The Veranda Celebrates its 60th Anniversary
Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
This month, The Veranda marks 60 years of providing quality health care to Albany women and their families. Dr. John Inman Jr. opened a solo medical practice in obstetrics and gynecology in the summer of 1952. Over the next sixty years the practice added more physicians, more specialties and more services. Today The Veranda provides ob-gyn, family medical, children’s medical and endocrinology care, and offers spa and wellness services through its Mint Julep Day Spa.
“It shows how much the field of medicine has changed. With so many regulations and mandates, the solo physician practice is practically an extinct business model today,” said Dr. John Inman, III, CEO of The Veranda and the founder’s son.
Serving Generations of Families
The Veranda added physicians and specialties over time because patients indicated a need for family medical and children’s medical via surveys and interviews. According to Dr. Inman, they subsequently “seized an opportunity to bring a hometown girl and endocrinologist into the practice.”
“I’d say what we’re most proud of is that we’ve provided wonderful care to several generations of families in Albany. It’s a compliment to us when children and grand children of patients come to us for care.”
Dr. Inman also takes pride in the family atmosphere that exists among The Veranda staff. Many staff members have been with the practice for 20 or more years. Every staff member takes ownership for resolving patient questions or issues. Dr. Inman compares it to the customer service mentality at the well-respected Ritz Carlton Hotels and says, “Our patients appreciate the quick response.”
Looking Ahead to the Next 60 Years
According to Dr. Inman, some of the biggest changes ahead for medical practice are on the business side of the practice. Tremendous uncertainty surrounds U.S. health care including the Supreme Court ruling expected in June on the constitutionality of the individual insurance mandate in Obamacare as well as subsequent actions that could be taken by Congress, health insurance companies and large employers that provide much of the health care coverage in the U.S.
“I think 2014 will be a pivotal year as we see the national health care plan unfold,” said Dr. Inman. “Until then we just have to be flexible and ready to adapt to change.”
On the medical side, Dr. Inman foresees greater focus on patient health rather than on fixing a problem. Preventative care is significant and brings with it an array of opportunities for further service expansions. “We added a Center for Medical Weight Loss and that has been very successful with participants losing 6,000 lbs. through the end of last year. They are on track to lose a similar amount this year,” Dr. Inman said. “Next we’d like to try a nutrition-driven cholesterol program and in general, continue to push on the wellness platform.”
Celebrating With The Veranda
There are multiple opportunities for patients and the Albany community to join in The Veranda’s 60th anniversary celebration. On May 10th, The Veranda will celebrate with treats in its lobby for patients to enjoy. Later that day, it will host a private reception for friends, colleagues, community partners and staff. The Veranda will also share special insights and memories on its Facebook page beginning this month and the Mint Julep Day Spa is offering a special anniversary spa package beginning mid-May.
More information on The Veranda is available at www.theveranda.org.
The Veranda Physicians
