Get to know Keystone Family Medicine physician, Dr. Joseph McDermott, in today’s Meet The Provider article!
How did you decide to become a Family Medicine physician?
I wanted to be a physician my entire life. I lucked out, got the old Fisher Price kit (still have it now, thanks Amber) and fortunately knew this was my life’s goal. I was going all in towards becoming a Neurosurgeon. I had dissected a cadaver for anatomy class that kept the nerves, arteries, and veins mostly intact of the internal pelvis region. I thought the brain is the most fulfilling organ system, and that I enjoyed the art of surgery, but I evolved to learn that I enjoyed the detective work in primary care much more. I grew up from humble roots, and being the first doctor in my family, I spent a lot of my time simplifying and making medicine practical. I felt that I could easily teach anyone medicine, even someone who knew nothing about it. Family medicine offered me the best option to put my knowledge to use amongst all ages and walks of life. I think it’s more fun that way.
Where did you receive your education?
High school – Baltimore Polytechnic Institute – 2003
Undergrad – Juniata College – 2007
Masters (cert) of Biomedical Sciences first year program – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – 2008
Medical school – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – 2012
What do you like about working in the family medicine field?
Being able to know I’m trained to be the best in preventative and general medicine, but the need to be the second best in many other fields also. To know I could do some surgeries if in an emergent situation, that I could deliver a baby and provide prenatal care to that child and mother, and to know how to be present in the room with family or someone who is alone when they are taking their final breath.
What is your favorite part of your job?
People and perspective. I love that I never stop learning, and not just medicine either, but life. It’s the perspective you gain in taking someone through a midlife crisis, the birth of a child, loss of a loved one, getting accepted into school and being treated as if you are part of the family also. Best feeling in the world!
Why did you choose to work at Keystone?
I was offered a unique opportunity to help collaborate with my former employer, WellSpan Health, to bring a residency program to Franklin County that is enabling us to try to grow some well-trained family doctors from this area and establish a pipeline to provide primary care services to the region to grow it more. I will have two students who will work with me directly in the new building over at Southgate Mall. I am truly looking forward to the opportunity to have a part in this role.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
These change, it seems, like anything with time. As much as I love water sports and enjoy golfing, I’ve developed an enjoyment for woodworking, keeping up with the chemistry of my pool, cooking for my family and for others, and spending the time when I can with the Grindstone-6 (Alison, Dave, Wyatt, Parker, and the 2 pets 🙂 ). I am thankful every day not only for God’s blessings, but for my beautiful fiancée Amber, who continues to save my life day in and day out not only as the blessing and love that I never truly deserved nor expected, but as my best friend in life, hopefully for many years to come.
Where is your hometown and, if you are new to the area, what do you like about Franklin County so far?
I am from Baltimore, MD originally. Franklin County has been my home now for almost 10 years. I love the diversity and working with a lot of different people and cultures. I like the “not too close but not too far” distances from several fun cities and serving the people of this community.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself or something people might be surprised to know about you?
I built my own home basement bar in my house with help from my friends, of course, but I had never done anything like that before. I like being well rounded more now than ever.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?
I’ll always try and treat everyone fairly. Good help is help that can be delivered in multiple different types of ways and styles specific to the person asking for or seeking it. However, I believe that I learn just as much about myself and life from my patients as they can from me.
Welcome to the Keystone Family, Dr. McDermott!
