Birthplace of the blues, not cutting-edge healthcare
September 23, 2010 1:14 PM Subscribe
Looking for integrative medical/alternative health care providers in the Mississippi Delta; Jackson, MS; or Memphis, TN. If that's not possible, I'd like to find conventional providers who work on women's health issues and are caring, nice, and open-minded.
I'm in the Mississippi Delta for the next few years and haven't been able to find anyone who seems like a good fit for me. I would like to find a general practitioner who is open to integrative medicine and alternative treatment methods; in an ideal world this person would be an OB/GYN. I've had a lot of trouble finding information, but surely there are others in this area who have a similar mindset. I'm not even looking for someone who's super woo-woo-ish -- just people who will take the time to explain to me what is going on, answer my questions, utilize all available treatments/approaches, and take into account my personal situation before injecting me with stuff and sending me on my way (this happened at the one doctor's appointment I've had here so far, and I'm not inclined to repeat the experience).
Holistic doctors aren't prevalent around here, but I am really hoping AskMe can hook me up. In particular, I need a gynecologist who has experience with pain issues, but I could also use a regular doctor or whatever else you can recommend. I can go as far south as Jackson or as far north as Memphis. Thank you!
I'm in the Mississippi Delta for the next few years and haven't been able to find anyone who seems like a good fit for me. I would like to find a general practitioner who is open to integrative medicine and alternative treatment methods; in an ideal world this person would be an OB/GYN. I've had a lot of trouble finding information, but surely there are others in this area who have a similar mindset. I'm not even looking for someone who's super woo-woo-ish -- just people who will take the time to explain to me what is going on, answer my questions, utilize all available treatments/approaches, and take into account my personal situation before injecting me with stuff and sending me on my way (this happened at the one doctor's appointment I've had here so far, and I'm not inclined to repeat the experience).
Holistic doctors aren't prevalent around here, but I am really hoping AskMe can hook me up. In particular, I need a gynecologist who has experience with pain issues, but I could also use a regular doctor or whatever else you can recommend. I can go as far south as Jackson or as far north as Memphis. Thank you!
Response by poster: That would be great, Countess Elena! Thanks.
posted by hansbrough at 7:15 PM on September 23, 2010
posted by hansbrough at 7:15 PM on September 23, 2010
I live in Memphis, and I feel your pain. I see the Nurse Practitioner, Leslie, at the Ruch Clinic (an OB/GYN group) in Germantown. The Ruch Clinic as a group is very medical model oriented, but Leslie is super nice and knowledgeable and will take all the time that you need to have your questions answered. Not an alternative medicine practitioner by any means, but a very good health care provider.
I also go to Dr. Brasfield on Eastmoreland in midtown Memphis, and I see the NP there as well. She suggested a Neti pot for my sinus infection, and that's about as wild as medical personnel get around here. Their office takes TennCare and seems to serve the poorer
population, but I have always gotten a high quality of care there.
These are the best health care providers that I have been able to find. And I would add that, no matter where you go, you're best bet for a caring and understanding practitioner is going to be an NP. At least, that's been my experience. Good luck!
posted by mudlark at 9:50 PM on September 23, 2010
I also go to Dr. Brasfield on Eastmoreland in midtown Memphis, and I see the NP there as well. She suggested a Neti pot for my sinus infection, and that's about as wild as medical personnel get around here. Their office takes TennCare and seems to serve the poorer
population, but I have always gotten a high quality of care there.
These are the best health care providers that I have been able to find. And I would add that, no matter where you go, you're best bet for a caring and understanding practitioner is going to be an NP. At least, that's been my experience. Good luck!
posted by mudlark at 9:50 PM on September 23, 2010
I never had use for a doctor while I was down there but having lived in the Deep South myself, I'd recommend that you get yourself to the Fondren neighborhood in Jackson or the town of Oxford, MS. They are basically the two most progressive places in the entire region and you might find sympathetic doctors or nurse practitioners advertising at coffee houses or by word of mouth. Keep in mind that doctors who are knowledgeable about alternative medicine and holistic methods may not advertise themselves as such, so as not to offend or alienate their primary base of patients. You gotta schedule an appt and just have an honest conversation. Living down there can be a delicate juggling act.
posted by caveatz at 10:37 AM on September 24, 2010
posted by caveatz at 10:37 AM on September 24, 2010
Response by poster: Living down there can be a delicate juggling act.
Whew, tell me about it! Oy. I appreciate the advice!
posted by hansbrough at 2:11 PM on September 24, 2010
Whew, tell me about it! Oy. I appreciate the advice!
posted by hansbrough at 2:11 PM on September 24, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
Have fun, relax, and try the hot tamales.
posted by Countess Elena at 4:25 PM on September 23, 2010