The Chen Family Story
Adverse diagnoses instantly change patients’ lives. Fear and confusion suddenly interrupt their well-being, leaving them vulnerable to a complicated and largely unsympathetic healthcare system. One would expect the experience to be different for physicians who become patients themselves, but it rarely is.
In 2003, Dr. Jen-Ling James Chen, Chen Medical founder was diagnosed with cancer and given two months to live. During his care, he experienced firsthand the frustrations associated with navigating the healthcare system. Dr. Chen and his family found themselves on the receiving end of patient care — fighting for access and coordinated care while Dr. Chen fought for his life.
Fortunately Dr. Chen fully recovered; however, his experience with today's healthcare system haunted him. His struggle to access quality, empathetic, well-coordinated care fueled his relentless determination to turn around the healthcare delivery system. That's why he created the ChenMed model — an accountable and compassionate physician-led primary care practice.