March 2009

Medbrook Medical Associates Partners with MedExpress Urgent Care: Community Leaders Show Support

Kelly Nelson, MD, is no stranger to commitment and excitement.  For over twenty years, Dr. Nelson has been dedicated to Harrison County and has been caring for residents all over North Central West Virginia.  A staunch supporter of the community, Dr. Nelson has infused himself and Medbrook Medical Associates in Harrison County by supporting schools in a number of ways.  Recently Dr. Nelson was named “2008 Health Care Hero” by the West Virginia State Journal for his strong philanthropy in relation to the Medbrook Children’s Charity, a cause helping children in Harrison and surrounding Counties.

As if that weren’t enough, Dr. Nelson has propelled himself and Medbrook into another level of commitment and excitement.  Over the past year, Dr. Nelson has been working with MedExpress Urgent Care to join forces and solidify Medbrook’s position as the urgent care and occupational medicine services leader in the area.  Medbrook, now an affiliate of MedExpress Urgent Care, is preparing for the next era of caring and commitment to community.
“It makes terrific sense.  Two great companies, a similar vision for patient-centered medicine, and a deep commitment to giving back – it was meant to be”, said Dr. Nelson about the affiliation with MedExpress.

MedExpress was founded in Morgantown, WV, in 2001, and has since grown to be one of the nation’s leading urgent care services companies with 36 centers in 4 states.  MedExpress says it is committed to being the best and isn’t as concerned about being the largest.

“Our vision has been, and remains, to exceed patient expectations”, said Frank Alderman, MD and CEO of MedExpress.  “We’re fortunate to have the support we’ve always had and don’t take it for granted, and because of that we will never stray from our focus on being the best, rather than the steering toward the biggest.”

Dr. Nelson is excited about the combined company and suggests he’s re-invigorated about his life’s passion.  “I’ve loved my job, I’ve loved Harrison County.  Partnering up with MedExpress has given me the opportunity to strengthen Medbrook and has only served to excite me about our future together.”

Nelson will remain in the leadership position for Medbrook and will be expanding his role to support some of the MedExpress efforts in other parts of West Virginia.  “My focus remains here, and my commitment to Harrison County goes unchanged.  We’re still treating patients every day on Johnson Ave., and I can’t wait for this year’s Children’s Charity.”

When asked to paint the picture for the future, Dr. Nelson implied there are improvements on the horizon.  “We’ve looked at a lot together [with MedExpress].  It’s exciting to find ways to improve the patient experience.  We’re working on more efficient patient processing systems that will make our great experience for patients even better.”

“We remain committed to providing access to affordable, high-quality care,” said Nelson.  Medbrook Medical Associates has honored that commitment. 
From the sound of things, there are only good things to come for the community as well.  MedExpress and Medbrook both express a sincere commitment to community and have storied relationships with school systems and other civic and social organizations.  Both Monongalia and Harrison County school systems are high on the list. 

Several community leaders were asked to comment on the impact Medbrook Medical Associates and MedExpress Urgent Care have had on their communities and to share their thoughts about how the partnership will proceed.

Harrison County Superintendent of Schools, Susan Collins said, “Over the years, the generous physicians and staff at Medbrook Medical Associates have been dedicated to giving back to the educational community.  Through such programs as Medbrook Children’s Charity and providing athletic physicals at no cost for students, Medbrook Medical Associates has forged a partnership with Harrison County Schools that is much appreciated and cherished.”

 There is a shared philosophy at Medbrook and MedExpress.  Monongalia County Superintendent of Schools, Frank Devono offered the following comments: “Both practices are community active.  Medbrook developed the Children’s Charity…those dollars are being used in the schools for needy children distributed through the nurses…MedExpress partners with the Mon. Co. Board of Education promoting wellness through quarterly luncheons.”
The appreciation for Medbrook is not limited to school administrators, and is exemplified by business professionals as well.  Tom Aman, managing partner at Toothman & Rice said, “Nothing is more important to the future of any community than the development of its next generation.   No one has made more of a contribution to this effort in Harrison County than Medbrook through its involvement in Medbrook Children’s Charity and youth team sports."
          
When asked about the future for the partnership, Jim Martin, President & CEO of CityNet said, “The future isn’t going to change Medbrook.  It is simple.  If you’re sick, you will get well.  If you are in need, you have a place to turn.  Kelly Nelson and Medbrook are iconic in both healthcare and philanthropy in this region.”

“Harrison County, like many rural, thinly populated areas, faces socioeconomic challenges.  Healthcare businesses are critical to these areas and we are fortunate to have Medbrook, who has taken a concerned and caring leadership role in providing services to our community,” said George Finly, President of Central Supply.  “Medbrook has led the way in providing the residents of Harrison County prompt, but caring healthcare.   The Medbrook team has demonstrated a caring attitude that extends far beyond the doctor's office.  Their support of community events and their exemplary efforts in support of area underprivileged children through their Medbrook Children's Charity shows a caring attitude not often found in today's "quick," fast-paced society.”

David Alvarez, President of MEC, made particular reference to the relationship between the caring of the physicians to the community involvement at Medbrook.  “The doctors at Medbrook not only service the medical needs of the community, but one cannot measure the personal time and monetary donations they extend to our community. Dr. Kelly Nelson has taken the Children’s Charity from a concept to one of the most valued charities in North Central West Virginia. His professional approach to medical care is resonated in personal approach to helping the less fortunate of our community. Dr’s Bailey and Bowers are the pillars of support behind Dr. Nelson’s vision for charitable giving on behalf of Medbrook and the community it services.”

The foundation for a terrific partnership is laid, and the commitment is in place for on-going community support that Medbrook Medical Associates, an affiliate of MedExpress, will provide.  A strong loyalty to community and intense focus on providing the highest level of care make this partnership what it is.  “Reputations are built by the pride any organization has within its community,” said Frank Devono.  He continued, “When an organization strives to make the community better and to provide quality service and health care, everyone benefits.”

 

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