Medical experts will tell you that maintaining an open, positive relationship with your primary care doctor is one of the best ways to protect your lifelong health. Now, local patients have a new option that offers comprehensive medical care for all stages of their lives. At SSM Health Medical Group at The Boulevard, a new family practice in Richmond Heights, a dedicated team of doctors is welcoming patients to a bright and inviting office.
Dr. Cristina Fernandez, Dr. Nneka Ichoku and Dr. Julie Sahrmann held an early April ribbon cutting for their practice. The facility is freshly renovated to make patients feel at home. “It has large windows and lots of natural light, plus other nice touches to help them feel relaxed,” Fernandez says. “We want patients to be comfortable telling us their stories so we can get them the help they need.” She points out that the practice is well supported by a strong network of specialists for patients who need referrals. And it’s close to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, so diagnostic imaging and other services are easily accessible.
The new practice is fully electronic and in tune with patients’ needs for health information, Fernandez notes. “We easily can access patient records from other doctors’ offices, and our system lets us connect quickly with specialists, counselors, therapists and patients themselves. It’s very well organized and efficient.” There’s even a secure online portal called MyChart where patients can ask questions, see test results, request appointments and prescription refills, and more.
All three doctors see patients of all ages, but they also have areas of special interest, including pediatrics, student health and geriatrics. “Today we may see a one-week-old baby, and tomorrow it may be a patient in her 90s,” Fernandez explains. “We see lots of families, too. It’s a wonderful environment in which to practice.” Women’s health services are available at the office as well.
“We all have similar philosophies of care and open communication,” Fernandez says of herself and her colleagues. “Our goal is to create harmony between mind and body, prevent disease and reach every patient’s highest health potential. That’s why we individualize care for people of all ages and backgrounds.” Fernandez says she, Ichoku and Sahrmann believe in being conservative with medication whenever possible, while emphasizing nutrition, exercise, healthy sleep, mental well-being and good relationship habits. “We really focus on the whole person,” she says.
“The beauty of being centrally located in Richmond Heights near Brentwood and Clayton is the variety of people who have access to our services,” Fernandez adds. And with future expansion of The Boulevard retail complex, she and her colleagues expect to serve growing numbers of patients. “Health care needs also are projected to rise because of our aging population and complex health conditions,” she says. “We want patients to feel welcome and supported here, and comfortable discussing their health with us for years to come.”
Pictured: Drs. Cristina Fernandez, Julie Sahrmann and Nneka Ichoku
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
SSM Health Medical Group at The Boulevard offers comprehensive family medical services. For more information or to make an appointment, call 314.354.8810 or visit ssmhealth.com/medicalgroup/locations/richmond-heights-the-boulevard.
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
