Every year March 30 is set aside as National Doctors Day, giving people nation-wide a chance to thank the many physicians all over America for their efforts — often working grueling hours treating patients, comforting the sick and saving lives on a daily basis.
Friday, The Atmore Advance got a chance to sit down with one of Atmore’s most dedicated physicians, Dr. Jonah McIntyre of ACH Family Physicians, to get a more personal look at how and why he practices the art of healing.

Q: How long have you practiced medicine in Atmore, and what led you to choose to practice medicine here?

A: We’ve been in Atmore nine years, since 2003. We just felt led by God to come here. There was friend who was a doctor who was moonlighting for Dr. Yoder. I called her after I finished my residency. I told her I wanted to move closer to my family in Mobile. She told me she was working in Atmore. I knew where that was, so I called Dr. Yoder and he got me in touch with the CEO and we came down and visited and just got a real good feeling from the administration and the people. It was a Christian organization. It was just a good fit.

Q: What is your primary focus as a physician?

A: I am a family practice doctor. My bread and butter is primary care, but I also work in the nursing home, in the hospital. I do industrial medicine.

Q: Where did you attend school and what made you choose family medicine?

A: I went to Auburn. I did my residence in East Tennessee. Why primary care? I guess, just to sum it up, when I was growing up and I thought about a doctor I always thought about a family doctor, so when it came time to choose, I felt led that that was the direction to go.

Q: What is life like in Atmore for you and your family?

A: My wife (Kelly) enjoys small towns, so she’s happy. We attend First United Methodist Church. We’re expecting our first child in April, a little boy, Samuel John.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: My favorite part is being a doctor in a small town and being a part of my patients’ lives. It feels like a privilege to be around in the good times and the bad times. Just being a part of the community. The community has been very supportive of both my wife and I. Just being a part of my patients’ lives, to sum it up. Just developing those relationships over the years and also with the people I work with. The nurses and the people in the office, the hospital and the nursing home. I feel privileged to be able to work with them and get to know them.