Your Incredible Neighbors: New area doctor makes house calls

Bringing back a medical service that was considered the norm in the mid-20th century, Dr. Patrick Lawrence offers house calls and hospice services as part of his new medical practice Soulistic Medical Institute.

Working as a team with R.N. Aladi Goodman and Clinical Psychologist Marayeh Cunningham each are also interfaith ministers. The team also includes licenses personnel who provide nursing services, massage therapy and palliative care.

A primary care physician with over 30 years general practice and family care experience Dr. Lawrence makes house calls to one’s home, nursing homes, assisted and independent living facilities as well as to adult care and group homes and says he’s always accompanied by Goodman.

When treating a female patient who may be at home alone, a patient tends to be more comfortable having a female nurse present, and Lawrence said he always makes calls with Goodman accompanying him.

The team accepts Medicare, but being true to their interfaith minister beliefs clinical psychologist Cunningham said, “We would never deny services to anyone who couldn’t pay.”

While focusing on geriatric ailments Dr. Lawrence said he has no age limitations. “We work as an interdisciplinary team… my hope is to help people not go to a hospital.”

More than offering house calls, the Soulistic Medical Institute is a local, nonprofit and independent hospice. Lawrence said when treating a hospice patient the team’s focus is keeping the patient at home—if that is the patient’s wish.

Hospice care is covered 100 percent by Medicare, he said.

Local, small, non-profit and committed to serving Santa Cruz and Southern Pima County Soulistic Medical Institute has a team of caring professionals who provide 24/7 nursing services as well as palliative care and stress-reducing massage and Reiki therapy.

For wheelchair bound patients requiring blood tests or X-rays, Lawrence said the team coordinates services and will call in a mobile unit when needed.

Asked if there is any medical philosophy he and the team subscribe to Lawrence said, “We salute the soul. The best parts of people are not measurable.”

Backing up this statement,. Goodman said Lawrence doesn’t over-prescribe medications. “He uses discretion; it’s something people like. He takes costs into consideration,” she said.

For those who may wonder if they need hospice care the team has a 10-question, yes-no survey to help determine if one is eligible. The team will readily come to evaluate a patient, Lawrence said.

There is no age limitation for hospice care.

Goodman said with so many healthy seniors volunteering their services Soulistic Hospice is looking for volunteers to sit with or read to patients, run errands and help with meals and shopping.

For those with a warm and caring heart who would like to serve as a volunteer Soulistic Hospice provides a training program that’s free of charge.

Voted Sedona’s “Best Physician” in local newspaper’s Reader’s Choice Awards before moving to Tubac this Spring Lawrence strives to serve the soul as well as the body.

Summing up the team’s compassionate care and services Goodman said, “What we’re doing shouldn’t be abnormal. To have a doctor listen to you should be normal.”

For medical services Dr. Lawrence and his team can be reached at 398-9054; for hospice care the team may be reached at 398-2333.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.