Dr. Mark L Gillett, MD, is a distinguished family physician who has dedicated his career to helping patients of all ages achieve and maintain optimal health. Growing up in Kansas, Dr. Gillett knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in family medicine, driven by a passion for supporting the wellbeing of individuals across all stages of life.
Dr. Gillett earned his degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, laying a strong foundation for his medical career. He then completed a three year residency in family medicine at the University of Texas, honing his skills and deepening his commitment to patient care. Following his residency, he worked in emergency departments in Texas for two years, gaining valuable experience in acute care.
Dr. Gillett's journey continued as he joined College Park Family Care Center, where he served as a primary care physician. His dedication to his patients and leadership qualities led him to serve as chief medical officer of this esteemed medical group for many years. During this time, he enjoyed the unique experience of working alongside his son, Dr. Kyle Gillett, who is also board certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Together, they provided comprehensive care, with Dr. Kyle delivering babies for some of the patients Dr. Gillett had originally delivered two decades earlier.
As Dr. Gillett's practice grew, he faced the challenges typical of many primary care physicians.
“I knew I wanted to be a family physician so I could help patients of all ages live healthy lives,” says Dr. Gillett. “My traditional medical practice had grown to the point I was fully booked for more than a year. It was getting hard to take care of thousands of patients, which is typical for most primary care physicians. After health insurance companies began putting more restrictions on what imaging studies, lab tests and medications they would help pay for, Kyle started Gillett Health, which is a concierge and direct primary care practice. These types of services require a membership and don't replace traditional health insurance. It takes healthcare to a new, higher level.”
Dr. Gillett embraced this new model that allows him to spend more time with each patient.
“After recently joining Gillett Health with my son and a group of outstanding providers and staff, I have decided to limit my practice to only about five hundred patients. I plan to spend the next 10-15 years practicing medicine in this manner, as I really enjoy being able to spend a lot more time with each patient, focusing on helping them achieve their goals of vigorous health. Testing available through Gillett Health makes it much easier for me to customize an individualized medicine program for each person.”
This comprehensive testing enables them to customize care plans based on each patient's unique factors.
“In my previous practice it was often a struggle to get insurance companies to pay for the needed testing in order to figure out why my patients did not feel like they were reaching their full health potential. At Gillett Health it is easier for me to evaluate each person's particular metabolic, genetic, environmental, nutritional and other unique factors in order to come up with a plan to help them achieve a more energetic, optimal state of full health.
“The lab, imaging and medication discounts available through Gillett Health allow me to evaluate health concerns in greater depth for a fraction of what these tests often cost through traditional medical insurance companies. This allows me to treat my patients very effectively. This new approach allows me to take someone's medical evaluation to a significantly higher level, and enables a person to actually be restored to good health rather than just be prescribed medication to try to partially cover up the symptoms of underlying health problems.”
Dr. Gillett shares personalized tips for his patients wanting a happier, healthier life.
“I am able to focus on what we like to call the “Pillars of Good Health.” These include various techniques to help achieve great sleep, focusing on eating the right amounts of the right foods for each person's individual metabolism, getting the right amount of the proper kinds of exercise at a level of intensity that is appropriate for that particular person and managing stress by paying attention to social, spiritual, emotional and psychological aspects of life. For example, volunteering at a charity aligned with an individual's own values, from time to time, often pays tremendous dividends in a person's overall social outlook and enjoyment of life.”
Gillett Health is located at 6807 West 121st Street in Leawood. For more information, visit gilletthealth.com.
I am able to focus on what we like to call the “Pillars of Good Health."