In an effort to expand family medicine services to residents throughout the west side of Buffalo and provide clinical training opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals, Catholic Health is pleased to announce the opening of the Sisters Health Center – D’Youville. The 11,000 square-foot primary care center, located at 301 Connecticut Street, is part of the new D’Youville Health Professions Hub, which is set to host its grand opening in mid-June.
The Sisters Health Center is part of Catholic Health’s network of primary care centers in Erie and Niagara counties. The D’Youville site offers family medicine services, including annual physicals for children, adolescents, and adults; women’s services; sick and well-child visits; routine health screenings; vaccinations; medical management for chronic medical conditions; and referrals for specialty care.
“When we learned about D’Youville’s plans for a Health Professions Hub, we knew it would be the perfect setting for a primary care center to serve both patients in the surrounding community and students at the college pursuing careers in the health professions,” said Joyce Markiewicz, Catholic Health Chief Business Development Officer. “Ensuring people have easy access to high quality primary care is the first step in improving one’s health and the health of the community. We’re eager to get started.”
Students enrolled in D’Youville’s Nursing, Physician Assistant, and other healthcare programs will have an opportunity to work side-by-side with Catholic Health physicians, nurses and other medical professionals in the Sisters Health Center, gaining real-life experience while helping to expand access to needed primary care services to families in Buffalo’s west side, Elmwood Village, and Allentown communities.
“Both D’Youville College and Catholic Health trace their roots to a common mission and Catholic tradi-tion of serving those is need,” said Lorrie Clemo, D’Youville College President. “The Hub and the Sisters Health Center, will not only be a vast resource for our students, but will also serve our friends and neigh-bors, with the Hub offering auxiliary services – such as a pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, chiropractic care, and demonstration kitchen – which will provide complementary care for those seen at the Health Center, improving the health and quality of life for families throughout the community.”
Dr. Maria Orellana, will serve as physician provider at the Sisters Health Center. Board certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Orellana received her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her Family Medicine residency at the University at Buffalo. Prior to joining Catholic Health, she worked as a primary care physician at the Kaleida Health Hertel-Elmwood Medicine Center.
As a Family Medicine physician, Dr. Orellana is specially-trained to care for both children and adults, including women’s health needs, focusing on wellness and preventative care, as well as medical management for acute and chronic illnesses. With access to medical interpreter services, and fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Orellana looks forward to serving the diverse ethnic community on Buffalo’s lower west side.
“I see patients for who they are, beyond their medical charts,” said Dr. Orellana explaining her care philosophy. “Taking a comprehensive approach to wellness, I believe regular, honest communication is the key to building trust and strong patient relationships among the individuals and families I care for.”
The Sisters Health Center – D’Youville is accepting new patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 862-2572.