Times and the community have changed in the 40 years since Dr. James O’Neill began his medical practice. What is now the Clarkston Medical Group has made progress in technology and services, but the strong commitment to old-fashioned caring has not changed.
Dr. O’Neill, whose specialty is in pediatrics, gradually added doctors specializing in internal medicine. About 20 years ago, the practice began the after-hours clinic, and about 15 years ago, Clarkston Medical Group was officially created.
Now, there are 11 full-time physicians who help provide regular daytime medical services and 24-hour urgent care.
Dr. Michael Baker, an internist, has lived in Clarkston since 1976. He had his own practice in Clarkston, then went into medical administration for several years. About two and a half years ago, he decided to return to full-time patient service and joined Clarkston Medical Group.
Dr. Baker likes the cooperative spirit of the medical team. While each doctor has his or her own regular patients, they cooperate in providing urgent care.
‘People know we never turn out the lights,? he said. ‘There’s always a physician here who can see them.?
Recent additions to the medical staff include Dr. Renny Abraham and Dr. Dean Moscovic. Both are on staff at William Beaumont Hospital.
Dr. Baker said the addition of new staff is a ‘watershed moment,? since Clarkston Medical Group offers the best ‘access? for patients. The local office is convenient for regular medical care, but doctors are on staff at all the area’s major hospitals, including Beaumont, St. Joseph, Genesys, North Oakland and Crittenton.
Dr. Baker said O’Neill is still the guiding inspiration, both in his own continued enthusiasm for helping people and in how that tradition is handed down through his children. Two sons and a daughter are on staff, and Baker cited his own long-time Clarkston residency as another example.
‘The core people of this group are part of the community,? Baker said, noting involvement and attendance at local school, church and community activities. ‘I think people get some trust and comfort from that.?
Dr. Tim O’Neill offered a great way to explain what ‘urgent care? is all about. Patients should come to the after-hours clinic, ‘if it doesn’t require an ambulance but it can’t wait until morning.?
With the traditional caring attitude has come advances in technology. The offices recently converted to a new computerized information system. Work stations have computer terminals where doctors can check on the latest information on symptoms, treatment options and medication interaction.
Eventually, Baker said, all physicians will have the ability to issue prescriptions through hand-held computers directly to the pharmacy.
Clarkston Medical Group is located at 6770 Dixie Highway (at M-15). Pediatric clinic hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Adolescent medicine and internal medicine hours are 7 a.m.-9 a.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Urgent care is available 24 hours a day. Telephone is 248-625-CARE.