Dr. Thomas Flynn has joined the Hamilton Physician Group – Specialty Care in Dalton, Georgia, as a palliative care physician. Flynn brings a deep commitment to understanding patients as individuals, emphasizing the importance of quality time spent with them to ensure the best possible care.
Palliative care offers specialized medical support for those facing serious illnesses, concentrating on enhancing the quality of life for both patients and their families. This approach can include managing symptoms, addressing emotional and spiritual needs, and facilitating communication among various healthcare providers. Importantly, palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness, even alongside curative treatments.
Holistic Approach to Patient Care
Dr. Flynn believes that palliative care is about recognizing the whole person rather than just their health conditions. “Palliative care says, ‘how can I step in and see you as a whole person?’” he states. This approach often involves a multidisciplinary team, including chaplains, social workers, nurses, doctors, and therapists, all working collaboratively to improve patients’ quality of life and alleviate suffering.
“My focus is, we’re going to do this together,” Flynn continues. “We’re going to journey together. And no matter the situation, I can walk with you the whole way.” This philosophy underscores his commitment to patient-centered care, where the emotional and spiritual aspects of health are as vital as physical treatment.
Academic and Professional Background
Dr. Flynn earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at Florida State University School of Medicine in Fort Myers, Florida, followed by a fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Care at Kettering Health in Dayton, Ohio.
His journey into medicine was profoundly influenced by his experiences as a student missionary, which shifted his worldview and inspired him to assist individuals during their most challenging times. “I believe great physicians combine clinical training and skills with empathy and compassion for their patients, by seeing them as whole people and not just a collection of illnesses,” Flynn notes. “The great physicians are healers, first and foremost.”
For those seeking palliative care or wishing to make an appointment with Dr. Flynn, they can contact the Hamilton Physician Group at 706-529-3072.
