Dr. Jaimie Reed

Family Medicine/Primary Care

What are your clinical interests?

Family medicine, pediatrics, sports medicine and physiology, and women’s health.

What inspired you to become a physician? Why did you choose your area of care?

In high school I was lucky enough to be in the first class to be offered an Anatomy course. Up until that point I had always liked science best out of all subjects, but that class really made me realize how much I loved anatomy and was fascinated with it.

Later that same year — but not so luckily — I tore my ACL while competing in gymnastics. This gave me the opportunity to see anatomy meet physiology and the art of medicine in practice. From that point on I had dreams of becoming a doctor.

Family Medicine was not something familiar to me before medical school, being from Massachusetts where most people have their pediatrician and then adult doctor once they grow up. Once I learned that there was a practice where I could care for everyone, from birth to death and everything in between, I knew that was what I wanted to do. I got to work with a wonderful family physician right from the get-go in medical school — she had a great practice where she would see mom, dad, kids, grandma, auntie, neighbors, and everyone in between — and I loved the relationships she got to build with her families and community. It was true family medicine, and I was hooked.

Was there a particular moment when being a physician became ‘more than medicine’ for you?

There have been a few moments along the way that made me stop and realize that being someone’s doctor is more than just the medicine. One of these came in medical school when I had to complete a house call on a patient after seeing her in clinic. Meeting with this lovely woman in her home, and her son who came to visit, opened my eyes to see that each person has a story you have to consider when treating them.

Another moment for me was after a patient’s heart stopped and we attempted resuscitation. We were not able to resuscitate this patient, and I had to tell his family (whom I had never met) that he was gone. The family members going through this terribly difficult moment were thankful to me — thankful for me being genuine with them, explaining the situation of their loss, and being present with them while they grieved. It was a difficult, but eye- and heart-opening, experience to share with a family.

What is your personal philosophy of care?

Very simply, I hope to treat patients the way I would want to be treated, or would want my parents, grandparents, or other loved ones to be treated.

In your opinion, what things matter most to patients? How do you deliver on these?

I believe that patients want to be heard and, more than just heard, feel listened to. Caring about how your patients are feeling — their worries, their questions — will always improve their care and health.

I always set out with the goal of letting my patients do the majority of the talking, while I do the listening. If a visit happens where I was the one doing more of the speaking, I know I have not come through on this goal. But, if I am able to hear my patient’s story and listen to their needs, fears, or hang-ups, I know we will be on a better path to making strides in their care.

Why did you choose to be a Southcoast Physician?

I grew up in Carver, Mass., and actually worked as a CNA at Tobey Hospital for Southcoast between undergraduate college and medical school. I remember it being a great place to work, and when the time came to find my first job out of residency, Southcoast was at the top of my list. I am glad to be able to provide care to the people in my hometown area and to make connections in my local community.

What do you like to do in your personal time?

I love to cook and am always searching for new recipes to test out. I also enjoy being outdoors, especially at the beach or on the water. Reading is my go-to stress reliever. And, I love my family dogs and am looking forward to getting a fur-baby of my own.

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I have competed in more than 20 styles of dance. If there is music playing, you can bet I’ll be moving my feet!

Dr. Reed practices at:
208 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA
508-758-3781

Dr. Barbara Soares

Obstetrics & Gynecology

What are your clinical interests?

Abnormal uterine bleeding, abnormal pap smears and menopause management.

What inspired you to become a physician? Why did you choose your area of care?

My sister was a midwife.  She worked for the Peace Corps in Mali, Africa.  She contracted malaria and died while serving.  She was 24.  She was five years older than me and her death had a big impact on my life and my choice of careers.

Was there a particular moment when being a physician became ‘more than medicine’ for you?

Being a physician has always been more than medicine to me. I consider it to be a privilege to practice. Experience has taught me that it is much more of an art than I ever thought. 

In your opinion, what things matter most to patients? How do you deliver on these?

Respect and trust, in my opinion, are two things that matter most to patients. I try to run on time, listen carefully and provide the most up to date care to all my patients.

What do you like to do in your personal time?

I enjoy exercising and spending time outdoors. I especially enjoy spending time with my husband and three boys. 

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I have completed several half marathons and several sprint triathlons.

Dr. Soares practices at:
543 North St., New Bedford, MA
508-973-2208

To find a Southcoast Health provider, visit southcoast.org/doctors.

Health+ Winter 2019