The Power of Personalized Care: How Dr. Jerry Chidester is Revolutionizing Medicine One Patient at a Time
Dr. Jerry Chidester, a plastic surgeon at the forefront of patient-centric care, has set out to revolutionize the way medical practices view and treat patients. As the oldest of four children with a mixed background, Dr. Chidester brings an appreciation for diversity and a unique perspective to his work.
Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Chidester attended an international school where he was exposed to various cultures and their approaches to healthcare and wellness. This experience profoundly impacted him and inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. As a plastic surgeon, he saw the need for a more patient-centered approach to care, where patients are treated as partners in their healthcare journey.
At his practice, Dr. Chidester aims to create an environment where patients feel comfortable and empowered to express their individual needs and wants. He believes that by listening to his patients and working collaboratively, he can provide more personalized care, leading to better outcomes.
Through his dedication to patient-centered care, Dr. Chidester is helping to revolutionize how medical practices view and treat patients. He is committed to being at the forefront of the change that is coming in patient care and inspiring other healthcare professionals to do the same.
“My practice is at the forefront of this change,” says Dr. Chidester, “It’s a subtle shift but one that I’m passionate about leading.” He adds that many other plastic surgeons may touch on this idea. Still, he wants to be at the forefront of this movement toward more comprehensive patient-centric care, especially in aesthetic surgery, where he is recognized as one of the leading experts.
Dr. Chidester’s approach to patient care centers on the belief that every patient has a unique story that must be understood before beginning treatment. He recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare is only sometimes effective and may even be detrimental to a patient’s well-being.
Instead, Dr. Chidester prioritizes listening to each patient, understanding their concerns, fears, and aspirations, and developing a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and expectations. To achieve this, Dr. Chidester schedules longer consultations with his patients. During these consultations, he asks thoughtful questions and listens to the patient’s responses. He also takes the time to educate the patient about their condition, treatment options, and potential outcomes and address any questions or concerns the patient may have.
This patient-centered approach leads to not only better physical outcomes but also better emotional outcomes. Patients who feel heard and understood are more likely to trust their healthcare provider, comply with treatment plans, and feel more satisfied with their overall care experience. Dr. Chidester’s patients report feeling more comfortable discussing sensitive health topics and more confident in their ability to manage their health under his care.
As Dr. Chidester points out, the importance of mental health in aesthetic surgery procedures was heavily overlooked in the past. Patients considering plastic surgery often have underlying psychological factors that motivate them to seek cosmetic changes. Surgeons must recognize that patients’ mental health is as important as their physical health and that a comprehensive approach to patient care is essential for successful outcomes. For his practice, that segment comes first. As per Dr. Chidester, being involved in the complete well-being of the patient is the number one priority.
He says that patient-centric care is changing the paradigm from profits to a more comprehensive understanding of the patients. For him, this means that surgeons are focused on the physical aspects of the procedure and the emotional and mental well-being of their patients.
“By taking a more holistic approach, surgeons can help patients achieve their desired outcomes while also improving their mental health and self-esteem,” says Dr. Chidester. “This approach ensures patients feel comfortable, supported, and heard. When patients feel understood, validated, and supported, they are more likely to have a positive experience and a successful outcome.“
Dr. Jerry Chidester is dedicated to ensuring all patients receive personalized care with respect for individual values and preferences while also providing education on preventative health measures they can take on their own. His passion for patient-centric care has led him towards revolutionizing how medical practices view their patients – as individuals with unique stories rather than just another name in a book or number on a chart – ultimately leading to improved outcomes for everyone involved in healthcare now and into the future.
McClatchy newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
