Columbia Gorge Family Medicine, a doctor-owned practice in Hood River, is marking its 40th year of operation. Founded by Dr. Paul Sanders four decades ago in a modest house on June Street, the practice has expanded significantly while maintaining its independent, locally-owned structure.
Growth and Ownership Model
The practice has evolved through multiple locations, moving to Pine Street before establishing its current facility at 1750 12th Street in 2018. Today it is owned and operated by five physicians: Tony Gay, Matthew Sperry, Jessica Porter, Tyler Gray, and Peter Benziger. The practice employs a full support staff including a registered nurse, physician assistants, and behavioral health experts.
What distinguishes Columbia Gorge Family Medicine is its ownership structure. According to the source, only 35% of doctors’ offices are owned by the doctors who work there, with most of those being solo practices. The practice emphasizes on its website that it is “Independent. Locally Owned,” a distinction that shapes its approach to patient care. Dr. Sanders noted that most medical practices are owned by corporate entities such as hospital groups, private equity firms, health insurers, or pharmacy chains—pressures that do not apply to a doctor-owned practice.
Patient-Centered Philosophy
Executive Director Lindsey Kuipers explained that doctors at the practice answer to their patients rather than to a corporation. This model encourages lifelong care for families and allows owners to make financial decisions based on their philosophy of inclusion and access to quality healthcare.
Dr. Tony Gay, who has been with the practice for 35 years, articulated the practice’s priorities: “When you’re in a small practice where the doctors run the show, your priorities are doing what’s best for medical care and for your community. We need to do enough financial stewardship to run a business, yes, but it’s not our primary goal.” The physicians provide comprehensive care from pediatrics to geriatrics, including obstetric services. According to Gay, the practice adjusts hours, fees, and operations to serve Hood River County residents and aspires to be a “Patient-Centered Primary Care Home” that nurtures long-term doctor-patient relationships.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/news/columbia-gorge-family-medicine-turns-40/article_07bd45ff-6ae9-40a7-bac9-30e62b20a66d.html