Columbia Gorge Family Medicine (CGFM) in Hood River is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a doctor-owned practice. Founded by Dr. Paul Sanders in 1983, the practice started in a modest house on June Street. Over the years, CGFM expanded, moving to a small office on Pine Street before relocating to its current facility at 1750 12th Street in 2018. This milestone highlights the importance of independent medical practices in today’s healthcare landscape.
One of the prominent features of CGFM is its commitment to being “Independent. Locally Owned.” This distinction plays a crucial role in their approach to patient care. Unlike many medical practices that are owned by corporate entities, CGFM is managed by the doctors who work there, including Tony Gay, Matthew Sperry, Jessica Porter, Tyler Gray, and Peter Benziger. According to Sanders, corporate ownership often imposes pressures focused on profit rather than patient care.
The shift away from corporate ownership is significant. Currently, only 35% of doctors’ offices are owned by their practicing physicians, with most of those being solo practices. This makes CGFM’s model increasingly rare and valuable. Lindsey Kuipers, the Executive Director, emphasized that the doctors at CGFM operate independently, prioritizing patient needs over corporate interests.
This independence fosters long-term relationships with patients and their families. The team at CGFM recognizes that healthcare is not just transactional; it is about building trust and understanding over time. The doctors aim to provide comprehensive care, from prenatal services to geriatrics, adapting their operations to meet the specific needs of the Hood River County community.
“We want to be part of a community that makes people’s lives better,” said Gay, who has been with the practice for 35 years. He noted that while financial viability is essential, the primary focus remains on quality medical care. The doctors work collaboratively, meeting regularly to discuss innovations in healthcare, share insights, and solve challenges.
The model of an independent, locally owned practice allows for greater flexibility in decision-making. Each physician at CGFM has autonomy, enabling them to prioritize patient care in ways that align with their values. This fosters a culture of collaboration that benefits both staff and patients alike.
CGFM’s goal is to function as a “Patient-Centered Primary Care Home.” This means nurturing the doctor-patient relationship to enhance care quality. The practice strives to adapt its hours and fees to ensure access to healthcare for all community members.
The success of Columbia Gorge Family Medicine over the past four decades serves as a testament to the enduring value of independent medical practices. The focus on personalized, lifelong care emphasizes the importance of putting patients first. As CGFM looks to the future, it continues to champion a model that prioritizes compassionate healthcare in a rapidly changing industry.
