Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Dowie.
Lori, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I was a young child, I always aspired to become a physician. I saw that dream developing into reality when I was accepted into Medical School after obtaining a four year Bachelor’s degree.
I graduated from Michigan State University – College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1997, subsequently moving to Florida to complete a traditional rotating internship at Columbia Hospital in West Palm Beach. That was then followed by my acceptance into Family Practice Residency in Miami at Palmetto General Hospital, where I graduated as assistant chief resident and obtained the bestowed honor of Resident of the Year. Immediately upon graduation, I exercised my independence by opening my own solo practice in Jupiter, Florida. I was active at Palm Beach Gardens Hospital as well as Jupiter Medical Center, including acting vice president of Family Practice for two years and an affiliation with their quality control committee for four years.
In 2008, another amazing woman Kelly Spencer ARNP-C joined me in my quest to provide care to my patients. She has been a welcomed addition to my practice while assisting in providing our patients with high quality medical care. As my drive for a career in medicine was strong, I put those goals before having a family. I found my soul mate Chris and had a child at age 42. My son, Julian is a bright 6 year old who lights up my life.
It is hard for any woman to juggle dual career and family roles and especially in many high demanding careers where we always strive to attain such a high level of achievement. Although solo practice demands the added roles of running the business, the independence is invaluable for me to be the best mother I can be. It affords me the luxuries to have my son with me at work rather than with a sitter as well as the ability to take time off when necessary to be at school functions. An exchange that is well worth the reduction in financial gain! As my practice grew, many trials and tribulations came through the business and entrepreneurial responsibilities demanded by solo practice; however I have managed to endure. In 2013 we moved my practice to its current location in Palm Beach Gardens. This year I have had the privilege to add yet another impressive young woman to my practice, Kirsten Samples, PA-C.
Together we aspire to fight back against the drive for large corporate owned medical care, and preserve the sanctions of a small practice. It is our belief that individualized care is still superior to large group practices due to the value that a more personal relationship can provide. This was noted in an important study by Lawrence Casalino et al, funded by The Commonwealth Fund, which revealed that patients of physicians practicing in solo and small practices demonstrated lower rates of preventable read missions than those in larger practices.
We strive to ensure the best healthcare possible by providing complete health and well-being through many modalities of treatment. We provide traditional clinical medicine as well as alternative treatments and homeopathic options, thereby abiding by the properties of osteopathic medicine and treating the patient as a whole. Our patient base includes men and women ages 9 and up and includes therapies such as basic female gynecologic management including hormone replacement therapy, male hormone replacement therapies including testosterone pellet implantations, joint injections, weight loss management, and skin care options.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many private practice independent physicians have suffered over the last several decades. We solo-practitioners are extremely hard working, autonomous and free-spirited individuals with a true love of medicine in our hearts. We have been the foundation of our health care system for years, however due to a combination of regulations and policy directives — it is becoming almost impossible for us to exist.
There have been so many changes in reimbursement models and policies that favor doctors working in larger health care corporations over small private practice.
Most independent insurance companies are using a grading system for the past six years. We are being graded on our ability to convince patients to “comply” with insurance requirements and “click” boxes within our electronic medical records program all in an effort to be paid fairly. No longer when a patient refuses a screening test can the practitioner educate and document comfortably the patients given right to refuse! Insurances are dictating that these patients are a reflection of our ability as a physician, a reflection of our grade and pay rate.
This makes smaller offices more vulnerable to the financial strain of reduced reimbursement and increased staffing requirements to adhere to these documentation requirements.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My listening skills combined with compassion, impartiality, empathy, and optimism have afforded me the skills to advance within my career.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My listening skills combined with compassion, impartiality, empathy, and optimism have afforded me the skills to advance within my career.
Contact Info:
- Address: Elite Coastal Healthcare
Lori Lynn Dowie D.O. - 11211 Prosperity Farms, Suite C211
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 - Website: www.4myDO.com
- Phone: 561-743-4911
- Email: [email protected]
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