By Dr. Ravinder Raj Dawke | Thoughts on Innovation
In my 20 years as a primary care physician, I’ve heard one frustration more than any other: “I just wish I could see my doctor when I’m sick — not weeks later.”
It’s a fair request. When you wake up with a fever, can’t shake a cough, or your child has an earache, waiting two or three weeks for an appointment doesn’t feel like care at all. Too often, patients end up in urgent care or the ER — not because that’s where they wanted to go, but because that’s where they could get in.
That’s why I’m so excited to be a part of our second primary care clinic offering same-day or next-day appointments, with a physician who can also be your ongoing doctor.
What I’ve Learned from My Patients
Over the years, I’ve seen how access shapes health. Patients who can get in quickly are more likely to address issues before they become serious. They’re more likely to keep up with preventive screenings. And they feel less stress knowing that their doctor is available when they need them most.
One patient told me, “I finally feel like I don’t have to choose between urgent care for speed and primary care for continuity. I get both.” That’s exactly the point.
How It Works
Here’s what makes this approach different:
- Immediate access: Same-day or next-day appointments are always available.
- Continuity of care: The physician you see for today’s sore throat can also be the one guiding your long-term health.
- A team-based model: If I’m fully booked, one of my colleagues can see you right away — with full access to your medical history — so nothing gets missed.
This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about being there for patients in the moment and over the long haul.
Why It Matters Now
The truth is, primary care is under pressure nationwide. There simply aren’t enough physicians to meet the demand, which means patients wait longer and sometimes give up on seeing their doctor at all.
But healthcare shouldn’t be built on wait times. It should be built on relationships. Same-day and next-day care is one way we’re rethinking the system to make sure patients don’t fall through the cracks.
A Different Kind of Relationship
When patients know they can see me quickly, they’re more likely to reach out early. That leads to better outcomes and fewer crises.
I’ve had patients come in for what they thought was a small issue, and because we caught it early, it never grew into something bigger. I’ve also seen how families appreciate the peace of mind — parents can get answers for their kids without missing days of work or school.
To me, this is the heart of primary care: being a steady, reliable presence in people’s lives, not just a name on an insurance card.
Looking Ahead
This same-day, next-day model is more than a scheduling shift. It’s a promise to patients: You don’t have to wait to be cared for.
After two decades in practice, I can say with certainty — people don’t just want quick appointments. They want a relationship with someone who knows them, listens to them, and walks with them through every stage of health.
That’s exactly what this approach delivers. And I’m grateful to be part of it.
Because when your health can’t wait, neither should your care.
Editor’s Note: Ravinder Raj Dawke, MD, a board-certified family medicine specialist is now accepting patients at the new HonorHealth Primary Care – Kierland located at 16100 N. 71st Street in Scottsdale.
