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About One Family Doctor
About a Different Sort of Medical Practice

Our medical system is broken! The economics of this system -- not bad doctors -- have resulted, among other problems, in offices Ideal Micropracticewith long waits for an appointment, long waits in the office, rushed visits, different practitioners for every visit, and lower quality medical care. We can't fix everything in individual practices, but some local doctors are working on new approaches to help. This practice is guided by the ideas of a group of doctors trying "Ideal Micro Practices." That means utilizing very low overhead costs and high technology to provide safe, effective, patient-centered, efficient, timely, and equitable care. So what does all this mean that you'll find at One Family Doctor?

First, one doctor. That's it. Just me. No receptionist, no nurse, no accountant. I take your calls, answer your questions, and talk with you about payments. Oddly enough, that means that I can spend more time learning about you and your needs. As the practice grows, I may add staff, but only if it actually helps me spend more time, not less, with each patient.

Second, limited ancillary services. I do some tests in the office, but not those that take a lot of staff time, are used infrequently, or are available locally. Those all equal extra overhead costs and result in test overuse. If there is enough need for a particular service, I will consider adding it.

Most importantly, as a patient of my practice, you should find:
  • I will see you myself.
  • I will see you promptly, usually today.
  • I will be available for urgent issues nearly all the time.
  • I will see you on time, except for the rare urgent issue that interrupts.
  • I will schedule enough time to discuss concerns that are important to you.
  • I will give you access to excellent information.
  • I will help you reach your best health potential.
I am human, and the systems that help me achieve these things are new. So if you feel I am not living up to these goals, please let me know so I can work on it!

This sort of practice is not for everyone. Please think about whether it fits for you. For more detailed information, please visit the INFO tab.


About John Watts Haresch, MD

Portrait Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine

Residency Training: Mountain Area Health Education Center Family Practice Residency Program, Asheville, North Carolina

Medical School: Doctor of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Medical School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Graduate School: Master of Arts, Andover Newton Theological School, Newton, Massachusetts

Undergraduate School: Bachelor of Science, Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, North Carolina

Beyond training and credentials, I am interested in providing quality medical care and finding a way to obtain it for everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Outside of medicine, I am thankful for my partner and children and any day I can find to go scuba diving, skiing, hiking, or reading one of the many good books waiting on me!
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