Mary Hinsley/Metrowest Functional Medicine/Holistic Family Care
Philosophy of care
It is a deep honor to be doing this work and it comes with great responsibility. Each new patient encounter provides an opportunity to greatly influence the quality and direction of that patients’ life. My approach is to be very thorough with the initial consultation. I listen to what brings them here and what they hope to achieve. I see the initial visit as an opportunity to connect with the patient in a way they’ve perhaps never previously experienced in a healthcare setting. I feel it’s important to have enough time for the initial consultation in order to get a full picture, to understand how their chief complaint fits into the bigger story of their life. I ask a lot of questions within the normal flow of our conversation in such a way that I’m often told they’d never been asked that before or they’ve never told anyone this before. In my experience, this provides a greater opening to elicit honest answers from the patient and allow many pieces of the puzzle to come together. It’s essential to create an emotionally safe environment where trust is a given.
I approach each new patient intent on gathering specific information to not only address their immediate health challenge but do so in a way that offers them an opportunity to also consider what their lifelong health goals may be. Inside of listening and gathering a thorough history, I’m always considering what other modalities might be necessary. I very much enjoy a collaborative approach and believe we expand what we can offer by practicing within a larger model of medical care. I have a duty to refer out whenever necessary to other practitioners as this keeps optimal patient care and a successful outcome as the end goal. It is paramount that we as medical providers are making optimal choices and are deeply engaged in caring for ourselves. In this way we model what we teach and meet our patients with the energy they deserve.
I strive to communicate clearly what I see is presenting with a report of findings and come up with an agreeable treatment plan. I explain what my skillset is and how I can contribute. I stress the importance of understanding personal health is their responsibility. I clearly define the partner role that I am in, as well as any others I refer to. I am deeply committed to education with each patient I have the opportunity to encounter. In my ongoing practice I meet each visit anew, checking in on how they are doing and measuring progress. It is essential that the patient be educated and engaged with their care plan. In an ongoing assessment I check in to make certain they are incorporating recommended dietary and lifestyle changes along with addressing issues in the emotional and relationship realm. If they are struggling with compliance, I address this head on by providing focused support and if needed, additional resources. I stress the importance of viewing one’s concerns through a holistic care approach and help them understand what our mind, body, spirit medicine has to offer. If a patient chooses to not take responsibility for themselves and be engaged with their care, I’ll do my absolute best to directly address this situation with compassion. In the event they are still not engaged, I will free up the space for another patient.
I believe patients end up with us for a reason and often challenge us to see our own blind spots, those areas where we are less than informed or which trigger our own personal material. A real opportunity for growth presents when we find ourselves in a space of not knowing what to do for a patient. Having a solid commitment to continually expand our knowledge base with ongoing trainings as well as engaging regularly with other practitioners is paramount in keeping this medicine alive. When we remain engaged in this manner, we provide our patients an ideal environment within which they have the opportunity to truly transform their lives.