Sentara Internal Medicine Doctor Relies on Empathy & Listening Skills

"Empathy is a huge factor in caring for my patients," says Nonso Emechebe, M.D., a primary care doctor at Sentara Family & Internal Medicine Physicians in Hampton, Va.

"During my encounters with patients, I listen carefully to take note of the challenges that are affecting their health and health care," he adds. "And then I help them find ways to deal with those challenges."

Primary Care: Helping From Head to Toe

Dr. Emechebe set his sights on medicine as a child growing up in southeastern Nigeria. He was inspired by a close family friend who worked as a family physician. "I admired him a lot, and he always encouraged me and told me someday I could be a doctor," he says. "I like to take care of people, so I started pushing toward that goal."

He chose internal medicine as a specialty so he could treat a variety of medical issues, and make a significant difference in patients' lives. "It's all encompassing, and I can help so many people," he says.

As a primary care doctor, Dr. Emechebe treats adult patients. His services include:

• Acute illness care: Treatment for short-term problems such as infections and injuries.
• Chronic illness management: Helping patients manage long-term illnesses such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
• Preventive medicine: Providing well visits to detect and prevent diseases and medical problems before they become serious.

While he cares for adults of all ages, he specializes in treating middle-aged and older patients who have chronic medical problems, such as:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease

Sentara: Teaming Up for Wellness

One of Dr. Emechebe's greatest strengths is connecting with patients. "I listen to my patients to understand what they're going through," he says. "And I try to help them understand what's going on with their body and the little things they can do to be healthier."

The most enjoyable part of being a primary care doctor, he says, is seeing his patients take charge of their health. "When my patients are listening, asking questions, following through with my recommendations - and then seeing their medical problems controlled - I find that very rewarding," he says.

He chose Sentara Medical Group, he adds, because the health system is designed to help him better care for his patients with coordinated, effective care. "As a large medical group, it has many support staff and specialists," he says. "I have a lot of patients with chronic medical problems that will require a team approach to care, and Sentara Medical Group allows that teamwork to happen."

Background

Dr. Emechebe graduated in 2005 from medical school at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria. He went on to care for patients in a low-resource community, then worked at a national hospital. After relocating to the United States, he completed an extensive internship and residency in internal medicine at the Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

His wife is also a doctor, and they have two children. In addition to spending time with his family and friends, he enjoys playing tennis. He's also a film buff, and watches lots of movies in his spare time.

Dr. Emechebe is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Physicians. He practices at Sentara Family & Internal Medicine Physicians in Hampton, Va. Call 757-827-2025 to make an appointment or schedule online