Growing up in rural Indiana, Matt Pflieger, an osteopathic physician in Denver, CO, never lacked access to necessary health care services. However, he saw quite clearly the vital role his family practitioner played in keeping both his community and family healthy.
“My family physician was my source of inspiration to pursue a career in medicine and help patients who struggle against barriers to health care,” he said. “While specializing has its own important role in medicine, primary care has allowed me to practice the kind of medicine that I dreamed of,” said Matt.
Matt moved to Colorado after graduating from Midwestern University Chicago, College of Osteopathic Medicine to work for one of the five Clinics of Family Health Services sites around the state. There, he found a community facing a number of barriers to health care access, including lack of insurance, transportation, or time. For about two thirds of the community, language is also an obstacle, as many patients are Spanish-speaking only.
“I learned how to speak medical Spanish for this job because a translator would not suffice. I want to communicate directly with each of my patients to best understand why they are coming into my office so that I can provide the comprehensive and holistic care they need, including educating them and their families about making healthy choices,” said Matt.
Every three months, Matt works alongside a clinic dietician, case manager, and nurse to conduct a group session with approximately eight of his Spanish-speaking patients who suffer from diabetes. During this event, the clinic staff works with patients to check that their lab work and screenings are up to date to ensure they do not fall behind. Each week, the group addresses a new topic related to managing their diabetes, and the Matt and his clinic colleagues listen to the patients’ concerns and suggestions for their peers. “It is great to see them working with each other to improve their lives and share their experiences. They are building a community that encourages its members to improve their lives,” said Matt. “The result has been a steady improvement in their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, compliance…and ultimately, their happiness.”
Matt heard of several loan repayment programs for health care providers in the state, but many favored physicians working in rural areas only. When his colleagues told him about the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and the financial benefits it offered that would enable him to continue working at his urban clinic, he applied.
“I needed to find a way to continue working at this clinic because I love my patients and the community,” he added. “I have witnessed the great need for primary care doctors, and the NHSC loan repayment program has made it easier for me to focus on my work – instead of on my medical school debt,” said Matt.
Matt intends to stay in his community for as long as possible so that he can continue to work with his patients and the clinic he loves. In his free time, Matt spends time with his wife, also a family practitioner, and his two kids.
