Kelsey-Seybold providers and staff celebrated the Dec. 8 opening of Greater Heights Clinic by welcoming several new and current Kelsey-Seybold patients.
The first patient of the day was Neida Montez, who had an appointment with Managing Physician Courtney Sutherland, M.D., M.B.A. Dr. Sutherland was recommended to Neida by her sister, who has been under Dr. Sutherland’s care for over 10 years.
“I love this clinic because it is close to my work. I don’t have to travel far,” Neida said.
While there are several Kelsey-Seybold clinics within the I-610 Loop, the strategy for opening this clinic was to provide access to high-quality, primary care for those who work and live in the Joint Center Greater Heights area.
“The Greater Heights area has needed a Kelsey-Seybold presence for years. It’s exciting to know that we are able to make our high-quality healthcare accessible to residents in the area,” said Clinic Administrator Tyrone Johnson. “Kelsey-Seybold is a one-stop shop. We provide a different level of healthcare for our patients. Being able to come in and know your doctor, and to be treated like family, is what I love.”
Tyrone originally started his Kelsey-Seybold career at the Pearland Clinic 12 years ago. He moved to the Pearland Administrative Offices Building and then to the Cancer Center before becoming Clinic Administrator for Greater Heights.
“To see the clinic come together, to meet the patients, it’s all exciting,” Tyrone said.
The clinic, located at 1900 N. Loop W., occupies the fourth floor. The new location serves patients in Greater Heights as well as those living and working in Garden Oaks and Oak Forest.
“Kelsey-Seybold strives to offer care that goes above and beyond. I’m pleased with what we have to offer here in Greater Heights,” said Dr. Sutherland. “In addition to primary care and a laboratory, we offer services such as mammogram and bone density tests, which are so important. We’re right off I-610, so it’s easy to get here as well.”
The grand opening was a busy day for Dr. Sutherland and for the other three providers at the clinic: Puja Gandhi, M.D., Internal Medicine; Xuyen Phan, M.D., Family Medicine; and Tiorra Johnson Ross, M.D., Pediatrics.
Dr. Gandhi said that before Kelsey-Seybold came to the Heights, the area was like a “clinic desert,” referencing “food deserts,” or urban areas where it is difficult to get high-quality food due to the scarcity of resources and the high population density.
“Just like there are food deserts, I think this area is a ‘clinic desert,’ Dr. Gandhi said. “Having a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic here will allow people to get their primary healthcare needs met.”
