Erlanger Primary Care - Ooltewah
Encouraging Wellness
F or 22 years, Dr. James Newby has been practicing family medicine, motivated by his interest in overall wellness and preventative medicine. “I like to think of my practice as part of a community,” says Dr. Newby, “and in this community, I am doing my part to provide care and encourage wellness and good health.” Because there are so many ways to approach different health issues, Dr. Newby utilizes a patient-focused approach. “I try to help each patient find a plan that is right for them to treat their condition and/or reach their health goals,” shares Dr. Newby.
In an ideal world, I’d like to help people be healthy enough that they don’t need to see me.”
My Credentials
Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine:
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV
Family Medicine Residency:
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Chattanooga, TN
Certifications:
Board Certified, American Board of Family Medicine
Specialties:
Family Medicine
1. What do you love most about your profession?
I love helping people, and I love science, so I love practicing medicine. Also, the field of medicine is constantly growing and changing, presenting the opportunity for a lifetime of learning.
2. What’s the key to making a great first impression?
I think the three things that make a great impression are being fully present, being genuine, and making the other person feel heard.
2. What do you see as the most exciting new development for your profession?
Though I think a lot of people are a little leery of artificial intelligence, I think technology, including AI, is going to help us to spend more time actually caring for our patients and less time documenting. I think this is going to improve doctor-patient relationships.
4. What is your best advice for patients?
Often people come to me wanting a quick solution to their health problems, whether that’s controlling their blood sugar or losing substantial weight. Often, I tell them, the answer is not some giant change that’s not sustainable. I say, “I don’t need you to try to run an amazing 40-yard dash, it’s more of a marathon, but it’s at your own pace.” Sometimes more drastic changes are required, but much of the time, what we need is to make positive changes that we can keep up over time.
5. What is your philosophy when it comes to the care of your patients?
Often there are several different ways to approach any given health issue. I try to help each patient find a plan that is right for them to treat their condition and/or reach their health goals.
