CHOICE is clear the

For many, when sickness strikes or a sudden injury occurs, the automatic response is to go to the emergency room.

However, there are other choices, such as Lake Regional Urgent Care.

“We try to replicate emergency room services as closely as possible,” says Dr. Raymond Dominick, medical director of all three LRUC locations (Leesburg, The Villages and, most recently, Mount Dora). “I would say we can perform about 95 percent of the same services the ER provides — and at a fraction of the cost.”

In addition to fast, affordable, and first-rate medicine, Dr. Dominick has an extensive emergency medicine background, which speaks to his level of expertise and care. A board-certified internist, he earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

From managing ER’s in Pennsylvania to working locally at both Leesburg Regional Medical Center and Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford, Dr. Dominick has spent the majority of his medical care in emergency medicine. He was even instrumental in establishing and developing the ER at West Marion Community Hospital in Ocala.

Dr. Dominick credits technology for changing the face of medicine. Now, emergency rooms aren’t the only place for immediate care.

“We have full labs, EKGs, X-rays, crash carts, pacemakers … LRUC is a true alternative,” he says. “I can do an EKG and in one minute tell if you’re having a heart attack. From there we can go right to the cath lab.”

For Dr. Dominick, medicine is his calling. He’s a longtime admirer of its process and his passion is evident in the quality of care he and his staff provide patients.

Dr. Dominick is also licensed to treat chronic pain and administer hormone replacement therapy. All locations are open seven days a week from 8:30a.m. to 7p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30a.m. to 5p.m. Saturday and Sunday.