Taking Too Many Pain Relievers Can Be...
By Kenneth Kronlund, MD, FACP Associate Medical Director, Quality and Risk Management Most people occasionally take pain relievers...
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“I like to think of myself as a small-town doctor beholden to the people we serve.”
A family practice physician who has worked at Reliant Medical Group in Holden for almost two decades, Dr. Stephen Smith thinks of himself as a small-town doctor. “We try to keep things personal here in Holden, it’s just the way we are,” he explains. “We take great pride in our medical capabilities and the fact that we provide some of the best health care in the world, but work hard to maintain that friendly, small-town atmosphere which our patients really love. I’m proud to say we treat every patient here as if they were a member of our own family.”
As an experienced family practice physician, Dr. Smith has had the opportunity to take care of many multi-generation families over the years. “There is one family that I take care of that is five living generations – the youngest member is about two months old and the oldest is 102. When a family puts that level of trust in you for their care, it’s really something special.”
Talking to Dr. Smith, one senses that he is as passionate about practicing family medicine today as the day he first started. “I find the variety of patient care experiences here fascinating. As a family physician I get to practice pediatrics, geriatrics, internal medicine, gynecology, psychology and more. Most importantly, the connections I make with my patients here are truly enduring, and that is very important to me.”
A graduate of Williams College and UMass Medical School in Worcester, for Dr. Smith the greatest satisfaction in being a doctor is making a difference in someone’s life. “When a patient shakes your hand and thanks you after helping them through a tough illness it can be a very moving experience – it reminds you why you became a doctor.”
When he’s not busy attending to his patients in Holden, Dr. Smith loves spending time with his wife and family. He enjoys taking his two boys hiking and canoeing as well as other outdoor pursuits. During the spring and summer, Dr. Smith also enjoys trout fishing in local streams and is actively involved in Trout Unlimited, an organization that protects coldwater fisheries. He is also involved in alumni affairs at Williams College, and coaches youth baseball.
Star ratings are based on patient responses to 5 questions about the care they have received from their provider. Responses are measured on a scale of 1-5 and the average score is displayed in an easy to view, 5-star format. Learn more about how we measure our patient experience.
Comments marked with an asterisk * serve as a flag to indicate when a patient has left feedback that specifically references a provider's name.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr. Smith does not push medication on you. He gives you options and follows your decision. If you don't want to take a medication sue to side effects, he makes sure you correctly know the side effects and them tells you what you can do in the alternative.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
As I've written before, Steve Smith is the ideal primary care doc: he listens and is genuinely empathetic.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr Smith is a classic, none better
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr Smith has as always discussed every detail of my health at every visit
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
We work together on my health care plan.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr. Smith is a very caring Doctor
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
I have been seeing Dr. Smith for 35 years
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Love Dr. Smith!
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
First visit after long time PCP retired - T_____.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
I have had some very good Primary's but Dr. Smith is the Best I have ever had!
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
I've been seeing Dr. Smith for almost 11 years. I really like him, and he's a great listener.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr. Smith is one of the most amazing providers
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Caring
Family Practice
American Board of Family Practice
Medical School: UMass Medical School
Internship & Residency: Somerset Medical Center
English
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