ETSU Medical Residents at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic

Dr.Spears
Dr.Cox

This past year, we have been able to strengthen our relationship with ETSU Quillen College of Medicine. We have formed a partnership with them to host residents at the Clinic. The collaboration between Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic and medical residents creates a mutually beneficial connection. Residents gain a deeper understanding of the real-world impact of their work and the importance of community-based care. Meanwhile, their contributions provide a lifeline to the clinic, allowing it to expand its reach and touch the lives of even more individuals in need.

The Clinic has long been a place for the uninsured in need of quality healthcare. The medical residents who choose to join us, dedicate their time and expertise to serve the community. They provide an invaluable role that helps give hope to our patients in addition to our amazing clinical staff.

During their time at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, the residents are offered a unique opportunity to enhance their clinical skills and broaden their understanding of healthcare disparities. They gain valuable experience in managing a diverse range of medical conditions while collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals. Medical residents not only experience professional growth but personal growth also. Engaging with patients from different backgrounds and witnessing the impact of their work on vulnerable communities fosters personal growth and empathy. Residents learn to navigate cultural sensitivities, communicate effectively with patients facing language barriers, and develop a deeper understanding of social determinants of health. These invaluable lessons mold them into well-rounded physicians who are better equipped to address the complex challenges in healthcare.

The impact of medical residents serving at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic extends far beyond their immediate interactions with patients. By providing compassionate care and improving health outcomes, these residents inspire hope in the community. They serve as role models, encouraging others to pursue careers in healthcare and contributing to the growth of a more compassionate and inclusive society. Their dedication sets a precedent for future generations of medical professionals to prioritize service to the underserved.

Tom Kincer, MD, Associate Dean for Rural Programs and Professor of Family Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine quoted, “Valued relationships really do exist. It’s even better when everyone involved benefits and this is what ETSU Family Medicine Residency Programs have with Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic in Sevierville. Our resident physicians have spent the last year with the providers and staff at Mountain Hope providing excellent medical care to a grateful patient population while receiving an education in primary care and community outreach. We look forward to another wonderful year with our valued community partner.”  

We are extremely grateful for this new relationship that will be on going. We are already very excited to receive our next group of residents who will make a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.

SUE-ELLEN-Web

Remembering Sue Ellen Riddle

In Memory of our Clinic co-founder, Sue Ellen Riddle

         Our staff and board of directors remember the impactful contributions of our Clinic co-founder, Sue Ellen Riddle. Her journey speaks to her vision to be guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and have an impact on the health and wellbeing for all uninsured living and working in Sevier County. As a result of her commitment and dedication, over 30,000 individuals have received healthcare at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic. Sue Ellen taught us the value of unwavering faith and the impact one can have on a community when following their servant’s heart. Her actions were always centered around how she could help others and never about personal recognition or gain. You always experienced endless energy and love when in her presence. May we continue to follow the path and guidance she established for our Clinic to always value all human life and provide compassionate and professional healthcare. What a blessing to have experienced Sue Ellen’s servant journey that will have a lasting impact on our hearts and community.

Deb Murph

Executive Director

Cream Brown Breast Cancer Awareness Instagram Post (1)

Surviving and Thriving in the Lord

I never thought much about dates and the significance of remembering where I was when something happened. But I do remember the date of my last mammogram. April 26th, 2022. I had let some years pass since my previous one, approximately six years to be exact. But I started to think about getting a mammogram after a young woman in the church had gotten hers and then urged her Mom who was in my Sunday School class to get hers. In an unusual twist, they both were positive, underwent treatment together and will always be connected by their diagnosis.

I got a 3-D mammogram and was very impressed with the technology and the ease of which the mammogram took place. I was to get results in a week. I arrived at my home and got a call from my sister that my mother, who was in hospice, had taken a turn for the worse and had only hours or at most, days to live. I did a quick pack and off I drove to Maryland. I saw my Mom that evening, she was miserable.

The next morning, I got a call on my mammogram results. Something was spotted and a diagnostic mammogram would be scheduled upon my return. The hours became days, and the days became a week and Mom turned the corner and returned to a good place in which she could smile, recognize us and we shared our love for one another.

Back to Tennessee I came. The diagnostic mammogram resulted in a biopsy, the biopsy confirmed cancer and I was scheduled for a partial mastectomy which was more akin to a lumpectomy. After the surgery, I had to wait for healing before radiation would begin. Radiation started six weeks after the surgery and lasted 4 weeks. I was able to schedule the radiation treatments at the end of my workday which was so convenient.

