Rounding with Patients: Personalized Primary Care

Reliable and trustworthy primary care is the foundation for good health. For Pennie and Cindy, two lifelong St. Elizabeth Physicians Primary Care patients, trust, collaboration and meaningful conversations are the building blocks of their relationship with their care provider.

From routine annual wellness visits when you feel healthy to urgent sick visits, goal setting, health screenings and condition management, a primary care provider is your go-to partner along your health journey. A primary care provider can be your health guide and sometimes, they can even become a lifelong friend.

Rounding with Patients invites you to read the stories of real people and real providers working in partnership to maintain good health, nurture resilience and work towards a healthy future. It’s a place where gratitude comes full circle. Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary bonds forged in the heart of St. Elizabeth Physicians.

This episode of Rounding with Patients features Pennie and Cindy, two women on their journey to be the healthiest they can be, with the guidance and expertise of their care provider, William Threlkeld, MD.

Q: Tell us about your primary care experience at St. Elizabeth Physicians.

“I see Dr. Threlkeld at the Williamstown Primary Care location,” said Cindy. “He is an amazing doctor who takes the time to listen to my concerns and answer my questions. And he takes the time to look at every aspect of my health – not just one symptom but a holistic approach.”

Pennie also sees Dr. Threlkeld for her primary care needs and agrees. “He’s our family doctor and our friend,” she said. “He always encourages me to take better care of myself. He reminds me when it’s time for my mammogram and colonoscopy and connects me to specialists when needed. Anytime I call, he answers.”

Q: Why did you choose St. Elizabeth for primary care?

St. Elizabeth has always been Pennie’s choice for healthcare. “From the moment I was born, St. Elizabeth has been there for me,” she said. Her loyalty also stems from their commitment to her community. “That is very important to me. And I’m a busy woman!” Staying healthy is non-negotiable. “I don’t have time not to feel well. I greatly appreciate and value the fact that I can see a provider on the same day when I’m under the weather.”

Q: What are you most thankful for about your primary care experience?

Cindy is grateful for the personalized and compassionate care she can count on. “When I send messages to my doctor, he answers promptly,” she said. “It means a lot that he cares enough to take the time to call back personally. I feel like I can reach out and get answers, which makes me trust that he really cares.”

Pennie also appreciates the personal attention and knowing she can count on her provider to keep her well. “I’m grateful they’ve been there for me and with me through so many stages of my life. Knowing that I will get the best care gives me such a sense of comfort and peace.”

Q: What is the most memorable part of your primary care experience that you’d want others to know?

Pennie finds a sense of security and familiarity with St. Elizabeth. It’s been a part of her life for generations. “I was born here; my children were also born here and even my grandchildren,” she says. “There’s nowhere else I’d consider for healthcare. The trust I have in them extends to my entire family and my loved ones.”

Q: Do you have any advice for others seeking a primary care provider?

Cindy encourages others to establish a relationship with a primary care provider. “It’s important to have that connection and relationship in place in case an unexpected medical issue arises,” she said. “Whether you’re managing a health condition, want to stay on top of your preventive services or plan for your future health goals, a primary care provider can offer you the right care at every stage of life.”