Hamilton Physician Group (HPG) – Calhoun Campus, 100 Willowbrook Way, is hosting a Holiday Food Drive through Dec. 15, benefitting the Voluntary Action Center. Most-needed items include: canned food items, peanut butter, canned soups and pasta, canned meats, cereal, boxed pasta and macaroni, instant and canned potatoes, Hamburger Helper, crackers, evaporated milk, Styrofoam plates, Styrofoam or plastic cups, plastic forks and spoons, napkins, butter and sour cream, cheese, cooking oil, and coffee and tea. Donations may be dropped off at HPG – Calhoun Campus.
The patient-centered medical home is a model of care that puts patients at the forefront of care. PCMHs build better relationships between patients and their clinical care teams. In this setting, patients are encouraged to be more involved in their treatment and care, inspiring them to engage in healthy behaviors in their day-to-day activities. Practices that earn recognition have made a commitment to continuous quality improvement and a patient-centered approach to care.
The HPG locations with PCMH certification include Hamilton Primary Care in Dalton, HPG – Murray Campus in Chatsworth and HPG – Calhoun Primary Care in Calhoun.
PCMH facilities within HPG include:
• Team-based care with improved communication and coordination of care
• Enhanced wellness visits, preventative care, referrals and chronic care management with improved long-term outcomes
• Same-day appointments available for acute illnesses like colds, flu, stomach problems and infections
• 24-hour access for medical issues
• Customized treatment plans and goal setting
Some of the main benefits of PCMH are higher quality care, improved patient and provider experience, better prevention and management of disease, and a reduction in the overall costs of care by improving patient outcomes.
PCMH standards are based on five core attributes, including:
• Patient-centered care – PCMH practices are required to educate, support and engage patients in their own care through care plan development, goal setting and family/caregiver participation.
• Comprehensive care – PCMH practices must offer whole person care and be accountable for preventative care, acute care and chronic care management.
• Coordinated care – PCMH practices take the lead on organizing and communicating across all care team members and care settings.
• Accessible care – PCMH practices deliver care that is convenient to their patients.
• Commitment to quality and safety – PCMH practices use analytics and electronic medical records as a resource to identify care needs. They ensure that the patient’s record of care is complete with all of the information needed to provide safe, high-quality care.
Murray Campus: In the front, from left Carley Smith, PA, Alison Peden, NP-C, Kaitlyn Moneymaker, Erica Kennedy, Meredith Reynolds and Lis Ocegueda. In the back are Wayne Straw, Blaine Minor, MD, Holly Lynch, DO, Melissa Whorton, Kacey Thompson and Tina Collins. Not pictured are Breann Young, Kelly Smith, Cynthia Walker, Stacy Smith, Jessica Sanders, FNP, Rachel Goode, NP, and Ashley Franks.Calhoun Primary Care: From left are Tracy Taylor, Michelle Little, MD, and Brittany Davenport. Not pictured are Jennifer Smith, FNP, Mandy Fontaine and Amber Cochran.Hamilton Primary Care: In the front, from left, are Mandy Fontaine, Mariela Hurtadgo, Marie Moore, Rebeca Ortega, Jill Edwards and Danielle Epanchin, DO. In the back are Lisa Thomas, Sydnie Hall, Brittany Rankin, Rod Lewis, FNP and Jeri Fuller. Not pictured are Natalie Bessom, DO, Payton Smith and Amber Cochran.
“This year has been tough for people in our community,” said Lauren Little, DO, family practice physician at the Calhoun location. “This food drive is just one way we can support those in need this year and make their holidays brighter.”
The most-needed items include: Canned food items, peanut butter, canned soups and pasta, canned meats, cereal, boxed pasta and macaroni, instant and canned potatoes, Hamburger Helper, cracker, evaporated milk, Styrofoam plates, Styrofoam or plastic cups, plastic forks and spoons, napkins, butter and sour cream, cheese, cooking oil, coffee, and tea.
Donations may be dropped off at HPG – Calhoun Campus, 160 Curtis Parkway NE. (MAP)
Michelle Little, DO, a new physician at Hamilton Physician Group – Calhoun Primary Care in Calhoun, GA, says she decided she wanted to be a doctor when she was 8 years old.
“I read a book titled ‘Gifted Hands’ by Dr. Ben Carson, and that was it. I was determined to be a neurosurgeon,” says Little. “Clearly the type of physician I wanted to be changed over the years, but never the desire to become a doctor.”
Family medicine chose her, according to Little. During her third and fourth years of medical school, she did rotations in various specialties. She had an interest in each specialty. “When I finally made it to my family medicine rotation and got to see a little bit of all of the specialties mixed into every day, I knew I had found my place,” she says.
Little says her goal is to treat patients like she would want her family treated.
“I like to meet people where they are,” she says. “Some respond to humor, others need a hug and a gentle nudge. I think my love of building relationships helps me take good care of my patients. They know I genuinely care about them, even if I’m giving some tough love.”
Little did her family medicine residency at Floyd Medical Center in Rome. She also served as chief resident there. She completed her medical schooling at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, S.C. She is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American Association of Family Physicians, American Osteopathic Association and the Georgia Academy of Family physicians. She is fluent in Spanish.
She has volunteered her time at medical clinics and provided medical care on two mission trips to Honduras.
Little is married and has one child. She says she enjoys traveling, reading and finding a great bargain. “Whenever I am able to travel abroad, I am most excited about getting the best deals,” says Little. She also enjoys “pretending that I am an interior designer, gourmet chef and crafter extraordinaire.”
Current family activities include Water Babies Swim Class and Kindermusik. Little says she and her husband are learning to fish, “which is comical and relaxing. My husband loves to grill, and I enjoy the benefits of this hobby.”
The event will include giveaways, door prizes, refreshments and more (while supplies last).
“We hope you’ll take this opportunity to get to know our providers,” said Mandy Fontaine, practice manager. “They’re here to help you live happier, healthier lives.”
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