For Immediate Release:
March 30, 2012

Family MediCenter joins Southcoast Physicians Group

Part of Southcoast Health System, the leading provider of advanced health care services in Southeastern Massachusetts and in Portsmouth,R.I., at Linden Tree Family Health Center

Pictured left to right: Wendy P. Regan, MD, Michelle Boyle, MD, Richard V. Morgera, MD, and John J. Hand, MD. Download hi-res image

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. — Family MediCenter announced today it has joined Southcoast Physicians Group, one of the largest networks of primary and specialty care physicians in the region, and part of Southcoast Health System. The practice includes Michelle Boyle, MD, John J. Hand, MD, Richard V. Morgera, MD, and Wendy P. Regan, MD, and has changed its name to Southcoast Family MediCenter.

"As part of Southcoast, we are now aligned with the region's most progressive and trusted community health systems," Dr. Morgera said. "This affiliation gives us access to the latest information, best practices and quality assurance programs while adhering to the highest standards of care. The transition will be seamless for our patients, requiring no action on their part."

Southcoast Health System is the leading provider of advanced health care services in Southeastern Massachusetts and in Portsmouth, R.I., at Linden Tree Family Health Center. Southcoast is a network of three community hospitals — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham — as well as physician practices, rehabilitation sites, laboratory, radiology and more at over 40 health care sites across Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Through the collaboration with Southcoast, patients will have seamless access to a full array of advanced clinical services, such as open heart surgery, angioplasty and heart rhythm services, comprehensive cancer care, neurosurgery, weight loss surgery, wound care including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, orthopedic surgery and maternity services.

"It is always our goal to keep our patients' care close to home," Dr. Morgera said. "In addition to the local facilities and specialists that continue to be utilized, Southcoast provides a seamless link to advanced services available at one of their convenient locations and in many cases only 30 minutes away."

Southcoast Family MediCenter offers extended hours six days a week — Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Scheduled appointments are suggested with walk-in visits welcomed.

Onsite appointments are available with Southcoast affiliated medical specialists, including the orthopedic surgery practice of Brad Green, DO, of Coastal Orthopaedics and Southcoast Physicians Network, and gastroenterologist Charles B. Shana, MD, of Southcoast Physicians Group. Southcoast laboratory services, including blood collection, are available onsite Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Southcoast Family MediCenter is located at 672 Aquidneck Avenue, Polo Center, and is accepting new patients.

About Southcoast Family MediCenter Physicians

Michelle A. Boyle, MD, Family Medicine

Michelle A. Boyle, MD, earned her medical and undergraduate degrees at Brown University in Providence where she also completed her residency in family medicine. She is board certified in family practice.

Dr. Boyle is a clinical associate professor of family medicine at Brown University and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

John J. Hand, MD, Internal Medicine

Born in Newport, John J. Hand, MD, earned his medical degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and completed his internship and internal medicine residency in the U.S. Navy. He serviced at five naval hospitals, the last being at Newport where he was president of the staff. He was also the physician at the Naval War College in Newport.

As a civilian, he was director of medicine at the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center and was on staff at St. Luke's Hospital, where he held the position of secretary-treasurer of the medical staff.

Dr. Hand is board certified in internal medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He practices internal and family medicine with interests in sports medicine and medical ethics.

Richard V. Morgera, MD, Internal Medicine

Richard V. Morgera, MD, earned his medical degree at Brown University in Providence. He completed his internship at Veteran Administration Hospital in Boston, Boston City Hospital and Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He completed his residency in internal medicine at The Miriam Hospital in Providence.

Dr. Morgera is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and practices internal medicine. He is a clinical instructor at Brown University School of Medicine and University of New England School of Osteopathic Medicine. His interests include hypertension, heart disease and diabetes care.

Wendy P. Regan, MD, Family Practice

Wendy P. Regan, MD, earner her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester and completed her residency in family medicine through Brown University in Providence at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island in Pawtucket.

Dr. Regan is board certified by the American Board of Family Practice. She is a clinical instructor at Brown University School of Medicine. Her interests include women's health care.