Losing the main family-practice doctor to a mercy mission in Afghanistan has prompted some temporary changes at the Kauai Medical Clinic’s North Shore Clinic in Kilauea. Already extremely busy, the Kilauea clinic has shuffled doctor schedules to make up for
Losing the main family-practice doctor to a mercy mission in Afghanistan has prompted some temporary changes at the Kauai Medical Clinic’s North Shore Clinic in Kilauea.
Already extremely busy, the Kilauea clinic has shuffled doctor schedules to make up for the temporary loss of Goodman and a potential increase in patient counts associated with the closing last month of the Princeville Medical Clinic.
The Princeville Medical Clinic is referring patients to both the North Shore Clinic and Dr. Marilyn Roderick in Hanalei.
In a letter sent out to all current North Shore Clinic patients, Dr. Charlotte Hunter of the Kilauea clinic outlined the changes the clinic has instituted to meet the demand for North Shore medical services.
Family practice, podiatry, dermatology, pediatrics and other services continue to be offered, but on a modified schedule during the time Goodman is away.
“Jeffrey Goodman, MD, has answered a desperate call for help from the people of Afghanistan, and has been assisting in setting up medical services in several provinces around Kabul,” Hunter wrote.
“In 1987 and 1991, Dr. Goodman worked in Afghan refugee camps and developed rapport with the people, as well as some strong friendships. He returns with the same commitment to help, and has begun a journal of his journey, which he invites you to read by visiting his web page at www.compumaxcomputers.com/jeff,” Hunter continued.
In family practice, Hunter is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Dr. Melinda Menezes available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Another family-practice physician will be temporarily added to the staff, with the name, hours and days to be determined later, said Lani Yukimura, Kauai Medical Clinic spokeswoman.
Podiatrist Dr. Tyler Chihara is available the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (call 246-6900 for appointments), and pediatrician Dr. Paul Ross is available each Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dermatologist Dr. Thomas Potter is available every other Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (please call 246-6900 for appointments), and certified physician’s assistant Sally Moore, who specializes in dermatology, is at Kilauea Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (please call 246-6900 for appointments).
For all other medical professionals, please call 828-1418 for appointments.
“To better serve you, I would like to encourage you to make an appointment before coming to the clinic, since we are not able to block time for ‘walk-in’ patients,” Hunter wrote.
“We will make every effort to work you into our existing schedule for urgent problems. Please inform the receptionist of the nature of the urgency, and we will make every effort to schedule you within 72 hours (on the same day whenever possible),” she continued.
“I would also like to encourage you to call us three days in advance when you need a prescription refilled.” Hunter concluded by thanking patients for their patience and understanding during the temporary schedule changes.