I never once doubted that God’s plan was in play. He took away any anxieties and replaced them with joy and appreciation. God provided me with His vision to see the goodness in His people and I was loved in new ways. It is during such times as these that I know we can be messengers of God’s hope and love.  It has been a privilege to represent Him during this unexpected side trip, but I recognize His working on my behalf every day and I truly have felt His presence every bit of the way.

God is good all the time, all the time God is good! I believe this!

Julia’s Dad- His Story

Julia is a staff member here at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic. She is our Director of Community Services and Quality. Her dad passed away last year from Covid and we wanted to make sure his story had a permanent place.

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“Once there was a man who loved God and his country. He fell in love, married and he and his wife had three daughters. He served his country with his family at his side in many nations around the world for a lifetime and eventually returned and retired in the USA until he died in September 2021.”  

It is short, to the point and without emotion. I can say this quickly and as a matter of fact. But wait, there is more there that deserves to be said. I will have to open my heart and share more of myself with you for you to better understand this man and what he meant to me.  

One year ago, on September 19, 2021, Don Wickstrand, my dad, passed from this world to the next due to complications from Covid. Words have been left unsaid because we have yet to have his memorial service. This is to occur at some point in 2023. But my thoughts continue to try to wrap my mind around the loss of my beloved Papa San, a year later. (I called my Dad, “Papa San,” because I was born in Japan during my dad’s tour of duty. “San” is a respected term used for elders in the Japanese culture. The endearment just seemed to stick during all these years.) 

Dad was a first generation American, born to Swedish immigrants, Edna and Oscar Wickstrand in Portland, Oregon in 1934. Grandpa Oscar was an experienced tradesman, Grandma Edna was a stay-at-home Mom, who started their family later in life. Dad was their second born son, and within a few years he would be their only son after the unexpected death of his older brother, Kenneth.  

There was so much that Dad learned in these formative years that he passed on to his daughters, and we in turn taught our children these values: love God, put your family first, do your best, honor your parents, work hard, save up, be honest, help others, lead by example, and serve your country.  

Dad taught us that our wounds enable us to make a difference, to listen with love, and connect with others. Sometimes our hardest times become a place from which to live a good life. Even if it is not an easy life. We learned that experiences become part of our stories. And we can use our stories to nourish others and support one another. These are times when our story helps us to live more fully.  

My dad was an infinite resource to me. He was a kind listener and listened with gentle ears. That was such an encouragement. He listened to every word I spoke; he followed my twists and turns before expressing his support of my conclusion, which usually resulted in tough decisions. He never spoke of perfection because he knew it was not achievable, he did not want us struggling to become something we were not. He loved us for what we were and embraced us more for what we were becoming. 

His life was characterized by a focus on health, reverence for life, courage, and love. He was a man of integrity. His “yes” meant “yes” and his “no” meant “no.” I clearly see all these attributes during his life, but perhaps more enhanced during the last year of his life. I replay all the interactions I had with him up until his death to try to make sense of any unknowns. He knew his body was failing and he had just a while to live. It was his voice that directed his choices during the last few days of his life. He was ready. He called each of us to let us know how much he loved us, how proud he was of us, and that we were the best daughters he could have ever hoped for… a gift that equals none other. 

For the most part, I see a part of dad in my everyday life. In those moments, I do not grieve, I just enjoy him. There is comfort and reassurance in those times. Although, I can retreat at times and miss him desperately, these times are unexpected and catch me off-guard. It is like I touch a shadow, pause, but then I turn and run into the light. I think these times are becoming less as I reflect on our shared experiences.  

I can clearly see his story continue all around me in the lives of my family … in expressions, mannerisms, reactions, opinions, and the many memories shared through their stories.  In an odd way, I think that if I had left the first paragraph stand alone and did not share the feelings behind it, I would have missed the opportunity of your getting to know my Papa San through these words. Perhaps in sharing, something mentioned has changed one of your thoughts, words, actions or just lingered. And this would mean that my dad’s story has touched your story.   

I am grateful, thankful, and blessed that dad is a big part of my story. His story is not finished. This makes me look forward to his memorial service in which I anticipate meeting some people that can tell me about their experiences with my dad because a part of his story is interwoven in their story.  

 

This is one of the greatest comforts God has given me. 

September- Suicide Prevention Month

September- Suicide Prevention Month

Here at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, we understand the importance of mental health. We have expanded our behavioral health services and now offer therapy visits. We see the great need for this resource and are planning to increase our services. There is a new national lifeline for Suicide and Crisis. The number is 988. We want to always let people know there is hope. Please let us know how we can help.