Helping Children live healthy and vibrant lives is a shared mission among Dr. Ana-Maria Temple’s team at Integrative Health Carolinas. According to Kelley, Director of Health and Wellness, witnessing this mission come to fruition is extremely gratifying and provides a sense of purpose.
Kelley Gilbert joined Integrative Health two-and-a-half years ago and believes that building the right team is an invaluable part of your business and pertinent to growth.
“Your team really is the foundation of your practice. You can be the best doctor in the world, but if you have a team member who doesn’t fit in with the practice that’s going to hinder your growth and you’re not going to be able to get to where you should be.”
The instantaneous bond between Kelley and Dr. Temple has strengthened over the years and this connection plays a major role in which individuals are given the opportunity to take part in the teams’ mission.
“Dr. Temple wants to make sure who she hires will not only be able to do their job well but will also fit into the team. We all want to have positive energy around us, and we all share common core values that brought us to working together in the first place.”
Karen Joyce, Nurse, was the first to join the team and helped Dr. Temple start the practice. Anne Poutier, NP, took a proactive approach and made it known she was interested in a position. Brittney Fullenwider, Patient Coordinator and former kindergarten teacher is Dr. Temple’s niece and a big hit with the kids. Lindsay Kingdon is the Online Programs Health Coach and Jake, Dr. Temple’s son, is the Office Assistant. Last January Dr. Temple’s husband, John, quit his job and joined forces with her to lend a hand in taking the practice to the next level.
Every Wednesday this amazing pediatric team gathers for five hours to discuss the blueprints of their wellness revolution. Some of the things they address are patient care, marketing and money. They end the session with a one-hour training course and Kelley says that this is the highlight of their week.
“We all really look forward to those training. Thirty minutes is dedicated to what we call a spotlight moment where we reflect on how our office values have played a role in a patient’s life. It’s the most important part of our week and no matter what happens, we don’t interfere with that.”
Having a positive work culture is key and the Integrative Health team nurtures this by gathering for retreats, holiday parties and games, but what plays the biggest role in keeping them tightly knit is moral support.
“We check in on each other. We’re all on a team text and know what’s going on in each other’s lives at all times. And when somebody needs help, everyone steps up and there is never silence. Everyone is always like, I’ll do that. I’ll chip in.”
Though the team works hard at lifting each other up, even the strongest are not immune to challenges. Recently, several obstacles arose as a result of the pandemic, the most prominent being the quick shift to virtual.
“That was something we all had to learn. I’ve always avoided technology like the plague, and this made me realize that if you want to survive in the modern-day business world, you have to be comfortable with it.”
Before going back to school to become a health professional, Kelley’s education was geared towards business and this has led to an appreciation for the statistic tracking and accountability that FPC teaches.
“I think you can see why so many practices fail. It’s because they don’t have the business behind it. So, I think by FPC stepping in, it’s definitely changed our practice. I’ve seen Dr. Temple use it and follow every single thing, even when it was painful and even when she didn’t want to. And that’s how she’s grown.”
Kelley had a unique perspective on making an impact and called the changing lives mission “a movement.” For her, the ripple effect starts with children.
“They are the future and they are the seeds of tomorrow. So, having it start with them is something that I think we all feel connected to.”
There is unmistakable leadership among the team over in Charlotte. They are committed to the success of their practice and take ownership of their roles and even their attitudes.
“Your energy can be felt by other people. Every time I walk in, I try to be cognizant about the type of energy that I’m bringing to the office, to my team, and to the practice members. You are the energy that’s in the room.”
If you are, I have good news! We can get you results like this. It won’t be easy, nor will it happen overnight, but I’ve seen it happen so many times that I can tell you that’s it’s possible.
You’ve got to be hungry, driven, up for the work, listen more than you talk, complete more than complain, implement plans more than you announce them, and show up daily with a beginners mind. If you’re ready, it’s time to get to work!
