Episode 3: Primary Care As the Lifelong Foundation of Health

Covenant Health Conversations takes listeners inside Covenant Health with the physicians, leaders and team members shaping care across our region. 

Episode three features Alicia Brooks, MD, executive medical director for primary care, and Mary Wise, DO, family medicine physician. They joined for a conversation about the important role primary care plays in lifelong health.  

Together, they discussed everything from building trusted patient relationships to navigating today’s healthcare system and how technology is helping providers deliver more personalized care.  

Primary Care: More Than Just Annual Checkups 

One of the biggest themes throughout the episode was that primary care is about much more than treating illness. It’s about creating a long-term partnership that supports patients through every stage of life. 

Dr. Wise described primary care as a starting point for a patient’s health journey.  

“You come to us whenever you’re healthy and thriving and doing great, but then we are also there to pick you up whenever things are not going quite as well,” Dr. Wise shared. Those long-term relationships help providers recognize changes in a patient’s health and intervene early when needed.  

Dr. Brooks echoed that sentiment, noting that one of the most rewarding aspects of primary care is building relationships that can span decades.  

Prevention and Proactive Care 

The physicians also emphasized the value of preventive care and regular checkups, even when someone feels perfectly healthy. 

During a new patient visit, physicians take time to understand medical history, family history, lifestyle habits and health goals. These conversations create a foundation for identifying potential risks before they become serious problems.   

Dr. Wise explained that routine screenings, blood work and preventive services can reveal health concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed. “You don’t know until you check,” she said. 

The conversation also addressed a common misconception that patients should only seek care when something is wrong. Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider while healthy creates a support system that is already in place when unexpected health issues arise.  

A Connected System of Care 

Another key takeaway from the episode was the strength of Covenant Health’s integrated network of services and providers. 

From laboratory testing to specialty referrals, primary care providers help patients navigate the entire healthcare system. Because Covenant Health providers share access to the same medical record system, physicians can coordinate care more effectively and communicate across specialties.  

Dr. Brooks noted that Covenant Health’s urgent care locations serve as an extension of primary care. These clinics allow patients to access care when they need it while maintaining continuity with their primary care physician. “Having an urgent care that’s anchored into our system… there’s a benefit to everybody for them to communicate back to primary care,” she explained.  

The physicians also highlighted the many teams working behind the scenes, including front-desk staff, medical assistants, referral coordinators, lab professionals and imaging specialists. Together, they help ensure patients receive timely, coordinated care.   

Technology That Supports Better Care 

The discussion also explored how technology is improving both the patient and provider experience. 

Dr. Brooks and Dr. Wise shared their experiences using an AI-powered clinical documentation tool that creates notes from patient conversations. The technology allows providers to spend less time typing and more time focused on the patient sitting in front of them.   

“I get to listen. I get to pay attention. I get to make better diagnoses. I get to be more engaged with my patient,” Dr. Brooks explained.   

Dr. Wise added that advancements like AI and improved digital tools can help providers. It enables them to track important health information more efficiently and reduce the risk of critical details being overlooked. 

As Covenant Health continues investing in technology, both physicians believe these innovations will help create a more seamless healthcare experience. This allows providers to focus on what matters most: caring for patients.   

Compassion, Community and Lifelong Relationships 

Beyond the technology and clinical expertise, this episode ultimately centers on the human side of healthcare. 

Both physicians spoke passionately about the relationships they build with patients and the privilege of walking alongside them through life’s victories and challenges.  

Dr. Wise summed up the mission of primary care this way: “We want to be that connection for your lifelong journey in health.”  

Dr. Brooks added that primary care physicians serve not only as caregivers, but also as trusted guides. They help patients make sense of an increasingly complex healthcare landscape. She reflected on her personal goal: “I just want to be a source of clear information.” 

Listen Now 

Episode three offers an insightful look at why primary care remains the foundation of lifelong health. From preventive care and trusted relationships to innovative technology and coordinated services, Covenant Health helps patients navigate every stage of their healthcare journey. 

Take a moment to listen to episode three and hear directly from the physicians who are helping build healthier communities across East Tennessee.