship was taken for granted throughout my college years. However, there is no time to feel sad for saying goodbyes, because the experience I shared with my PCP will serve as a guide for finding my new one.
I now know that having a compassionate doctor can be an incredible source of better health and this goodbye doesn't mean that my health will deteriorate. With St. Mary's Health Care System, I can find a replacement PCP who will continue to provide the same level of care and support that I have grown accustomed to. So, as I prepare to say goodbye to the University Health Center and my incredible PCP, I am also filled with optimism knowing that I now have a partner in St. Mary’s to help me find a new PCP and take my next step in a healthier future.
Why is your Primary Care Physician Important?
Your primary care physician (PCP) plays a vital role in your overall health and is the first person you turn to to address your health concerns; they also serve as a consistent source of advice and guidance. Without one, navigating an already complex medical system can be extremely challenging.
PCPs guide you toward better health in several ways.
- Know your overall medical history
- Perform annual physicals
- Order preventative health screenings and vaccinations
- Monitor your health
- Prescribe medications
- Identify potential risk factors for you and create a treatment plan
- Serve as an entryway to specialized care by providing appropriate referrals
Are you looking for a Primary Care Physician?
Navigating life after graduation can be challenging, particularly when it comes to finding new doctors and specialists. However, with helpful resources provided by St. Mary's, the process of finding your primary care physician has never been easier. St. Mary’s website offers numerous options to help you locate trusted healthcare providers in the Athens area and beyond.
Find your PCP today online!