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Physician brings experience to health department Clinical Care By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer Feb. 22, 2002 - Last December the Lincoln County Health Department gained more than 30 years of experience in just one day. Dr. Donald L. Copeland, a 67-year-old retired physician, joined the department late last year, bringing new ideas and augmenting the department’s team of doctors, says Donna Norwood, adult services coordinator. And, she says, Copeland quickly made himself at home. “Patients love him,” she says. “He just sits down and takes time. They just really appreciate his bedside manner.” Copeland, who works at the clinic Tuesdays and Thursdays, joins Dr. Torbin Seear and Dr. Tom Smith on staff. All of the physicians work part-time at the department. Smith treats patients in the pediatric clinic, while Copeland and Seear provide adult health care. Copeland has practiced medicine at several hospitals, including Lowrance Hospital in Mooresville, Baptist Hospital and Forsyth Memorial Hospital. The physician says his work at the health department is not unlike his last private practice, Lakeside Family Medicine in Cornelius. “The main difference is I had regular patients. This is more transient,” he says. Copeland hopes to add new services and programs in the Lincoln clinic. One of his focuses will be on metabolic syndrome, a condition brought on by poor nutrition and lack of activity which often leads to diabetes and heart disease. “The number one problem in America is nutrition,” Copeland says. “I think people need to know more about health.” Educating the public on better nutrition, he believes, is the key to avoiding both diabetes and heart disease. The doctor also hopes to establish diabetes prevention programs. Part of the education process — a statewide effort to detect breast and cervical cancer in its early stages — is already being implemented. Through the program, Copeland and Seear conduct mammograms and cervical screenings for women who qualify by age and financial need. But, Norwood says, the department provides services for patients of all socioeconomic backgrounds. “With the addition of Dr. Copeland to our staff, the health department is better able to serve the needs of uninsured, underinsured and patients without a primary care physician,” she says. All services at the health department are not free, but many tests and vaccines can be provided without cost. “We’re not trying to be an emergency room or take the place of private practice,” says Norwood. “But we are trying to fill in the gaps in health care.” ————— For more information about clinics and screenings at the Lincoln County Health Department, call 704-735-3001.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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