Homegrown Healing: Farnhamville Resident Finds Personalized Healthcare Close to Home

Living in a rural community often means facing challenges when it comes to healthcare access. But for Brad Robey of Farnhamville, the McCrary-Rost Clinic in Gowrie has become a beacon of hope and personalized care.

Brad, 61, struggles with rheumatoid arthritis and edema, causing painful swelling and fluid retention around his joints. After experiencing communication breakdowns and a lack of collaboration between providers at other facilities, he felt unheard and frustrated. The medications he was prescribed only offered temporary relief, not solutions.

Seeking a better experience closer to home, Brad found McCrary-Rost Clinic. Right from the first call, the sense of compassion and belonging drew him in.

"Jess [Drees, ARNP] was amazing from day one," Brad says. "Unlike other places that just gave me a temporary fix, Jess listened to all my concerns and addressed each one individually."

Now, Brad has regular check-ups with Jess and has noticed great improvements to both his physical and emotional health. He also sees Carrie Goodwin, DNP, PMHNP in Gowrie, who specializes in mental health. Jess notes the importance of collaboration among providers, as it can be incredibly frustrating trying to navigate the path to wellness on your own.

“Collaboration is the cornerstone of effective care. We may wear many hats, but no single provider can be everything to every patient. Working together with specialists, mental health professionals, and other healthcare providers allows us to create a truly comprehensive plan that addresses all aspects of a patient's well-being,” Jess says. “It's about fostering open communication and shared goals, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a more positive healthcare experience.”

Deciding whose hands to place your health in is a daunting task. But it’s safe to say that Brad made the right choice. The staff in Gowrie, from reception to nursing to providers, have earned a special place in Brad’s heart for their kindness and compassion.

“I feel good every time I walk out those doors,” Brad says. “Even if the nurses are busy, they always make time for a quick hello or a joke and a great smile.”

The McCrary-Rost Clinic in Gowrie isn't just any clinic; it's a place where Brad feels valued and understood.

“When you walk through our doors, you aren't another number," Jess says, "You'll receive exceptional, individualized care at every visit."

Jess Drees, ARNP, FNP-C sees patients of all ages at her practice in Gowrie. She has a passion for preventative health care and women's screening and has based her practice on caring for the whole family – especially the pediatric population.

Having grown up in Auburn, Jess established her foundation in healthcare as a CNA with Stewart Memorial. After earning her RN in 2010, she gained experience in a variety of settings, including med-surg, emergency, and obstetrics. She pursued further education and became a family nurse practitioner in 2023.

Jess and her husband, Justin, have three children: Knox, Kipp, and Kwincy. If you're looking for personalized healthcare close to home, consider McCrary-Rost Clinic in Gowrie. Call (712) 464-8891 to schedule an appointment with Jess Drees, ARNP, FNP-C.