When one contemplates the heart and soul of healthcare, it's easy to imagine dedicated professionals like Physician Assistant Avery Eriksson and Family Nurse Practitioner Robin Lebo. More than just medical practitioners at Family Medicine Healthcare, they're the lifeblood of a practice that prioritizes compassion, expertise, and the familial touch.

Founded by Dr. Samir Abdelshaheed, Family Medicine marries innovative healthcare with old-fashioned attentiveness-offering an array of services often elusive in typical primary-care offices. And as integral members of Family Medicine's mosaic, Avery and Robin embody the practice's ethos of treating the whole individual as well as their ailments. At Family Medicine, the patient always comes first.

"It's not just about our state-of-the-art equipment or our broad array of services," Avery explains. "It's the human connection that sets Family Medicine apart. We're a team that sees you, hears you, and cares for you-much like family."

Physician Assistants are licensed practitioners who infuse vibrancy and dedication into every medical specialty and setting. As rigorous as their education and training might be, the passion they pour into their roles is unrivaled. From her very first day at Family Medicine Healthcare, Avery found herself in sync with their patient-centric, comprehensive ethos. This primary care setting, focusing not merely on episodic or disease-specific treatment but on the all-encompassing health journey of each patient, was a perfect fit.

"I've always been drawn to the human element of healthcare," Avery says, "and to a comprehensive, intimate approach to treating the whole patient. And that's the kind of environment that Dr. Abdelshaheed fosters at Family Medicine Healthcare."

Avery's journey began as a CNA in a nursing home, where an inspiring mentor sparked her desire to always want to do more when it came to increasing healthcare accessibility and enhancing the patient experience.

"I'm a champion of preventive medicine and early detection," Avery says, "which ultimately fosters better, healthier futures for my patients."

Alongside Avery's desire to treat the physical health of her patients, she harbors a keen eye for mental health issues. In a world where these concerns often go unnoticed, Avery strives to ensure her patients do not descend into mental health crises, adding another vital layer to her comprehensive approach.

"The pandemic made mental health a real issue for many," Avery says. "And because there's a real shortage in behavioral and psychiatric services in medicine today, patients' emotional needs aren't always adequately addressed. So, it becomes the responsibility of primary care providers like me to be on the lookout for such issues. And my patients know they can talk to me about any and all concerns."

Avery feels at home among the Family Medicine team, a group she considers a second family with whom she can actively engage in prevention, health maintenance, counseling, and patient education.

Outside the confines of the office, Avery is just as dynamic. Having moved closer to the ocean to be near her extended family, she now enjoys the beach life and adventurous outdoor activities with her husband and their one-year-old daughter. Every day, she balances her roles as a healthcare professional, a mother, and an outdoor adventurer with grace, channeling her energy from her vibrant personal life into her professional dedication.

Similarly, Family Nurse Practitioner Robin Lebo exemplifies the spirit of Family Medicine Healthcare. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, FNP Robin has forged a remarkable path in the medical field. Her time working in hospice and home healthcare brought her face-to-face with the intimate lives of patients. Her transition into pain management expanded her understanding of chronic ailments. Finally, emergency room duties honed her critical care skills. And in her role at Family Medicine Healthcare, Robin builds meaningful connections with her patients and empowers them with clear, achievable health goals.

"Much like a family doctor, I try to ensure that my patients receive the gamut of healthcare services they need," Robin says, "so they can achieve the best possible outcomes. And our in-house diagnostic tools allow for immediate testing, which enhances patient convenience. With the team, I can diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, prescribe medications, interpret tests, and provide preventative care and lifestyle counseling, so it's a comprehensive approach to patient health."

At Family Medicine Healthcare, Robin is cherished for her ability to foster close bonds with patients, primarily because of the time and attention she devotes to each individual. Her gift for communicating complex health matters in a simple, understandable manner is instrumental in guiding patients toward their larger wellness objectives.

Beyond her profession, Robin finds joy in her bustling life at home. The proud mother of two adult daughters with whom she shares a book club, Robin balances her time between walking her dogs, reading fantasy novels, and working hard to make improvements to her newly purchased home. A passionate equestrian since childhood, Robin savors her trips to North Carolina to visit her mother and ride her beloved horses.

Joining Family Medicine Healthcare was like coming home for Robin, and this is evident in her commitment to her patients and the close bonds she shares with the team. As she puts it, "Everyone is like a family here."

Family Medicine Healthcare is a testament to the vision of its founder, Dr. Samir Abdelshaheed. It is a vision of traditional patient devotion combined with modern medical innovation, with a compass firmly directed toward personalized care. Sharing this vision, Avery Ericsson and Robin Lebo continue to personify its ethos, ensuring that every patient who walks through their doors is seen, heard, and cared for-just like family. And at the heart of it all, the guiding principle remains constant: at Family Medicine Healthcare, the patient always comes first.