How Breast Cancer Survivor, Meg, Found Trusted Follow Up Care at Covenant Health Fort Loudoun

After facing breast cancer once before, Meg Patterson knows how important it is to stay on top of routine screenings. 

So, when a new concern appeared on her routine screening, she didn’t wait. She turned to Covenant Health Fort Loudoun for support. She was quickly seen, evaluated and ultimately received the good news she hoped for. 

“We didn’t have to think twice,” Meg’s husband, Dave said. “If there was a concern, we were going straight to Covenant Health Fort Loudoun.” 

A Life Built on Caring for Community 

Before moving to East Tennessee, Meg and Dave spent decades serving their own community. They owned and operated an outdoor theater in California, showing films under the stars. 

“Rolling a movie and making popcorn is only a small portion of what we did,” Meg said. “Caring for people is really what we’re all about.” 

That mindset shaped how they see the world and how they recognize meaningful care when they experience it. 

Establishing Ongoing Imaging Care 

After moving to East Tennessee, Meg needed ongoing imaging as part of her breast cancer follow-up care. Her physician, Leah Dobbins, MD, family medicine practitioner at Covenant Health’s Fort Loudoun Primary Care helped her get set up with Covenant Health Fort Loudoun. 

“From the very beginning, I was impressed,” Meg said. “People were friendly. They explained things well. And I could get in and out of an appointment in about 20 minutes, which was incredible to me.” 

For someone with a history of cancer, that combination of efficiency and clear communication mattered. 

During one visit, Meg needed an ultrasound for a concerning finding. “They took me in immediately and met with me right then,” she said. “When you’ve had cancer, you know your risk is higher. Waiting is hard. So that meant so much to me.” 

Exceptional Support During Uncertainty 

Soon after, another appointment brought new worry. “There were things that showed up that were different from before,” Meg said. “And that was scary.”  

When the next available appointment was weeks away, Dave went to the hospital to ask if anything could be done. “I felt like they took this on as their concern, too,” he said. “Not just an employee helping me, but people who really felt the weight of what we were going through.” 

Within days, Meg had her appointment. “They got me in early in the morning,” Meg said. “Some staff even came in before their shift to make that happen. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated that.” 

Good News After Diagnostic Imaging 

When the results came back, the news they hoped for arrived: everything was fine. Meg shared, “We all rejoiced together. It felt like we were a team.” 

That moment reinforced something important: having high-quality care close to home brings peace of mind. 

The Impact of a Trusted Healthcare Partner 

“They made you feel like a person, not a number,” Dave said. “The department manager, Michelle’s leadership shows in her team. It’s not just a trickle-down, it’s like a waterfall. You can see her care in every person there. You can see it in the employees that she leads.” 

Meg agreed. “They’re not only excellent at their jobs, but they’re excellent at being human,” she said. Today, Meg and Dave don’t question where to go if they need care. 

“We don’t have to research,” Dave said. “We already know. If there’s a concern, we’re going to Fort Loudoun. Period.” 

Meg reiterated, “We’re just very thankful. To have this kind of care so close to home means everything.” 

Don’t Wait: Schedule Your Next Screening 

Meg now encourages others to stay on top of their screenings. 

“I had no family history. But because I went every year, they caught it early. That saved my life,” Meg shared. 

To learn more or schedule your next mammogram, talk with your provider or visit Covenant Health today.