If you’re a mom and you’re reading this, please know that you are doing a great job! Your children adore you, and they deserve to have you—healthy and vibrant—for many years to come. I welcome you to explore becoming a member of Darien Signature Health. As a busy working mom myself, I will always respect your time and your priorities and do everything possible to streamline your care. I understand how natural it is for moms to position themselves last on the must-do list…and it would be my privilege to place your care at the very top of mine. ~Jennifer Drummond
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have two beautiful daughters, Julianna age 5 and Jacqueline who will be 2 very soon.
What brought you and your family to town?
We were previously living in Greenwich, where my husband was born and raised. We moved to Darien a few years ago because we needed more space for our growing family. We were thrilled to find a place near my in-laws so that our children can grow up in close proximity.
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
I love that we have a small town, and you can basically get anywhere in 10 minutes. We have nice beaches, awesome playgrounds, a great library, and excellent schools. Our neighborhood throws block parties a few times a year which brings everyone together.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
My girls are at the age where they love to play. Whether its outdoors at a park if the weather permits, or indoors somewhere like Stepping Stones, The Maritime Aquarium, or CAMP in the Sono Collection. Also, we love a good parade!
We understand you recently transitioned your medical practice from working as a hospitalist to practicing personalized medicine. Can you share with us a bit about your path?
I first started practicing medicine as a hospitalist, exclusively caring for sick patients who were hospitalized with an acute illness. While it was rewarding to see someone get better and be able to go home, our connection was often brief. No sooner would I get to know someone than they would be discharged, and I might not see them again for a few months or years or maybe ever. I wanted to make a change to outpatient medicine, which I had always loved, and practice it the way I had envisioned it in medical school. Unfortunately, the reality is that pressure from both insurance companies and large healthcare systems means many physicians must care for an overwhelming number of patients every day. That pace makes it very challenging for any physician to practice medicine well. When I learned about concierge medicine, I realized that it was the only model that would allow me time to connect with my patients and provide them with the prompt attention and personalized care they deserve.
You are a Doctor at Darien Signature Health, Inc. Why did you choose to join this team?
I chose to join Darien Signature Health because it is independently run by an extremely knowledgeable and compassionate female physician, Dr. Amanda Collins-Baine. As a concierge, or membership medicine model, Darien Signature Health is designed to stay small and personal, and I knew I would have ample time to get to know each patient well and offer truly individualized and wholistic care.
The practice offers Concierge Medicine services. What are some of the benefits of this offering?
Each patient receives a yearly 90-minute physical, with time to answer every question, address every concern and develop an individualized plan for wellness and preventive care. Sick visits are likewise extended, and available the same or next-day. Health care emergencies are unpredictable and invariably happen after hours, so my patients have peace of mind knowing they can contact me directly on my cell phone or by email at any time, and receive a quick, caring response. I also personally call my patients to discuss their test results, normal or otherwise. The result of being able to offer as much time as needed are better outcomes, fewer visits to the ER or urgent care center, and best of all, the opportunity to form an incredibly strong and enduring physician-patient relationship.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Two pieces of advice have stuck with me over the years.
My sister-in-law is a Navy wife and mother of three with a robust mom squad. She assures me that as long as everyone is alive at the end of the day and your children know you love them, then you’ve done a great job! It doesn’t matter how you all got there, it doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s not always pretty.
When I became a mom for the first time, my pre-natal yoga teacher, who is also a doula, advised me to take as good care of myself as I will my precious little baby. I am thrilled to be in a private concierge practice where my work-life balance makes it possible to unstintingly support other moms and make it easier for them to take care of themselves. It’s the best way I know to pay it forward.
How do you unwind when you need some “me time?”
I like to take a walk, connect with a friend over the phone, or schedule a coffee date.
Anything to add? Feel free to add whatever you want the readers to know!
What means the most to me about practicing at Darien Signature Health is that I can care for each patient as if they were a cherished family member, and that’s exactly how I think of them.
We love supporting local businesses. Favorite places in town (or near town) to…
Have dinner with/without kids: 1020 Post: good food, great service, and accommodating to children if they’re in-tow.
Grab a drink with friends: Bodega Taco Bar
Have a date night: Villa Italia in Stamford
Spend time together as a family indoors/outdoors: Honestly, we love hanging out at home or in the back yard when the weather is nice. My in-laws and my stepsister are nearby, and I just love a full house!
Shop for yourself/shop for your kids: You can find me in Palmer’s at least once a week
Spa/salon (or anywhere you go to treat yourself):
Grab coffee: I love Caffe Nero, it’s so cozy.
Any hidden treasures or other favorites you want to share? I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Hands On Pottery in Darien as a creative outlet for myself or the kids.
To learn more about my practice, visit www.dariensignaturehealth.com, or call 203-286-5604 to arrange a complimentary ‘meet and greet’ appointment with me.