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From Intern To International Impact

More Than Medicine: How Our Nonprofit is Shaping the Future of Rural Health

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By Lake Country Medical Group

More Than Medicine: How Our Nonprofit is Shaping the Future of Rural Health

At Lake Country Medical Group, caring for our community means more than just what happens inside an exam room. We believe real healthcare extends into homes, classrooms, and even across borders. That’s why we’re proud to support and partner with the Lake Country Rural Health Initiative—a nonprofit founded by Dr. Nicolas Chronos that is changing lives in our own backyard and beyond.

What is the Lake Country Rural Health Initiative?

The Lake Country Rural Health Initiative (LCRHI) is a nonprofit rooted in a belief we hold deeply at Lake Country Medical Group: everyone deserves access to high-quality care, no matter where they live.

Rural communities often face unique healthcare challenges. There may be fewer clinics, longer travel times, or a shortage of providers. LCRHI was created to help change that reality. The mission is to bridge the gap in healthcare access by supporting patients in underserved areas while also building the next generation of compassionate, community-minded healthcare professionals.

But this work is about more than just access. It is about investing in people.

LCRHI offers a hands-on internship program for college students who are passionate about medicine, nursing, public health, and research. These students do more than observe. They take vitals, shadow providers, assist with community health screenings, and contribute to research. They gain real-world experience that cannot be found in a textbook.

Beyond clinical exposure, the initiative provides mentorship, leadership development, and scholarship support. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore different paths in healthcare, and serve patients with empathy and humility.

The program also reaches into the broader community. Through outreach events, local partnerships, and education, LCRHI helps make sure that more people in our area, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked, receive the care and attention they need. Every interaction, every volunteer hour, and every moment spent serving adds up to meaningful change.

Whether it is a student discovering a passion for rural medicine, a patient receiving care they might have missed, or research that leads to better outcomes, the Lake Country Rural Health Initiative is helping shape a healthier future.

It is one of the many ways Lake Country Medical Group continues to care for our neighbors with purpose and compassion.

Caroline’s Story: From Intern to International Impact

If you want to see the heart behind this work, look no further than Caroline Wheeler. She began as an intern with us in early 2023. Over time, she stepped into more clinical roles, worked on meaningful research, and developed a deep passion for rural medicine. That passion didn’t stop here—it has taken her across the globe.

Caroline’s story is a powerful example of how early exposure, strong mentorship, and opportunities to serve can shape a future in healthcare. It’s also a reminder that when we invest in people, the ripple effects can go far beyond what we imagine.

We invite you to read more about her journey in LCRHI’s latest blog post:
👉 From Intern to International Impact

Why This Matters

  • Patients benefit from better access to care, especially in areas where resources are limited.
  • Students gain experience that inspires them to serve in rural and underserved communities.
  • Research leads to change, helping us better understand and meet the needs of real people.

How You Can Be Part of This

If you’re inspired by what LCRHI is doing, we hope you’ll stay connected:

  • Read more stories like Caroline’s on the LCRHI blog
  • Consider a gift or donation to support programs like student scholarships and rural outreach
  • Share this post to help spread the word

At Lake Country Medical Group, we’re proud to be part of a community that doesn’t just talk about better care, we invest in it. And we’re grateful for every patient, partner, and student who joins us in that mission.

Why Men Avoid the Doctor Blog title

Why Men Avoid the Doctor, and Why That Needs to Change

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By Nicolas Chronos, MD, FACC, FESC

Let’s talk about something that’s quietly affecting the health and longevity of men across the country. Perhaps it’s even affecting you or someone you love: the tendency to avoid the doctor.

Recent headlines have brought this into sharper focus. President Biden’s announcement about his prostate cancer diagnosis reminded the nation that even leaders at the highest level are not immune to common men’s health issues. And with more public figures dying from coronary artery disease in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, it is a sobering reminder of the importance of early detection and preventive care.

Why Do So Many Men Avoid the Doctor?

  • “I feel fine.” Many serious health issues, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early-stage cancers, don’t cause symptoms. Feeling fine doesn’t always mean you are fine.
  • Fear of bad news. No one wants to hear that something might be wrong, but avoiding the doctor doesn’t prevent problems, it only delays treatment.
  • Time and convenience. Life is busy, and men often prioritize work or family over their own health. But regular check-ups take less time than managing a chronic illness.
  • Comfort level. For some men, the traditional clinic experience can feel too rushed or too impersonal, especially when facing sensitive or long-standing concerns.

What You Can Do Right Now

There are clear, evidence-based steps men can take to protect their health. At Lake Country Medical Group, we encourage men to talk with their doctor about:

  • Prostate cancer screening, including PSA testing, especially if you are over 50 or have a family history
  • Cardiac screening with stress testing or coronary calcium scoring to assess heart disease risk
  • Cholesterol and blood pressure management, which remain two of the biggest drivers of heart disease
  • Advanced labs and imaging that can detect warning signs before symptoms appear
  • Newer preventive tools, such as genetic testing and non-invasive heart disease risk assessments

When men have access to these tools, and are guided by a team that takes the time to explain their options, they are more likely to take action before it’s too late.

We Meet You Where You Are

At Lake Country Medical Group, we understand that no two patients are alike. Some men prefer the convenience and structure of a traditional practice with a trusted team behind them, and we are proud to offer that level of comprehensive care every day.

But for those looking for something more personalized, private, or direct, we also offer Lake Country Medical Concierge. This membership-based model gives you more time with your physician, same-day or next-day appointments, direct communication access, and a more relaxed setting where deeper conversations can happen.

It is still the expert care you expect from Lake Country Medical Group, but tailored for individuals who prefer a more one-on-one, proactive relationship with their doctor.

This Men’s Health Month, Take the First Step

Men are statistically more likely than women to suffer from serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, and certain types of cancer. Many of these illnesses can go undetected for years without regular check-ups and screenings. Unfortunately, they often are only discovered after they have already done damage.

The good news is that with modern testing, early detection, and preventive strategies, we can identify risks before they become problems. Whether it’s a simple blood test, a heart scan, or a prostate screening, these tools save lives when used early.

This Men’s Health Month, we encourage you to make yourself a priority. Whether it has been six months or six years since your last visit, now is the time to schedule a check-up, ask questions, and take control of your health. You owe it to yourself and to the people who count on you.

We are here to make that first step easier, whether you choose our traditional clinic or our concierge program.

General Appointments: Call 706-485-4004

Interested in Concierge Care? Call (706) 309-4965 or visit www.lakecountrymedicalconcierge.com to learn more.

Because strength isn’t avoiding the doctor, it’s taking charge of your future.

Dr. Nicolas Chronos
Cardiologist & Internal Medicine Specialist
Lake Country Medical Group
Lake Country Medical Concierge