For Phillip Chong, MD, a doctor’s office represents more than a place to receive health care.
The interaction with an engaged provider can shape someone’s future, or perhaps even set a young person on a career path to help others.
After all, that’s exactly what happened to a young boy of Chinese immigrants, who split his time between the country of Panama and Miami, Florida.
“I was very fortunate to have a great pediatrician, Dr. Mercado, who piqued my interest in health care,” said Dr. Chong, an Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) network pediatrician at West Point Medical Group Pediatrics in Fontana. “Later on, as an adolescent, I served on several local and international mission trips … and I felt encouraged to one day be part of a system that bridges the gap in health disparities at a local or global level.”
Dr. Chong also credited the positive influence of a high school guidance counselor and the opportunity to witness the importance of care access and early intervention, especially for people who lack resources. He remains grateful that combining his keen interest in science and a committed heart for children led him to pediatrics.
THE PARENTHOOD FACTOR
Dr. Chong and his wife, Michelle, moved to the Inland Empire in 2017. They have two sons, Simon, 3, and Micah, 1.
As expected, entering parenthood absolutely affected Dr. Chong’s work.
“I definitely empathized and felt better equipped to help,” he said. “Knowing firsthand about the sleepless nights and distractions, I make sure to provide handouts to reference later regarding their child’s condition as well as give any helpful tips from my personal experience.”
Dr. Chong also creates educational opportunities for families, building firm roots in basic health practices to grow and thrive, he said.
“I want my patients to be inspired to set their own healthy agendas, such as enjoying home-cooked meals and taking a walk together,” Dr. Chong added.
WHOLE-CHILD CARE
Dr. Chong aims to provide whole-child care. In communities as culturally and socioeconomically diverse as those in the IE, that includes connecting parents to non-medical resources like local food banks or communicating in their preferred language.
“Every family has their own unique circumstances,” he said. “As a pediatrician, I want to establish connections and deliver more culturally sensitive care.”
For instance, with modern medicine and rapidly changing technologies, Dr. Chong looks to build trust with his patients about new treatments as well as established care such as immunizations.
“So, I consider it a win when I can meet vaccine-hesitant parents where they are, to eliminate the hesitancy and start allowing their children to receive these lifesaving vaccines,” he said.
HEARTFELT SUPPORT
Dr. Chong emphasized that working collaboratively with IEHP sets him and his patients up for success.
“The heart behind IEHP, the support of an extensive network of contracted pediatric specialists, and member incentives for patients have been of great assistance,” he said.
And when Dr. Chong needs extra motivation to practice medicine, he finds it in the sons who love to make pizza and explore their community’s hidden gems with him.
“My two boys, born and raised in the IE, are keeping things fresh, reminding me every day why I love being a pediatrician and an advocate for my patients,” he said. “My patients deserve to thrive physically and emotionally … I am committed to making them feel valued throughout their formative years.”
Because, just as Dr. Chong’s career path showed, a provider visit can offer more than meets the eye.
“Yes, the doctor’s office is a place to heal the sick and educate about maintaining healthy lifestyles, but it is also a place to inspire the next generation of community leaders,” he said. “Seeing these children develop and grow is such a fun and rewarding experience!”