“I’m here because my wife made the appointment.” This refrain—or something very similar—is one Ben Stahl, MD, hears all too frequently. He says that in his experience, he often encounters men who only seek medical attention at the behest of their spouses. Stahl is not alone in this; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in 2001 that men are 30% less likely to visit the doctor than women. Experts say the trend still holds, even though the data is a few decades old. While there is some debate around the reasons for this tendency, many medical experts say that it needs to change if men want to live longer, healthier lives.
Stahl attributes this phenomenon to men's focus on their careers and family responsibilities, often to the detriment of their own well-being. This tendency to prioritize external obligations over self-care can lead to delayed diagnoses and exacerbated health issues in the long run.
To combat this trend, Stahl encourages men to take a proactive approach to their health, starting as early as their twenties. He emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups, which gradually increase in frequency as a person gets older. By encouraging men to take an active role in their health from a young age, Stahl says those practices will become lifelong self-care habits and can help reduce the need for more intensive care in the future.
This concept of patient empowerment through education and engagement is central to Stahl's approach. With each patient, he seeks to understand an individual's priorities and values, tailoring his care accordingly. He’s found this improves a patient’s motivation to participate in the process. Drawing parallels to financial planning, Stahl encourages his patients to view their health as an investment in their future quality of life. Just as they would consult a financial planner to secure their economic well-being, he urges them to proactively manage their physical health to enjoy the fruits of their labor in retirement.
A shift in perspective like this is often needed to get men to take their healthcare seriously, Stahl says. To address common concerns men may overlook—issues such as fatigue, mood disturbances, or decreased desire—he emphasizes the importance of routine screenings, including comprehensive blood work. By identifying potential underlying problems, such as low testosterone levels, he can offer personalized interventions ranging from lifestyle modifications to medical treatments like testosterone replacement therapy.
Stahl established Boerne Family Medicine in 2009, hoping it would be not just a healthcare facility but also a cornerstone of the local community. As a 1995 graduate of Boerne High School, Stahl's roots run deep in the town. Together with his wife and four children, he not only runs the practice but also actively contributes to the fabric of Boerne's life. His dedication to his hometown reflects his commitment to providing personalized care that transcends your typical clinical visit.
As a family medicine practitioner, Stahl is driven by a curiosity for all aspects of health. His decision to pursue family medicine stemmed from a desire to understand and address the diverse array of health concerns that individuals face. In his view, no single area of medicine dominates; instead, every facet contributes to a comprehensive understanding of health and well-being. This philosophy is reflected in the approach he champions at Boerne Family Medicine, where patients receive care that encompasses the full spectrum of their health needs.
The clinic serves people in every stage of life, from infants to seniors, and typically sees between 500 and 600 patient visits each month. Stahl affectionately jokes that they see patients "from diapers to diapers," underscoring the practice's commitment to lifelong care. However, Stahl's vision extends beyond reactive medical interventions. Embracing a new approach he refers to as “Medicine 3.0,” he is committed to preventive care and lifestyle improvements as cornerstones of his practice.
At the core of Stahl's practice is a collaborative, honest, and goal-oriented approach to care. His goal is to empower each patient to become an active participant in their health journey. Through education, engagement, and proactive interventions, Stahl especially hopes to set men free from the constraints of preventable health issues and equip everyone with the tools they need to lead a vibrant, fulfilling life.
boernefamilymedicine.com | 830-331-8585 | 112 Herff Rd., Ste. 110
Men are encouraged to view healthcare as an investment in their future quality of life.