We are thrilled to introduce Wesley Goodrich, DO, MPH, to our NMC Health Family Medicine – Valley Center team.
Dr. Goodrich is excited to return to NMC Health and the Newton/Valley Center area. A Bethel College graduate, he served as a registrar at NMC Health while completing his Masters in Public Health (MPH) degree.
He is dedicated to building strong, lasting relationships with patients, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being. Whether it’s managing chronic conditions, providing preventive care, or addressing acute health concerns, Dr. Goodrich approaches each patient with empathy, respect, and a holistic view of health.
Read on to learn more about Dr. Goodrich.
Why are you excited to join NMC Health?
Before medical school, I previously worked at NMC Health as a registrar checking in patients and working with the switchboard while completing my Masters in Public Health. I’m excited to be returning to NMC Health and to be working alongside old colleagues and new friends.
Why did you choose to have a career in healthcare?
You could say I took the “scenic route” into medicine. I took a gap year after college to do volunteer service where I developed a passion for healthcare working an administrative role alongside healthcare workers in the border region of Tucson, Arizona. This experience is what inspired me to pursue and MPH and subsequently, medical school.
What is your specialty, and why did you choose it?
I am a Family Practice physician. This choice was an easy one for me because I loved learning and practicing medicine in a variety of settings and wanted to have continuity with the patients I provide care to. Additionally, life and healthcare can be complicated, and I enjoy helping my patients navigate over the hurdles to be the healthiest they can be.
What inspires you to do what you do every day?
Every person matters; and if I can make a positive change in one person’s life, then this long, winding journey would have been worth it. Having said that, I hope to positively impact all those I interact with and my community.
What is your favorite thing about working with patients?
My favorite thing about working with patients is meeting them in the moment. Our health and that of our loved ones can evoke many questions and concerns. I feel that my job as a physician is to address, not only the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, but also the mental and spiritual aspects as well.
What is your top priority when providing healthcare?
I enjoy getting to know my patients, finding out what they like, and helping them achieve their own health goals. Additionally, healthcare is an ever-changing field. Keeping current on treatment developments and utilizing newer, evidence-based therapies, to help remove some of the burden and uncertainty on my patients is of utmost importance.
What are your favorite things to do outside of the office?
Outside the office, I am an avid bicyclist and have worked with many bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups to foster more active communities through bike paths, safe routes to school programs, handicap-accessible parks, etc. I am planning to work closely with Bike Walk Wichita and this community to continue these efforts.
My fiancé is also very active, and we have thoroughly enjoyed morning and evening walks, runs, and rides on the multi-use paths and parks.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering a career in healthcare, what would it be?
The best way to find out if a career in healthcare or any other field is for you is to try it out. Get a good sense of what the day-to-day is like and be honest with yourself about what brings you happiness and fulfillment.
What’s the best advice you received?
The early morning hours of the day are often just slept away. These are some of the best hours, without distraction, to reflect and be productive. This way you can start your day off on the right foot!
What’s one thing you wish every patient knew?
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” I want to keep people active and doing the things they love.
Dr. Goodrich is now accepting new patients! If you or your family is in need of medical care, we invite you to schedule an appointment and experience the outstanding service that Dr. Goodrich brings to our practice.
Meet Dr. Goodrich at a special “Rise and Grind” event on Friday, August 16, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at our Valley Center clinic. Enjoy a cup of coffee and refreshments on us, and welcome Dr. Goodrich to the community!
