Columbia Gorge Family Medicine (CGFM) has marked its 40th anniversary as a doctor-owned practice in Hood River, Oregon. Founded by Dr. Paul Sanders in 1983, the practice began in a modest house on June Street. As demand grew, it relocated to a small office on Pine Street. In 2018, CGFM moved to its current facility at 1750 12th Street, expanding its capacity to serve the community.
The practice distinguishes itself from many medical offices by remaining independent and locally owned. According to Dr. Sanders, this model significantly influences their approach to patient care. Unlike many practices that are owned by corporate entities, such as hospital groups or private equity firms, CGFM is solely owned by the doctors who work there. This independence allows them to prioritize patient needs over profit margins, which is often a pressure in corporate settings.
CGFM is currently operated by five partners: Tony Gay, Matthew Sperry, Jessica Porter, Tyler Gray, and Peter Benziger. The practice employs a full support staff, including registered nurses and behavioral health experts, to ensure comprehensive care. While financial sustainability is crucial, the doctors maintain autonomy in decision-making, allowing them to align their practices with their philosophy of providing inclusive and accessible healthcare.
Commitment to Community Care
Executive Director Lindsey Kuipers highlighted the advantages of their independent model. “The doctors at CGFM don’t have to answer to a corporation; they answer to their patients,” she explained. This structure fosters a commitment to long-term relationships between doctors and patients, encouraging a holistic approach to family health.
Tony Gay, who has been with CGFM for over 35 years, emphasized their goal of delivering comprehensive care from pediatrics to geriatrics. The physicians at CGFM pride themselves on their ability to accommodate the needs of Hood River County residents by adjusting hours, fees, and services. “We want to be part of a community that makes people’s lives better,” Gay stated.
Their vision includes establishing CGFM as a “Patient-Centered Primary Care Home,” nurturing the bond between healthcare providers and their patients. “We think this is better patient care,” Gay added, underscoring the ethos that drives their operations.
The Future of Independent Medicine
The trend toward corporate ownership in healthcare is evident, with only 35% of doctors’ offices still owned by the physicians themselves, most of which are solo practices. This shift presents challenges for independent practices like CGFM, which aim to prioritize patient care over corporate interests.
Despite the risks of running a business, the model employed by CGFM offers distinct advantages. The team regularly convenes to discuss medical advancements and collaborative problem-solving. Each doctor retains the freedom to set their priorities, ensuring that the focus remains on enhancing medical care and community well-being.
As Columbia Gorge Family Medicine celebrates this significant milestone, it stands as a testament to the viability of independent medical practices. The dedication of its doctors and staff to providing personalized, lifelong care exemplifies how community-oriented healthcare can thrive in an increasingly corporate world.
