A family physician is concerned with the general health needs of people of all ages. Focusing on the primary care of you and your family, he or she can refer you to a specialist or community resources when appropriate.
Family doctors receive training in six broad areas: community medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery.
CASSANDRA JONES, MD: A large reason that I went into family medicine is that I just really love working with whole families, taking care of everybody, from brand new babies to, you know, the very old. I have a strong interest in obstetrics, and I do a lot of women’s health and pediatrics, as well. I have a strong interest in integrative and complementary medicine, as well. I think that lots of different levels of medicine – whether it is the Western that we traditionally practice, or herbs, yoga chiropractic. Chinese medicine - that I see a lot of our patients using. And, I think it’s important, as providers, that we work with our patients to be able to integrate that into their care.
You know, I think that there’s so many different aspects that play into health for people and I like the word “holistic” to describe that approach to medicine because, as a family physician, I like to always try to look at the whole picture to see how I can help the whole person. And, I think by incorporating all forms of medicine, you can get more successful outcomes.
My favorite part of my job is working with my patients. It’s so much fun to be able to meet new families, to be able to take care of everyone and just be part of that. I think my patients would say that I’m, hopefully, a good listener. I like to work together on a plan and I hope that my patients also sense that teamwork approach.
You know, I think the most important person in charge of anyone’s health is themselves. They’re their best advocate and, if we’re not on the same page with what our treatment plan is going to be, we’re probably not going to be successful.
When I’m not working at Allina, I enjoy volunteering with Phillips Neighborhood Clinic, which is a clinic in Minneapolis that primarily serves uninsured patients. They provide their services for free and it’s run by students from various health profession schools at the University of Minnesota, including medical students, nursing students, dietary students, physical therapy. I actually was originally involved in the clinic years ago as a medical student and, um really loved my experience there, became very passionate about working with that community and, through the years, I’ve been now precepting there for a few years and overseeing the medical students. I find it very rewarding and a way to give back to the community.
Your endocrine glands regulate your body by sending hormones directly into the blood and other fluids. This affects metabolism, the use of energy and other chemical processes your body needs to function. When either aspect isn't working properly, diseases like diabetes can result.
Our specialists concentrate on identifying and managing...
Sometimes a disease, injury or birth defect requires surgery. Our specialists are here for you before, during and after an operation. They use best practices and equipment to make sure you receive the most accurate diagnosis, treatment and care.
Where you work and live can affect your health. Our experts focus on the prevention and management of injury, illness and disability at work and in the community. They promote the health and productivity of employees, their families and communities.
If an illness or injury affects your ability to manage daily life, occupational therapists can help you develop "skills for the job of living."
Optometrists diagnose vision problems and eye diseases, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, and treat eye disorders and injuries. Although they do not perform eye surgery, they can care for patients before and after surgery.
A podiatrist is a doctor who evaluates and treats foot problems. Care can range from treating foot or ankle injuries to helping people with diabetes avoid common foot-related complications.
Psychologists help individuals and families work through emotional difficulties through talk therapy. They also evaluate mental health through special assessments.
Located above the kidneys, your adrenal glands make hormones that affect your body's reproductive system. Within the kidneys begins the urinary tract, which helps your body get rid of waste.
With special knowledge of those functions, our experts detect and treat these and other conditions:
diseases of the bladder, adrenal glands, kidney, prostate, testes and urethra
difficulties with bladder control and sexual performance
Diabetes education equips you with the knowledge and tools to live well with diabetes. Accredited by the American Diabetes Association, our classes and support services help patients manage diabetes every step of the way.
For more than 30 years, Allina Mental Health has helped children, adolescents, adults and seniors work through times when the troubles of life interfere with their ability to function or cope.
