Memphis Pediatrician Revives the Traditional House Call
Experience the Nostalgic Feel of Personal Care with a Modern Treatment Approach
There’s something special happening in Memphis, Tennessee where old traditions have been given a fresh spin. Nostalgia is the vibe, but this is not about a vintage car show or a retro cafe opening. The news is focused on healthcare where a local pediatrician is reviving an almost forgotten practiceโthe house call. Meet Dr. Katie Barger, a pediatrician weaving an amalgamation of old-school patient care into the modern healthcare industry.
Bringing Back the Personal Touch to Healthcare
Dr. Barger’s approach might seem unconventional for some, yet she believes in the power of interpersonal connections in caring for her young patients. With her stethoscope and physician’s bag in hand, she visits her little patients in the comfort and privacy of their own homes, rejuvenating an age-old practice deemed redundant by many. This way, she not only uproots the exhausting waiting-room formalities, infuriating insurance procedures, and elaborate check-in processes but also adds a personal touch in todayโs somewhat impersonal healthcare services.
The Pediatrician of the people
โThe idea of a country doctor who knows their patients well, and visits them at their homes, has always intrigued me,โ remarks Dr. Barger. Her fascination for house calls goes back to her medical school days at the Quillen College, part of East Tennessee State University in Johnson City where they were part of the curriculum under rural medicine track.
A Progressive Retrograde
Largely rendered obsolete in the latter half of the 20th century with healthcare becoming increasingly hospital-centric, the concept of house calls might seem like a step back. But in reality, Dr. Bargerโs model represents a leap forward in offering personalized patient care. Her approach focuses on quality over quantity and forms genuine relationships with her patients and their families, encapsulating the wholesome essence of a community pediatricianโan unlikely light at the end of an industrialized medical tunnel.
Modern Care with a Vintage Feel
Donโt let the old-world aesthetics fool you; the service she provides is rooted in modern medical principles and caters to a wide urban and suburban clientele. The house calls aren’t laissez-faire check-ups; they are comprehensive consultations ensuring thorough discussions about patients’ well-being. Children and their families can communicate openly in the comfort of their homes, ensuring that the doctor develops a more detailed understanding of the child’s overall health and lifestyle.
Dr. Katie Barger’s endeavor to integrate the warmth and familiarity of traditional house calls into an increasingly impersonal and industrial healthcare industry is a significant development in local healthcare services. While this certainly harks back to an old-timey practice, its potential impact on contemporary healthcare might be both revolutionary and reverential. Even though the concept of house calls fell out of favor for reasons related to effectiveness and economics, its resurgence in a new light offers a fresh perspective into patient care, and most importantly, human touch.
As the saying goes, “Old is Gold,” but won’t it be interesting to see how this gold fares in its new form?
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
