As the foundation of a healthy population, primary care plays a critical role in our healthcare system. From managing chronic conditions to offering preventive care and emotional support, a strong relationship with a primary care provider can be a game-changer for long-term health outcomes. Yet, many people struggle to find the right fit. Lauren Dennis was one of those people until her experience with Dr. Raechel Evans at Stillwater Medical Physicians Clinic.
Dennis arrived with a constellation of health issues spanning different body systems, carrying the weight of previous medical encounters that left her feeling unheard and unsupported. She said leading up to the appointment, she felt anxious and feared her health concerns would be dismissed.
From the moment she met Zach Millspaugh, the first medical assistant she encountered, something felt different. A simple conversation about her running goals – training for an ultramarathon – helped ease her initial tension. This small gesture of human connection set the tone for an extraordinary medical experience.
Dr. Evans emerged as more than just a medical professional. Dennis said she was a problem-solver, an advocate and a compassionate listener. When Dennis brought forward multiple complex health concerns, Dr. Evans didn’t rush or minimize. Instead, she approached each issue with careful attention, providing immediate solutions and creating comprehensive plans for more complex problems.
“I was blown away with how Dr. Evans made me feel seen and heard. All my problems had been addressed, I even received a call back to discuss options within 30 minutes of leaving my appointment. She gave me the comfort that I needed from a primary care doctor,” said Dennis.
Stacie Smith, a licensed practical nurse working with Dr. Evans, was on the other end of that phone call, as all the staff worked together to address Dennis’s needs. This brought her comfort knowing her primary care team was already looking into her concerns, not only with insurance but also referrals for surgeons within her network.
In many regions, particularly rural or underserved urban areas, there is a shortage of primary care physicians. When individuals have access to reliable and effective healthcare services, they are more likely to receive early diagnoses, appropriate interventions and ongoing management of chronic illnesses. All of this leads to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
Stillwater Medical Center is committed to serving the healthcare needs of north-central Oklahoma by partnering with physicians like Dr. Evans to provide quality, compassionate care.
“I can think of fewer things that give me more joy than helping my patients live a healthy, thriving life. That’s what I get to do as a primary care physician. I also get to be there in times of sickness and health decline. Those are hard moments that are much easier to navigate when we do so together,” Evans said.
Her initial draw to a career in medicine came after one of her teammates battled cancer. While going through medical school, she fell in love with women’s health, taking care of children and the whole family. That led her to focus in family medicine.
“Families are the heart of any community. I love family medicine, especially here in Stillwater as I am getting whole families, sometimes up to 3 generations. Getting to know the families and providing care for them is a true honor that I take very seriously. I give each of my patients dedicated time and attention because through listening, I’m able to learn from them,” Evans said.
For Dennis, this approach made all the difference. She said she’s grateful for Dr. Evans’s commitment to finding solutions, demonstrating a proactive approach that goes beyond the typical medical care Dennis had received previously.
“As a woman you have to advocate for yourself often. It’s awesome to now have a doctor that is willing to do that for me, too – that just met me – and is more than willing to advocate and navigate my health concerns,” Dennis said.
Having someone who understands your medical history, preferences and health concerns can make all the difference. If you need a primary care physician, Stillwater Medical has a list of providers to choose from at www.stillwatermedical.com.
Stories like these remind us of the fundamental purpose of medical care: to support, heal and empower individuals. The value of a lasting relationship with a trusted primary care provider is a road worth traveling for the sake of your health—both now and in the future.
