Primary health care facility now open in North Huntsville

The health care infrastructure in Huntsville got a boost today when Huntsville Hospital cut the ribbon on Physician Care North Huntsville near the campus of Alabama A&M University.

This new primary care facility fills a critical need for students, employees and families in an area that has historically had fewer convenient options for care. The opening comes as a solution to an ongoing conversation between AAMU trustees regarding a significant lack of medical options in North Huntsville.

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Physician Care North Huntsville improves health care infrastructure

This institution would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of AAMU trustees member + vice president Tracy Doughty and AAMU President Daniel K. Wims. Doughty is the Executive Vice President of Madison County Operations for Huntsville Hospital Health and a recent addition to the AAMU Board of Trustees.

The two’s attention to a growing need for medical intervention in an underserved community was the catalyst for this opening:

“I would like to thank new trustee and executive vice president Tracy Doughty. This idea did not occur in a vacuum. It came out of years of conversation between he and I, and I am personally indebted to him for the work he did to make this vision possible.

I sold him on the idea that we have somewhat of a food desert and a health care desert, and we needed to do something about it. This facility is a monumental step forward for North Huntsville and the families who call this community home.”

_{Daniel K. Wims, AAMU President}

“This clinic is about access. It’s about making it easier for people in North Huntsville to get the care they need close to home.

“While this clinic is located adjacent to Alabama A&M University, it was created to serve every neighbor in North Huntsville and beyond. Together, we’re creating something that will benefit every student, employee and family, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

_{Tracy Doughty, Executive Vice President of Madison County Operations for Huntsville Hospital Health + member of AAMU Trustees}

Physician Care North Huntsville will serve patients ages 18 and older and provide health care services such as:

• Preventive screenings
• Annual physicals
• Employment and sports physicals
• Immunizations
• Chronic disease management
• Sick visits.

The new clinic will be led by provider Tammie Smith, PA, an alumna of Alabama A&M University.

The 3,200-square-foot facility includes five exam rooms and one procedure room. While the clinic is near AAMU, the facility is opening to serve the entire community, regardless of age.

“Our mission is to bring primary care and preventive services closer to neighbors across our community. That is exactly what Physician Care North Huntsville will do.

Whether someone needs a routine checkup, help managing a chronic condition or care for an unexpected illness, having a trusted provider nearby makes it easier to get the right care at the right time.”

_{Dwayne Mathis, executive director of the Huntsville Hospital Physicians Network}

Physician Care North Huntsville will begin seeing patients Monday, June 15, by appointment only.