The Gift of Serving
Dr. A. Gregory, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Watson Clinic
If you talk with Dr. Jarett A. Gregory for any length of time you will find he has only a few degrees of separation from many celebrated and well known individuals, and even American legends.
For example, he spent many days of his youth traversing across the bluegrass hills of Central Kentucky with his grandfather, who was an equestrian veterinarian. Through that work, his grandfather rubbed shoulders with a number of Kentucky Derby winning owners, trainers and jockeys.
Before landing in the medical profession, Dr. Gregory became quite the accomplished trumpet player, and he even had the opportunity to study briefly with now-renowned composer and musician Wynton Marsalis.
And when it comes to caring for people, he once was on the Neuro-Anatomy Surgical team at the University of Kentucky, where he had the opportunity to partner with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation on developing an experimental drug for victims of car accidents who had injured their spinal cord.
Movie fans know Christopher Reeve best as Superman in the 70s and 80s films. People across the country closely followed his personal life after he became paralyzed in an equestrian accident in 1995, an accident that ultimately led to complications that claimed his life nine years later.
At his core, though, after decades in the field, including nearly 15 at Watson Clinic, Dr. Gregory is most proud that he continues to live out his calling to help people.
“It’s the relationships built with families, husbands, wives and their children that truly bring the gift of medicine into a ministry that I have enjoyed serving,” he says.
THE LAKELANDER
If someone comes up to you at a social gathering, how do you describe what you do on a daily basis?
DR. GREGORY
I bring organization to chaos that occurs in the small unplanned emergencies of people’s lives. I meet them where they are and listen to their story, then diagnose their ailment, and give them an opportunity to return back into the course of the life that they want to live, but in a healthier version of themselves.
THE LAKELANDER
What is the biggest challenge you face in modern medicine?
DR. GREGORY
Practicing medicine in the modern era presents a number of challenges, but perhaps one of the most significant is healthcare insurance providing adequate coverage to get patients the treatment that you believe they deserve. It’s essential to have open communication with insurance companies and the patient to create a team approach. This results in the best treatment plan while keeping all involved parties informed on how progress is being achieved.
THE LAKELANDER
Has there ever been a moment where you were off the clock where you heard, “We need a doctor!” and jumped into an emergency situation? If so, please share.
DR. GREGORY
Once on a flight to Canada, my family and I were awaiting our beverage service when over the loudspeaker the pilot asked if there was a physician on board. I alerted the flight attendant and was ushered to the front of the plane where I found a 12-week pregnant female with weak pulses, ashen skin color and diaphoretic while speaking only French. Fortunately for me, my wife is fluent in French, so she served as a translator and informed me that the patient had skipped several of the medications that had been prescribed and was feeling very nauseous and lightheaded. I quickly started intravenous fluids, glucose tablets and got a set of vitals. I spent approximately two hours with the patient and am relieved to say she was able to stand and walk off the plane on her own accord.
THE LAKELANDER
What is something you would suggest more people do to take better care of themselves?
DR. GREGORY
I always suggest people keep moving. In order to maintain your current health status and enhance mobility, cardiovascular performance and weight control, you have to remain mobile. You simply must keep moving. We are blessed with amazing weather that allows us to remain outdoors during the majority of the year. People have a multitude of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, watersports or pickleball that they can choose from in order to keep themselves mobile and agile.
THE LAKELANDER
What do you love most about your profession?
DR. GREGORY
The gift of serving in medicine is a calling and a ministry that I take very seriously. The quality of healthcare that I deliver on a daily basis to my patients matters most to me because I do feel it’s a calling and an honor to serve in this capacity. I love the challenge of an ever-changing landscape in diagnostic capabilities. I enjoy the opportunity to get to know people and help them accomplish their health goals. I enjoy working alongside my colleagues; I have come to appreciate and enjoy their company as we all share the connection of serving others in the ministry of medicine.
Watson Clinic Urgent Care South
watsonclinic.com/gregory
863.647.4047
“The quality of healthcare that I deliver on a daily basis to my patients matters most to me because I do feel it’s a calling and an honor to serve in this capacity.”
