Jo Ann F. Hertford, MD, FAAFP, JD

I strive to treat my patients the way I would like to be treated, or would have one of my family members treated. I enjoy connecting with my patients to best understand their unique needs. At times we may be coming from two different directions, and my goal is to learn my patient’s values, goals and perspectives. Then I present them with applicable medical information and we come up with a shared plan to support their health and wellness.

My grandparents immigrated from Italy. We had no other physicians in my family when I decided to become a pediatrician while in college. In medical school, I realized I wanted to care for people through the entire lifespan, from prenatal care and deliveries to geriatrics. I delivered babies for 15 years after residency, and two of my grandchildren since.

A successful outcome is when my patient’s health improves through sound medical guidelines coupled with their motivation for positive change. A good example is a new diabetic that decides to lose weight and exercise, with resulting improvement in their sugars. We have medicines and procedures as well, of course, but if I can help patients understand why I recommend a certain course of action, I feel we have both won our shared goal of their health and wellness.