Richard W. Demmler, MD comes to Whidbey Island from Baytown, Texas where he was in solo practice in four nursing homes and Methodist Hospital in Baytown. He served as Medical Director of several nursing homes over the years and was president of the medical staff of San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in 2011 (now known as Methodist Hospital in Baytown).
Dr. Demmler has enjoyed a practice of almost exclusively geriatrics since completing his fellowship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New Your City.
My mother, who never wanted me to be a physician, related to me what she liked about her OB-GYN who delivered me by C section. (Apparently I did not want to come out and was found with a cord wrapped around my neck seven times and I was breech). All of his patients had the same complaint: he was always behind, but it was worth it because when it was your turn you were the only patient that mattered and your concerns were heard and addressed. That kind of always stayed with me.
My wife says I enjoy patient care too much and relates a hypothetical where I have discovered that I have but one hour more to live and I say, “But mi amore, I can see two more patients.” In reality, I could only see one.
Patient Care Philosophy
- I attempt to assess the patient as they are experiencing their life and situation.
- Assess where I believe the patient is currently.
- Formulate a shared plan of care that allows the patient and/or their families to enjoy life to the fullest possible.
Scope of Care
- Provide primary internal medicine to adult patients with an emphasis on geriatric patients.
Education
- Medical School: Texas Tech University School of Medicine,1977.
- Residency: Family Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Residencies, 1980.
- Hartford Fellowship in geriatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1987.
Certification
- Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine
- Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Geriatrics