Q&A with Dr. Coffey

Q. Why did you decide to become a physician?

A. Growing up, I always enjoyed helping others. I was raised in rural Kentucky on a family farm where we all worked together caring for cattle and various crops. My favorite daily task was feeding our cattle. I love animals and aspired to become a veterinarian. However, that changed when I started seeing a dermatologist as a teenager. Watching the dermatologist care for her patients and learning about the science of medicine, I realized becoming a physician would be a wonderful way to make an important difference in other people’s lives. I find working in medicine to be both professionally and personally rewarding.

Q. Why did you focus on family medicine?

A. In medical school, I enjoyed learning about all facets of medicine. As I rotated through the various medical specialties, I found myself always wanting to know more about the patient. Family medicine allows me to use my knowledge of many medical conditions and to look at the whole person. There are so many factors that affect people’s health; getting to know each of my patients ensures I have the full picture to provide the best care.

Q. How do you help patients reach their goals?

A. The best medicine happens when the patient and the doctor work closely together. My approach when meeting patients is learning where they are in their health journey and where they want to be. Then as a team, we develop a game plan. For instance, one of my patients was a long-term cancer survivor who struggled with mobility and headaches. I worked to set up in-office and home physical therapy, and I crafted a specialized medication regimen to correct his erratic blood pressure. All this led to fewer headaches, more sleep, and a better quality of life. It’s a great feeling to see patients progress toward their goals, and having the services Kaiser Permanente provides is a real asset in making that happen.

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

A. I love traveling and spending time with family. I also enjoy biking, gardening, hiking, and crafts. I love exploring new cultures and have volunteered on medical mission trips to Honduras and Central Brazil. Both trips were very humbling experiences that I will never forget.

Q. What do you want patients to know about Well Friendship Heights?

A. Well has the feel of personalized care, in an urban setting, with Permanente Medicine values. We focus exclusively on primary care at Well, and everyone you interact with is committed to your health. Well Friendship Heights is moving Kaiser Permanente care closer to where our members live and work to help us to all thrive together.

Q. What do you want patients to know about you?

A. I enjoy being a traditional family medicine doctor focusing on preventive care and practicing evidence-based medicine. I appreciate the opportunity to care for every patient and look forward to working with them to find their own state of Well, whatever that may be for them.

Learn more about Dr. Coffey here.