Twenty-five years keeping Houston County’s urgent care running right

Kimberly Ham, MD has worked as an urgent care physician for 25 years, quickly moving up the ranks to now be Emory Healthcare’s Medical Director for the Med Stops in Warner Robins and Perry.

She has served as Medical Director since 2020. Before, she was the Physician Advisor from 2018-2020.

Ham is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians while maintaining certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support.

“I provide clinical leadership and ensure that every patient receives timely, compassionate and high-quality care,” she said. “I guide and support and support our Med Stop providers, fostering a culture where empathy and clinical excellence work together.”

In her role, she also coordinates a care plan collaborating with patients, families and their interdisciplinary team making sure folks feel heard, supported and connected to the resources urgent care offers. She said she is involved with care after discharge as she helps those patients through the next steps in the healing process.

Ham’s day usually consists of a 12 hour shift working alongside a wonderful, collaborative team. She said they take a team based approach to ensure patients receive care efficiently and effectively.

“Our shared goal is to provide the appropriate level of care for each individual while maintaining a supportive and positive environment for both patients and staff,” she said. “We are grateful to serve the community and help bridge care between urgent and emergent care needs by directing patients to the most appropriate level of care.”

Ham said the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact and stood out as one of the most challenging parts in her career.

“[The pandemic] strengthened my faith and reaffirmed why I chose this profession,” she said. “The hours were long, expectations were high and there were many unknowns, but we pushed through and emerged stronger as a team and as a community.”

Ham’s overall interest in working with people is when she knew she wanted to work in healthcare. She said she has always enjoyed building relationships while also being in a position to help others when they need it the most.

She thanked her coworkers for being there for her every step of the way.

“I am fortunate to work alongside a dedicated and compassionate team, and I truly enjoy caring for and supporting the community I live in,” she said.

Ham felt honored to be nominated as Emory Healthcare’s Hometown Hero. She shared she loves her profession and is grateful to have that recognized.

“Knowing that I can help my patients through all walks of life, including those who are unable to access their doctor’s office during the day or after hours is what motivates me,” she said.

Ham said treating pneumonia early to avoid a hospital visit or caring for a fracture or sprain are a couple examples that bring her satisfaction in her work.

“It is rewarding on many levels,” she said. “As a physician, I enjoy the mental challenge of medicine and the fast pace of the urgent care environment.”

Overall, Ham said her colleagues, coworkers and patients are the reason she loves this profession.

“They inspire me every day,” she said.