NORWICH – United Health Services and Chenango Memorial Hospital is welcoming a new, and needed community doctor to their primary care unit in Norwich.

Dr. Saad Khanzada said he wanted to practice primary care medicine where it is needed most and build lasting relationships.

“I’m originally from the New York area, and always wanted to serve rural areas and rural medicine,” Khanzada said. “Norwich seemed like the perfect area based on what I was looking for, the atmosphere of the town, as well as opportunity to work with a new teaching program that is soon to start.”

He said he decided to pursue a career in healthcare began at an early age because he wanted to help people. He thanked his family and mother for her inspiration and support.

“Growing up, I always loved helping people, and I’ve been blessed to have so many mentors and role models in my family that are doctors such as my mother,” he said. “It really pushed me to pursue this career.”

That same motivation eventually led him to focus on primary care and patients. He said rural communities were perfect for forming lasting bonds and they are also in need of healthcare workers.

“Rural America really has the most limitations to healthcare,” Khanzada said. “Moreover, I’ve always wanted to work in a system where I see myself playing an active role in helping the community.”

He said a smaller hospital system also creates an environment where providers can be more connected to the people they serve.

“A smaller hospital system gives me the ability to have closer and more meaningful relationships with my patients and the capacity to offer ‘hands-on’ treatment for managing their care,” he said.

Khanzada's first impressions of Chenango Memorial Hospital and the Norwich have been positive, and he complimented the ongoing work to improve and modernized the hospital's facilities.

“The hospital is very nice,” he said. “Other rural hospitals always have trouble improving infrastructure, but what I’ve seen with the improvements at CMH, it shows that the hospital is aware of what needs to be changed, how things can be improved, and how to work with the community to provide a higher level of medical care.”

He noted he has worked at other rural hospitals during residency and looks forward to being a part of the area. Khanzada said he hopes to create an atmosphere where patients feel supported and included in their care.

“I hope to create a welcoming, compassionate environment where patients and their families feel comfortable and cared for from the moment they walk through the door,” he said. “I want them to know that I am committed to doing my very best to address their medical needs, to listen to their concerns, and to work with them for a better standard of care.”

Khanzada is also looking ahead to the hospital’s new residency program, which he said is one of the opportunities that attracted him to Norwich in the first place. He hopes to help, teach and inspire other primary care physicians. He said he is eager to take part in training additional medical professionals.

“A key goal for me is to help train primary care doctors who are comfortable and confident practicing in rural settings, so that communities with limited access to care can continue to have dedicated providers for years to come,” he said.

“As this is a new program, I’m excited about the opportunity to mentor residents and help guide them through this important stage in their training,” he said. “I hope to teach them not only the science of medicine, but also the compassion, proper judgement, and professionalism that defines a strong physician.”

He added, “I also have a strong passion for teaching and am looking forward to working with this community as well as the incoming resident class.”

To schedule an appointment with Khanzada or another primary care provider at UHS Primary Care Norwich, call (607) 337-4040.

- Information from UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital