Leadership Health Care (LHC) members had the opportunity to tour Faith Family Medical Center this week as part of the organization’s Industry Tour series. Faith Family’s mission is to provide the residents of greater Nashville who do not have health insurance or who are underinsured with affordable, quality primary medical care.
The charitable clinic was formed under the vision of Nashville physicians Dr. David Gaw and Dr. John Lamb. The doctors had both participated in a number of overseas medical missions and recognized the need for such care right in their hometown. With the help of health care entrepreneur Charlie Martin and some of the community’s biggest players in health care – most notably Baptist Hospital’s donation of the rent-free use of a freestanding medical office building – Faith Family opened its doors on Oct. 8, 2001.
The clinic sees approximately 4,000 unique patients a year, totaling more than 10,000 clinic visits. Among the 20 staff members are three full-time providers and six volunteer physicians. Beyond the primary care services provided in house, Faith Family has partnered with a number of Nashville health care operations to provide low-cost mammograms, cancer treatment and surgical procedures for patients.
Faith Family believes that good health must be achieved through emotional, spiritual and physical practices. Launched in 2010, the Journey to Health Wellness initiative is run by a registered dietician and health educator to improve overall health and increase patient education. The program includes nutrition, exercise and stress management components, and led to the creation of a community garden on the Faith Family campus. The garden is planted and cared for by patients and is used to educate patients on cost-effective ways to produce healthy meal options.
To learn more about Faith Family, click here.
Industry tours are part of Leadership Health Care’s regular programming for members. LHC also hosts executive briefings, a Fundamentals educational series, networking receptions and an annual delegation to Washington, D.C. To learn more about Leadership Health Care and upcoming programs, visit www.leadershiphealthcare.com.
Leadership Health Care was formed in 2002 as an initiative of the Nashville Health Care Council to foster the next generation of health care leaders.