Bittersweet ‘Goodbyes’ for SFM.

This fall, Sound Family Medicine says ‘goodbye’ to two talented and accomplished doctors. Drs. Daren Mealer and Christopher Young are each transitioning to different opportunities, both personal and professional.

We welcomed Dr. Daren Mealer to our practice in December of 2007. He has been a great addition to our Bonney Lake Clinic, fulfilling the community need for excellent primary care. Mealer says that he has enjoyed coming to work everyday and seeing a variety of patients of all ages. “Some practices limit the types of patients they see,” he says. “I am glad that we practice full-scope of family medicine.” Dr. Mealer has also enjoyed his time with the staff at SFM. “They are always enthusiastic, and I really appreciate their hard work and their good bedside manner with the patients.” Dr. Mealer’s last day with SFM was September 28th. He has accepted a teaching position at Madigan Hospital in the Family Medicine Residency Program, where he will not only treat patients, but will also instruct residents in inpatient and outpatient care. He has also been accepted to the National Guard’s flight medicine training program, and is expecting his first child in March.

Dr. Christopher Young came to Sound Family Medicine in 1999, when we were a much smaller group. In his 11 years with SFM, many families have relied on him for excellent care delivered with compassion. Dr. Young’s unofficial last day with SFM was October 18th; however we are happy to announce that Dr. Young will continue to see patients at SFM one Friday and one Monday each month. While it has been many years since a partner-physician has left SFM, we are supportive of his decision to move to Hawaii and we are very excited for him.

“It is sad to lose an excellent employee at any level at SFM, but we can be happy when that loss is because of a personal or professional opportunity, as it is for each of them,” says Dr. Marc Aversa, Medical Director. SFM would like to thank Drs. Mealer and Young for their years of leadership and service to the community. They have both helped Sound Family Medicine provide better care for families in East Pierce County.