Dr. Sam Saadat has found joy in clinical practice again. His work in community health at Tri-Area Health Clinic in Floyd has set aside the disillusionment he felt in hospital-based and private practice environments. “It doesn’t feel like work here; it’s something I look forward to,” says Dr. Saadat.
Dr. Saadat was unsatisfied with various aspects of his previous practice experiences – the small amount of time he was able to spend with patients, the over-abundance of hours he worked, and the duties that were all too often not focused on medical issues, but rather on administrative functions. He had become so disillusioned he considered getting out of medical practice altogether. But working in a Community Health Center (CHC) has been “a godsend.” He was attracted by the mission and overall goals of community health work, but didn’t realize what that would translate to in terms of personal rewards. He is now able to spend 20 minutes on most patient encounters, sees a good mix of patient ages and clinical issues, doesn’t have to deal with the administrative or billing aspects of the clinic, and overall feels less burdened which affords more concentration on actual patient care.
He finds there is “less stress on the physicians, universally” of all of those that he has met working in community health. “Everyone enjoys their work.” He finds he can do more for patients in a community health environment than in a private practice – “there is better focus on the clinical aspects, better attention to detail” and he is “able to provide superior patient care.”
A WVU School of Medicine grad, Dr. Saadat spent twelve years in hospital-based and private practices. He felt his work/life sense of balance was out of whack. Now he finds that the healthier equilibrium with his time has improved not only his personal life but his professional life as well. He’s “sharper now on clinical issues, and keeping up with journals as they come in.” He has already finished his CME requirements way in advance. And his “wife is happy, the yard work is done, the house is in order.” He plays table tennis competitively and has had time to practice. Dr. Saadat says with pride that the “team took first place in Roanoke” recently.
When asked what how he would sum up his experience working in a community health center, Dr. Saadat says “It’s very rewarding,” and the “perfect place to practice.” To someone considering a practice opportunity in community health, Dr. Saadat says “Talk to me!”
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