Why It’s Important to Build a Long-Lasting Relationship with Your Healthcare Provider

When you see your physician regularly, your overall health is maximized because you and your healthcare provider have a better understanding of your health history. In addition, they communicate with the specialists that you see, they take notice of changes in your health more readily, and they keep track of any screenings or tests that you are due to take.

Dr. Martha Sheils is a family medicine practitioner who specializes in providing regular check-ups and screenings. She treats ages 12 to 112+ and builds quality relationships with her patients to help maximize their overall health and treatment plans.

Dr. Sheils sheds light on her practice and what’s important to her in patient care.

H&W: Share with us a little information about your background.

Dr. Sheils: I was born and raised in Miami. I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare because I’m naturally inclined to help others, and I love science and how the body works. Being a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine allows me the opportunity to treat the “whole” person in a traditional sense of medicine and also in a more holistic approach. Blending these two practices provides patients with optimal care and outcomes.

After I completed my training in Miami, I moved back to the west coast of Florida and lived in the Bradenton-Sarasota area for 20 years. We moved to Tampa Bay three years ago to be closer to our three adult children.

H&W: How do you view each patient?

Dr. Sheils: I approach all of my patients as if they are family. I try to guide and help them make better decisions for their overall health. But I always tell them, “I can preach all I want and explain why it’s critical to make lifestyle changes or get regular lab work or screenings, but it’s still up to you to take action.” In my practice, we do our best to help each and every person in a positive way and supply them with the tools they need to maximize their health.

H&W: I understand the office is moving to Carrollwood, and you’re taking over Dr. Marty Odom’s practice.

Dr. Sheils: Yes, Dr. Odom was here for a very long time, and his patients loved him, so we will have to do our best to carry on Dr. Odom’s tradition. I believe that once patients have their initial visit with us, they will trust and understand that we are here to help them in many aspects of their health.

H&W: You came to Florida Medical Clinic in November of 2021; how has your experience been with FMC so far?

Dr. Sheils: WONDERFUL! It’s a very positive place to be a part of a team. The healthcare my peers and I provide and the specialties we offer are exceptional. Our standards are incredibly high, and we have access to everything we need to practice medicine in a safe environment within state-of-the-art facilities. Florida Medical Clinic does a really great job of supporting the patients and physicians.

Florida Medical Clinic
At Florida Medical Clinic, we are dedicated to one very important thing. Keeping you healthy. And that’s because we look at healthcare through a simple but very different lens. We offer a comprehensive range of preventative care services and chronic disease management programs to get – or keep – you healthy. Our team of compassionate and experienced medical providers routinely monitor your health. By proactively identifying gaps in care, we can get ahead of medical concerns before they become medical conditions. This is the kind of healthcare that keeps you focused on what’s most important. Enjoying your life.

Martha E. Sheils, DO
Dr. Sheils is a board-certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) in the department of Family Medicine at Florida Medical Clinic. Before joining FMC, Dr. Sheils served as a Captain of the United States Air Force Reserves. As a family medicine provider, Dr. Sheils specializes in helping patients manage all aspects of their health—from regular check-ups to preventative medicine, chronic care management, women’s health, and much more.

Florida Medical Clinic
813-908-5253
www.floridamedicalclinic.com