American Family Medical puts ‘family’ in health care

Dr. Charles Overturf, D.O.

American Family Medical: PUTTING THE 'FAMILY' IN FAMILY MEDICINE

Going to the doctor too often is an impersonal and frustrating experience where you are treated more like a number than a patient. At American Family Medical in Ocala, the medical staff strives to make their patients not only feel like valued clients but like family. Led by Dr. David Oliver, D.O., who came to Ocala in 2005, American Family Medical is a full-service family practice with a diverse staff that aims to not only treat its patients but to get to know them, too. “We make it our goal to learn something special about each of our patients, so they know they’re more than a number,” said Oliver, who has two other physicians and a nurse practitioner in the practice he started in 2008. “So hopefully when our patients come here, they feel like they’re talking to family.” In addition to Oliver, other American Family Medical staff members include Dr. Rafael Rosa, M.D., Sabrina Graham, APRN, and the newest member of the team, Dr. Charlie Overturf, D.O. Oliver moved his practice to it’s current location, at 1750 SE 28th Loop in Ocala, in 2012, and recently opened a second location, at 4600 SW 46th Court, Suite 380 to serve the greater Ocala area. Overturf brings the latest medical specialty to American Family Medical – actu-

Dr. Rafael Rosa-Algarin, M.D. ; Sabrina Graham, APRN; Dr David Oliver, DO; Dr. Charles Overturf, D.O.

ally, two specialties. The 31-year-old Palatka native is both a pediatrician and an internal medicine specialist. It expands the already lengthy list of medical services that the practice provides.

“I chose a specialty in Internal Medicine combined with Pediatrics because it allows me to provide expert medical care to all ages of patients I enjoy treating.”

Overturf, who did his residency at USF,

also trained at multiple hospitals which include Tampa General, Moffitt Cancer Center, and John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He learned the most currently advanced treatments at these respected institutions and his dual specialties allow him to provide health to any age group.

“Charlie brings a level of care and expertise to Ocala that is excellent,” Oliver said. “I saw something special in him.”

Rosa, who hails from Puerto Rico and has been part of the American Family Medical physicians’ team for six years, is a Spanish-speaking general practitioner. He is a former emergency room doctor and also worked in the state prison system as a physician. When asked about his philosophy regarding physician-patient relationships, Rosa also talked about family. “I get to know the patients very well,” he said. “As a family practitioner, you need to know the family.” He went on to explain that ailments and diseases often are hereditary, and the more a doctor knows about his patient’s family, the better he can diagnose or simply be aware of potential problems.

That approach to patient care is in keeping with Oliver’s professional philosophy, which is:

“We are committed to a thorough evaluation of our patients, which includes a hands-on approach to healthcare. With a complete understanding of a patient, we can apply cutting edge technology with friendly advice to make your experience at our prac-

“We make it our goal to learn something special about each of our patients, so they know they’re more tice one that is pleasant and helpful.” than a number.” Graham, a mother of two who has been with the practice for 4½ years, said she sees the results of the American Family Medical ‘s philosophy every day in the patients she treats. “My entire family switched over to here because they wanted care, not just a doctor but care,” said the Army veteran-turned-nurse practitioner. “And we have a lot of families, entire families that come here – three or four generations. So, we get to know people.” Oliver said his goal is not only to provide quality, personal health care, but to do so “with compassion, love and integrity.” That American Family Medical has such a demographically diverse staff is no accident. “Our focus is to meet the needs of the community based on a wider demographic as well as ethnic backgrounds,” he said. “We’ve

Sabrina Graham, APRN,;Dr. Rafael Rosa-Algarin, M.D.; Dr. Charles Overturf, D.O.; Dr. David Oliver, D.O.

Dr David Oliver, D.O. Sabrina Graham, APRN Dr. Rafael Rosa-Algarin, M.D. Dr. Charles Overturf, D.O.

“We are committed to a thorough evaluation of our patients, which includes a hands-on approach to healthcare.“

hired people who fit the practice well and the community’s needs. Having a staff with varied backgrounds brings a well-rounded experience for the patient.”

Among the services American Family Medical provides, according to office manager Constance Wilkins, LPN: • Health exams for all ages. • Chronic care management. • Ultrasound diagnostic testing. • Spirometry. • Sports medicine. • Lab tests and services. • Urgent express care services. • Women’s health services. • Dermatology screening and management. • In-office injections. • Televisits. • Clinical trials.

“It’s really about managing a patient’s well-being from head to toe,” Wilkins said.

American Family Medical remained open and treating patients throughout the COVID_19 pandemic, rather than resort to remote telemedicine care. They even had a high-tech air filtration system installed to ensure greater staff and patient safety.

Beyond treating Ocala patients, Oliver and his team also participate annually in the Mission Para Cristo to Nicaragua, where they provide health care to the people there.

“I see our work as an extension of my Christian faith, and my patients are part of God’s creation, and it’s my job to treat them as such,” he said.

So, if you want a family practice doctor who emphasizes “family,” check out America Family Medical. They are accepting new patients and can meet your complete health care needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT 352/351-4634, or go to their website at ocalafamilydoctor.com