DR. JEFF BULKLEY

Seeing patients over video from a makeshift home I often am asked by patients and friends, “When will office I set up in my garage is not how I originally you be going back to how things used to be?” My pictured myself practicing medicine. However, despite answer usually involves a degree of ambiguity and some of the initial challenges, I’m fortunate to be able shifting to a “new normal,” one that will be the result to work with an organization that strives to help of how the COVID-19 pandemic changes the way we patients while keeping them safe and distancing do things forever. In addition to the many advantages them from potential community of telemedicine during this time spread of the COVID-19 virus. "There is no better time than for convenience and safety, our Mosaic’s COVID-19 response team continues to rise to the now to optimize one’s health clinics are still open during the week to see those many patients daily challenges that present and promote wellness as the who need an in-person visit. I themselves in this unprecedented novel coronavirus seems to am constantly reminding my time in our lives. target those most vulnerable patients, as well as friends and loved ones, that it is safe to seek We have rapidly shifted for the to poor outcomes." medical care when needed. safety of our staff and patients, implementing changes such as I’m saddened to hear the recent the integration of telemedicine, supplying the needed statistics stating that the number of hospitalizations equipment for our staff and providers to work from from stroke and heart attack have declined since home, launching Drive-Up Care (for immunizations, the COVID-19 pandemic began. This is not because labs and other services), home blood pressure people are having less heart attacks or strokes, they monitoring protocols, and many others. Flexibility is a simply aren’t seeking medical care for them. There necessity as we continually check and adjust given this are also predictions of an uptick in cancer diagnoses ever-changing environment. I have to admit though, in the coming years as patients are fearful of pursuing the feelings of uncertainty and fear can’t be ignored as routine health screenings. There is no better time than no one has a blueprint for this. now to optimize one’s health and promote wellness as the novel coronavirus seems to target those most vulnerable to poor outcomes.

We are all in this together. It should be emphasized that despite the belief of many, this deadly virus is present in our local community and we all need to work together to decrease the risk of spread while working to promote health, prevent disease and optimize those with chronic medical diseases however possible.

Jeff Bulkley, DO is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and practices with Mosaic Medical in Bend. He is committed to developing strong patient-physician relationships to support patient wellness and disease prevention. As a native Central Oregonian Dr. Bulkley enjoys many outdoor activities with family and friends.