A nonprofit medical practice that offers one-to-two hour initial appointments and makes house calls is preparing to open at 4410 Holt Rd., currently the site of the Delhi DDA building, bringing a unique approach to primary care that has successfully operated since 2021.
Family and Lifestyle Medicine challenges the conventional healthcare model with extended appointment times, 24-hour patient access, and a comprehensive approach that addresses physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of health.
“We’d like to reimagine primary care as a compassionate place where you can have long visits if you need long visits and not feel the pressure of time,” explains Dr. Kimberly Azelton, MD, DipABLM, MPA. “We’re constantly looking at why. Why is this happening? Is there something that we can do to actually fix the problem rather than just try to limp along?”
Breaking the Rush of Traditional Healthcare
While the typical wait time for primary care appointments is two weeks, Family and Lifestyle Medicine gets patients scheduled within 24 to 48 hours. Initial visits run one to two hours, with follow-ups typically lasting an hour when needed.
The practice has operated primarily through house calls for four years, eliminating waiting rooms and allowing physicians to see patients in their natural environment. When patients do visit the clinic, they don’t have to wait long to be seen, as it’s typically only about a five wait.
The clinic also provides secure text messaging for quick questions, enabling patients to get answers without taking time off work or scheduling appointments for minor concerns.
Beyond Traditional Medicine
Family and Lifestyle Medicine employs a multidisciplinary team that goes far beyond typical medical care. Culinary medicine coaches visit patients’ homes, accompany them to grocery stores, and teach them to cook healthy meals tailored to their specific medical conditions. Stress management coaches provide practical coping strategies, while fitness instructors conduct personal assessments and coordinate with local walking groups.
“These employees actually go into the homes of our patients, take them into the kitchen, maybe take them through the grocery store first and actually teach them how to cook healthy recipes that are delicious and actually targeted to their specific diseases,” Dr. Kim explains.
The clinic connects patients with dietitians and counselors, creating a comprehensive support network that addresses health from multiple angles.
Faith-Informed, Inclusive Care
While the physicians approach their work from a Christian perspective, they welcome patients from all backgrounds and belief systems, recognizing spirituality as a scientifically validated component of health.
“There’s so much scientific research about how holding grudges or trauma from the past can increase one’s risk of various diseases,” explained Dr. Jonathan Sharley, MD, DipABLM and Associate Director at Family and Lifestyle Medicine. “Hope definitely impacts physical health. We love to really treat the whole person, and we feel that this is a scientific way to do so.”
Opening in Holt
The move to Holt represents an evolution from what the physicians call their “micro practice” phase to a full multidisciplinary clinical operation. The Delhi DDA building will house both traditional clinical services and community wellness programming.
Family and Lifestyle Medicine is planning for a soft opening by December, with a grand opening scheduled for January. Even before the official opening, they’re beginning to offer community wellness services and events through partnerships with local nonprofits.
The clinic is also launching Celebrate Whole Health, a website dedicated to Holt-specific community wellness events and volunteer opportunities.
New patients can expect their first visit to focus entirely on their personal health goals and complete medical story. The patient-centered approach begins with the question: “Why are you here? How can we serve you?”
Family and Lifestyle Medicine is located at 4410 Holt Rd., inside the Delhi DDA building. For more information about services and community wellness events, visit their website or Facebook page.