As you may well now know, Baskin Clinic recently opened a new location in Tualatin, Oregon on the campus of Legacy’s Meridian Park hospital.
With a new location comes an array new faces, and family physician Dr. Joseph Amavisca is one of them!
Originally from Arizona, Dr. Amavisca joins us here in Oregon by way of New Jersey, and we’re thrilled to have his humor and his patient-centered approach as part of the Baskin Clinic Team. We invite you to join us and take a minute to get to know him in his own words:
When did you figure out that you wanted to be a doctor, and why?
I knew after completing my medic training in the United States Army. It was then that I discovered the frailty of human life. I wanted to be an integral part of something that could preserve life.
What do you love about being a doctor now?
I love being a part of a patient’s journey to health and wellness. I love when patients feel empowered to make choices that will improve their quality of life, and I get to witness the change firsthand.
What facet of science or medicine are you currently most excited about or learning about?
I’m interested in the role of recording and monitoring the macros in our diets for long-term health benefits and constantly researching and learning the United States Preventative Services Taskforce recommendations for disease prevention and evidence-based medicine.
What is something you want everyone to know about health?
Most people underestimate the value of preventative care. Preventative care can discover potential problems before they become life-threatening. It can also drastically increase your lifespan, and it’s a lot less expensive than only seeking help when there is a problem. Weight management, controlling diabetes and blood pressure, and maintaining daily mental health are all pieces of this puzzle. Exercise, proper nutrition, mindfulness, and meditation are all excellent daily practices contributing to longevity and vitality.
What makes Baskin Clinic a good fit for you?
When I moved to Oregon from New Jersey, I had the opportunity to provide medical care in a rural town. I was able to practice medicine with the patient’s needs and goals as my sole focus.
When I made the choice to leave this community and join a corporate practice in an urban setting, it very difficult for me to leave the patients with whom I had established a strong doctor/patient relationship.
After working in this setting for the past four years, I felt the timing was right to transition to a “direct patient care” model. Baskin Clinic is a good fit because it gives me the ability to practice patient-centric medicine again. I look forward to spending time with my patients without corporate time constraints, learning about their goals, and developing patient-driven health and wellness plans. I think this is the purest way to practice medicine, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this team.
Tell us about one of your role models.
My first mentor as an attending physician was Reed Gurney. He taught me “pure medicine”: how to connect personally with a patient, humility, effective listening, respect, and fostering the doctor/patient relationship. He showed me how to love medicine because of the people you have the privilege to provide care for.
What’s the last book you read?
You Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind & Defy the Odds by David Goggins.
What song would you sing at karaoke?
“The Road Less Traveled” by George Strait.
What’s an ideal weekend look like for you?
My ideal weekend would start with a run outdoors, followed by a homemade cappuccino. Since I truly enjoy gardening and growing a range of vegetables and herbs, I would put a little time into some outdoor activities, which I feel is cathartic. This hobby has segued into experimenting with new recipes and cooking styles. This perfect weekend would end by enjoying all these activities with my family (including my two dogs) and friends. I also enjoy fly fishing, and if I could sneak away for a quick trip to the Metolius River, I would be beaming ear to ear on Monday.
What’s the most Portland-y thing about you?
I secretly wish to be a more flashy and fashion-forward dresser. I also enjoy the food trucks and waterfront.
What’s your favorite joke?
I used to be addicted to the Hokey Pokey, but then I turned myself around.
Call the Tualatin office (503)808-9213 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Amavisca, and please give him a hello and a warm welcome when you see him around the clinic!