Top Priority: Primary Care Doctors Putting Family First

These local primary care doctors offer accessible alternatives to personalized health and wellness practices for everyone in the whole family regardless of age, background or location.

Shifa Free Clinic

Physician assistant at Shifa Free Clinic, Lauren Pepin, said, “The most rewarding part of my job is offering a safe and welcoming space for those who may have felt overlooked or unsupported in the past. Many of the patients we see have had barriers to care and knowing that I can be part of changing that experience for them is the best part of my job. Helping people feel seen, valued and cared for is why I do what I do.”

“I was drawn to medicine because I want people to feel heard and cared for,” Pepin added. “One of the most meaningful parts of my role is being able to serve those who may not have easy or consistent access to health care. Being part of a clinic that works to bridge those gaps and provide high-quality, compassionate care to everyone regardless of background or circumstance is incredibly fulfilling.”

“Whether it’s helping manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, focusing on preventative care and cancer screenings or simply offering a place to listen and provide guidance, the Shifa Clinic is a steady presence that our patients can count on,” Pepin said. “Shifa plays an important role in providing care for underserved populations, making sure that everyone has access to the quality health care that they deserve.”

Pepin continued, “One thing that is really special about our practice is that we serve the entire Tri-County area. Patients come to us from all over, and we work hard to make sure everyone feels welcome, no matter where they are from. We have many international patients and we’re really happy to be able to provide care to a wide range of individuals. Our team includes providers who specialize in a range of care so that families can get a lot of their health care needs met in the same location.”

To learn more about their services, visit icnarelief.org/shifaclinics.

Premier Health & Wellness

Family physician Dr. Justine DeCastro said, “I get to be involved in nearly every aspect of my patients’ lives and health, whether it’s helping manage chronic conditions, supporting mental well-being, celebrating a new baby or making sure someone is staying on track with preventive care. I see myself as a partner and a steady presence in my patients’ health journeys. I care for individuals and entire families, often over many years, and I love being able to build that kind of lasting trust. It’s not just about treating illness. It’s about promoting wellness, preventing problems before they start and being there in both everyday and life-changing moments.”

“Early in medical school, I was drawn to the idea of taking care of people across all ages and life stages. I wanted to know my patients, not just see them once or twice. Family medicine gave me the chance to build those relationships while still having the variety and complexity I enjoy. I love that I get to use both my medical training and emotional intuition to really care for the whole person,” she said.

“Having a practice in the Mount Pleasant community means everything to me,” stated Dr. DeCastro. “I grew up right here in Charleston and after serving in the U.S. Air Force as a physician, I knew I wanted to return home. Practicing in Mount Pleasant is personal. I’m not just a doctor here, I’m a neighbor. I see familiar faces every day and get to care for families in the same community that helped shape me. It’s incredibly meaningful to be able to give back and serve in a place that still feels like home, even with all the growth and change we’ve seen over the years.”

To learn more about their services, visit premierhealth.cc/dr-justine-decastro.

HouseCalls-MD

Owner, medical director and president of HouseCalls-MD, Dr. Stela Susac-Pavic’s medical training at UNC-Chapel Hill paired with her roots in Croatia shaped her strong belief in patient-centered and relationship-driven care. Inspired by a desire to make health care more accessible and personal, she founded HouseCalls-MD in 2014.

Marketing director Mary Rohaley said, “Because Mount Pleasant is where HouseCalls-MD began, it will always be our home base. While we’ve grown to serve the entire Tri-County area, as well as Georgetown and Horry counties, Mount Pleasant holds a special place in our hearts.”

HouseCalls offers a level of personalized, compassionate care that’s hard to replicate in a traditional office setting, Rohaley said. She added, “One of the biggest advantages is limiting exposure to other illnesses, particularly important for patients who are immunocompromised or managing chronic health conditions. For older adults or individuals with mobility challenges, getting to a clinic can be stressful or even unsafe. By bringing care directly into the home or to senior communities, such as assisted living facilities, we remove those barriers and make it easier for patients to receive consistent, high-quality medical attention in a setting that’s familiar and comfortable.”

“Families also benefit from house calls,” Rohaley explained. “They don’t have to take time off work or navigate complex transportation arrangements, and they’re often able to be more engaged in their loved one’s care when it happens in the home or care community.”

“Another key benefit is time. There are no waiting rooms or rushed visits—our providers are able to spend meaningful, one-on-one time with each patient, resulting in deeper understanding, better communication and care that’s truly tailored to the individual. We don’t charge a monthly fee for access to our providers and accept most major insurances. Our mobile providers are equipped with nearly everything you’d find in a traditional office setting, from lab draws and EKGs to chronic care management and preventive screenings.”

“Unlike large hospital systems where patients may see different providers at each visit, we offer consistency, continuity and a relationship built on trust. This deeper connection allows us to provide more individualized care and be more responsive to your needs,” Rohaley concluded.

To learn more about their services, visit housecalls-md.com.

By Sarah Rose