Welcome Dr. Tang to the Arma Clinic!
Article courtesy of Hometown Girard
Launch the media gallery 1 playerGirard Medical Center Arma Clinic is proud to welcome family practice physician Doctor Joel Tang to the staff.
“The Arma/Frontenac/Mulberry/Franklin area has always been very loyal to Girard Medical Center and we searched for a physician who had highly-skilled and well-developed medical knowledge, as well as a kind, caring attitude. We’re so fortunate that we found those exact qualities in Dr. Joel Tang, and have no doubt he will fit right in with this community,” commented Michael Payne, CEO.
Dr. Tang was born and raised in Singapore, and recently moved to the United States.
“My wife and I came to America in 2010 for part of my medical training, and residency. After my residency, while we were looking for a place to settle and serve, a recruiter for GMC called me about the opening, and invited us for an interview. When we came for the interview, we were attracted to GMC almost immediately. Most of the personnel in GMC have been serving the community for many years; some have been there as long as 30 years. GMC's commitment to provide quality care to the community created a resonance,” Dr. Tang shared.
Dr. Tang’s desire to pursue medicine and work in a smaller, involved community stems from his upbringing.
“My pursuit in medicine started in a small village in Indonesia, located in the Mentawai Island. We were on a humanitarian medical mission to provide healthcare to a village which has limited access to medical care. I witnessed how preventable diseases and chronic diseases which are easily treated can be so detrimental to a person and his family. It is this hope to provide healthcare services to prevent this which has led to medicine. Hence family medicine, a specialty which delivers a range of acute, chronic, and preventive medical care services, became an obvious choice for me. “
His community choice was an important one.
“Growing up in the 1980s, my favorite sitcom was "Cheers". This community reminds me of the Cheers' theme song, "Where everyone knows your name", a place where everyone knows each other and willingly be involved in other's people lives and provide the helping hands when they can.”
In addition to bringing his medical skills to the community, Dr. Tang also speaks several languages.
“With my Asian background and ability to speak Mandarin and Cantonese, I can relate and provide the cultural sensitive care to the Asian community in Crawford County.“
Payne is extremely confident in Dr. Tang, and excited to see him enjoy serving the community.
” It’s important that a provider is comfortable in a small-town rural setting, and he definitely fits the bill. We know how excited he is to get to know his patients and get to work! He will be the driving force behind our long-term goal of ensuring residents of Arma and the surrounding areas have access to high-quality primary care in a convenient local setting.” Payne concluded.