Dr. Jake has been a close friend of mine, and for years, we’ve discussed him launching a concierge practice, in NYC to cater to an entire family’s health needs, from pediatrics to adult care. Jake has been an ER Doctor for over a decade, so he has dealt with everything and anything you can possibly imagine, and loves his job. He is the doctor we all dream of, incredibly precise, brilliant, kind, thorough, with the most charming bedside manner. So, imagine that coupled with 24/7 individualized care for any wound, infection, virus, or unknown illness!
I’m constantly getting emails and calls from friends wanting a doctor who comes to their home, as busy moms are multitasking with work, and constantly on-the-go, therefore very susceptible to illness. Oakwood Concierge is all about convenience. Using telemedicine, Dr. Jake makes it possible to triage, diagnose and treat without the traditional office-based practice. Additionally, he has at-home lab testing such as phlebotomy and prescription delivery services! For more serious conditions that require x-rays or surgical procedures, he also has his Manhattan offices available to his lucky roster of clients.
I’m not sure if any of you experience your husband’s or partners avoiding the doctor completely, like I do, but this service offers such a great solution to keeping them healthy, without having to leave the office or home. Dr. Jake is literally changing healthcare with a more progressive approach, one that truly meets the needs of the modern family.
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Launched 2019.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I’m an ER doc by training, with 15 years of experience taking care of every imaginable problem for my patients in the hospital setting. Subsequently, in 2014 I founded CURE Urgent Care with 3 offices that treat 4,000 patients per month! The idea to create the Oakwood practice came as a result of my desire to create a modern concierge practice that combined my expertise as an ER doctor and the customer service side of medicine in which my urgent care was founded. Friends, colleges and patients always asked if I "could be their doctor," Now I am able to provide my expertise as a patient's private physician, with a totally revolutionary approach to practicing medicine.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
Oakwood is all about convenience. One-on-one interaction with myself via direct physician access makes being sick painless. Using telemedicine, it is possible to triage, diagnose and treat without the traditional office-based practice. My patients don’t have time to waste running all over the city when they are under the weather. Additionally, Oakwood members know their doctor, and I know all the patients in this limited-size practice, making individualized and focused care the standard of what we do. At-home lab testing such as phlebotomy and prescription delivery services set the Oakwood bar very high. Additionally, should more complex problems come, which may require x-ray or sutures, these types of services can be performed in one of my Manhattan offices. No primary care doc can offer this level of expertise.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
You have to be outstanding when it comes to peoples’ healthcare - NO EXCEPTIONS!!! I thrive on taking great care of my patients and really LOVE what I do. I believe this is a winning approach to medicine. My expertise in training as an ER physician, paired with a unique approach to practicing is unlike any other medical practice in NYC. We are paving the way to the future in health care and the response has been tremendous!
How do you positively impact your clientele?
Oakwood has a core value of preventative medicine. In addition to treating illness, I believe in the importance of wellness and prevention not typical of Western medical practices. Keeping my busy clients healthy and educating them on ways to not only improve their health, but live and feel better is the best benefit of membership.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love surpassing people’s expectations. Unfortunately, most people don’t associate exceptional experiences with their health care. Frankly, it’s an all-too familiar reality of modern medicine. Too many people reiterate that their doctor is never available, and their office is inconvenient or antiquated. Oakwood is anything but that! I take care of people when they are home, traveling and everywhere in between. We use modern technology with electronic medical records and HIPPA compliant patient portals.
Helping my clients navigate being ill and making them go “wow” is the standard. Let me offer an example - A patient has a UTI, and is traveling to London in 24 hours. We address the illness and have a script for the infection, and nausea medications delivered same day. At the same time, my lab has dispatched a courier to collect a urine culture to ensure that the infection will be adequately treated. We may also deliver a second antibiotic prescription in case the first wasn’t able to treat the infection, and the urine culture demonstrates drug resistance. Now my client, who happens to be a CEO of a major company, is able to travel as planed. She is better in 24-hours, and does not have to worry about seeking additional medical treatment when abroad. Of course, we are in communication every day the entire treatment, to make sure all is well. Definitely a “wow” experience!
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
The dog park. I have two golden retrievers that make me go for walks every day and enjoy the city on an entirely different level. They are my therapy pups!
How do you benefit mamas?
Keeping the matriarch healthy is the key to the entire family’s well being! Additionally, many dads hate traditional doctors practices, and our services work well for those who may be resistant to take care of themselves.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
“You saved my life.” Being an ER doctor that happens quite a bit, and it's really amazing when people go out of their way to come back and say "thank you" in person. It really brings things into perspective, and it makes me cherish my health and taking care of others.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field.
Dr Ben Paul. An exceptional Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon in NY’s Upper East Side. What impresses me the most, is his volunteer work with kids that have cranial facial birth defects.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Have more fun and enjoy everything! Life it short, and it goes by too fast. I have cared for people in all parts of the life-cycle. I have delivered babies, as well as watched people in their final moments. Living with passion, grace and happiness may not always be our focus, but let it be whispering in our ears each day to enjoy this gift we have been given!
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Hire me! Ha ha ha. Honestly, make sure that your family gets vaccinated for the flu. When the family is down and out with the flu, it can really cost serious time away from work and school. And even when your kids are vaccinated, make sure that they get tested for flu when indicated. I’ve seen a lot of vaccinated patients with the flu this season and it still is treatable and best when done EARLY!
How can our readers get in touch?
They can contact us on our website.