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Patient Centered Medical Care with You in Mind
By Carolyn S. Peterson

For husband and wife physicians Dr. G. Michael Summer and Dr. Leigh R. Summer, their family practice, Lewisville Family Physicians, suits their style of patient care perfectly.  “Our patients range in age from 0 to 103.  We focus on the importance of the patient, by getting to know them, and by remembering they are not just a number or an illness.  By having our own private practice, we can take time to listen to our patients’ concerns and address their needs,” said Dr. Leigh Summer.

Service to Country and Community
Dr. Michael Summer, Raleigh native, grew up in Cherryville, NC, and attended NC State University, graduating with degrees in chemistry and biochemistry.  “I spent a few years performing basic research before I began medical school at East Carolina University, graduating in 1995.  After graduating, I spent the next 5 years in the United States Navy, fulfilling my military scholarship obligation.  I served as the doctor on board the USS Frank Cable in Guam and Japan, and then as Senior Medical Officer at the Point Mugu Naval Air Station,” stated Dr. Michael Summer.  Upon finishing his residency in family medicine at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN, Dr. Summer practiced in Lexington, NC, until he and his wife and business partner, Dr. Leigh Summer, founded Lewisville Family Physicians in June 2005.

Dr. Leigh Summer is originally from Rock Hill, SC, and her family eventually moved to Greenville, NC.  After receiving her degree in chemical engineering from NC State University, Dr. Leigh Summer attended the medical school at East Carolina University, where she graduated in 1995, along with her husband.  “We met and married while in medical school. I also served in the United States Navy as a Medical Officer at the Naval Hospital on Guam in charge of a base medical clinic and then head of occupational medicine.  I later practiced in Southern California,” commented Dr. Leigh Summer.  Following the completion of her Naval obligations, Dr. Summer practiced in several locations, concentrating in occupational medicine, primary care and women’s health.  If two careers in medicine were not enough to balance, the Summers began a family, and that is when the balancing of family and careers began.

It’s About Give and Take – and Priorities
In 1997, a daughter, Sarah was born and then three years later, a son, Sam came along.  “For us, our family is our priority, so working as a team, both professionally and personally is the only way to maintain balance in our lives.  I could do either role, physician or mom, every day and not run out of things to do.  For us, the support of family and friends is so important in making sure our kids can attend extra-curricular activities.  Being available for my kids after school is important to me, so Michael stays at the office longer.  Realizing that we have only one opportunity to raise our children is what determines our priorities as a family,” said Dr. Leigh Summer.

A Family Practice with an Added Dimension
A year and a half ago, Dr. Leigh Summer expanded the medical practice that she and her husband had established, to include laser and aesthetics.  “I have always enjoyed the hands-on aspect of medicine and the practice of laser and aesthetics interested me from that viewpoint.  I offer many laser services, from hair removal, to skin rejuvenation, to spider veins.  For patients with acne scars and fine to deep wrinkles, I perform chemical peels.  The two, laser skin rejuvenation and chemical peels, are sometimes combined to get a boost in the overall results,” commented Dr. Leigh Summer.

Beyond the laser and aesthetics, Dr. Leigh Summer enjoys her pre-teen and teen patients.  “I am in a position as a physician to help shape teens in their health needs and concerns.  Knowing that they have a sounding board for any issue is a great responsibility, but one I truly appreciate,” stated Dr. Leigh Summer.

Lewisville Family Physicians is located at 6614 Shallowford Road in Lewisville, NC.  Office hours are Mon-Wed 8 am- 5 pm; Thurs 8 am- 6 pm.  For more information on the practice call 945-2080 or visit www.lewisvillefamilyphysicians.com.