For Jeffrey Goodsell, MD, a family medicine physician in Glastonbury, becoming a doctor married two of his passions: a deep interest in science and a love for one-on-one interactions with other people.
“I loved the body sciences, which put me on a path towards medicine. And the longer I was on that path, the more I found a sense of fulfillment from helping people, whether it’s simple stuff like addressing a straightforward acute problem or helping people manage very complex medical issues.”
Dr. Goodsell recently opened Fireside Primary Care, a new family medicine practice that gives him more time to really focus on personalized care. After 10 years of working in a traditional primary care setting, Dr. Goodsell is seeing fewer patients. That means he has time for longer appointments, to answer questions, and to really get to know his patients.
“I needed to change what I was doing in medicine to find a different model – one that would help me to better serve patients,” he says. “I felt like I didn’t have the time to spend with people to really delve into their issues.”
Dr. Goodsell is affiliated with MDVIP, the national leader in personalized care. In his new MDVIP-affiliated practice, Dr. Goodsell has the time to offer same-day and next-day appointments that start on time and can last longer.
He also has new preventive tools through the MDVIP Wellness Program. Patients take part annually in the comprehensive preventive care program, which includes advanced screenings and diagnostic tests designed to identify risks earlier. The tests are not usually covered by commercial insurance or offered by most primary care doctors.
Dr. Goodsell uses the results of the tests to customize a wellness plan that patients can use to lower their risks and improve their health.
“I think the MDVIP model gives me the time that I need to help patients meet their health goals and to take the time to figure out what is it you're looking for in your health — now, a year from now or five or 10 years down the road,” Dr. Goodsell says.
“Preventive care is important because it can help you not only live longer, but it lets us focus on how I can help you live your best life and feel the best so that you can do the things that make your life worth living, that bring you joy and fulfillment each day for as long as possible.”
Patients in MDVIP-affiliated practices like Dr. Goodsell’s experience better outcomes, according to 10 published studies — from 72% lower hospitalization rates to fewer heart attacks and strokes for at-risk patients. Patients are also happier: 97% are satisfied with their doctor-patient relationship compared to just 58% in traditional primary care practices.
Dr. Goodsell is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He went to medical school at the University of Virginia Medical School. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Susquehanna in Williamsport, PA.
He says he chose family medicine because it allows him to see entire families. “I really love linking together various members of a family across generations. It's been very rewarding to meet parents, grandparents and siblings, and then use what I learn about the larger family situation to inform what might best fit the needs of the individual.”
Gaining insight into an expanded family context helps Dr. Goodsell understand the individual better and personalize their care. “That's not something you can get just walking into an urgent care.”
He also likes the variety that family medicine provides. He’s not just focused on one organ or organ system.
“I have enjoyed everything in medicine to some degree and didn't want to be pigeonholed into one particular area. I like to look at the person as opposed to focusing exclusively on, ‘What is the heart doing?’ I want to see how Nancy is doing, how is Jim feeling. How can I help Jim be his best and get all the rest of the parts to go along with it ?”
Outside of the practice, Dr. Goodsell is focused on his own family. “I've got four young kids so we are always jumping around to different kids' activities. I get so much fulfillment in being a dad and in trying to be a good husband and father at home.”
His wife, Margaret, helps run the practice. She previously had a cookie-decorating business, but uses her entrepreneurial skills to keep Fireside Primary Care running smoothly. The family has lived in Glastonbury since 2018 and really loves the community, from its festivals to its parks to its emphasis on education. “All of our kids are in the Glastonbury school system, and we have been consistently impressed with how much support there is in the schools for our kids .”
Dr. Goodsell’s new practice is located at 148 Oak St. You can learn more about the practice by going to mdvip.com/GlastonburyCT.
“I needed to change what I was doing in medicine to find a different model – one that would help me to better serve patients."