Dr. Tommy Stevens has been a physician in the Flint area for over three decades, specializing in family medicine. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Dr. Stevens came to Flint to complete his residency at the former St. Joseph Hospital. He then had a solo practice for many years. For the last three years, he has been affiliated with the Michigan Health Specialists physician group.
The doctor grew up in Sierra Leone, West Africa which he describes as “one of the poorest countries in the world.” “We didn’t have a lot of amenities,” he says, “but we managed with what we had.” His humble upbringing is what spurred the young man to pursue a career in medicine. “My desire to become a doctor was motivated by the health problems I saw in my own country.” He had at one time thought about returning to West Africa to practice medicine, but the civil war broke out and many of the citizens were massacred. He does, however, lend support to a local clinic there, providing much needed medical supplies. He also returns home to visit relatives in West Africa as often as he can.
As a family physician, Dr. Stevens has many long-time patients young and old alike, and he places much emphasis on the area of prevention. “I spend a lot of time with my patients educating them about the importance of good, healthy habits,” he says, “and I am passionate about being an advocate for my patient’s needs.” Since he has been practicing in the Flint area for 34 years, he has a large number of elderly patients. “I’ve grown old with them,” he laughs. He has seen a lot of changes in the field of medicine over the years, especially in the area of technology. He says the most significant change in that area is the use of electronic medical records and the ability to write prescriptions by computer. He has also seen the expansion of HMOs and managed care during his career.
It is very important to Dr. Stevens to give back to the community. He was the city doctor for Flint for many years. He shared his expertise by training young doctors as a faculty member in the residency program at St. Joseph Hospital. He is a member of the Genesee County Medical Society and has also provided services at the free clinic. “I have, in one way or another, been active in the community as much as I can,” he says.
Dr. Stevens is grateful for the opportunity to become a doctor in the U.S., and for the quality of life he gained. “As a foreigner coming to this country, I was given the opportunity to fulfill all of the hopes, dreams and goals I had set for myself. I am humbled enough to thank my host country,” he says. “For my experience as a doctor in America, I will be forever grateful.”
