Who We Are

For many, PrimeCare Community Health, Inc., is a place to go for help. For many others, it is a place to come to fulfill a personal mission. We are an organization with a passion for helping those in need. Here is what some of our employees had to say about working at PrimeCare Community Health, Inc.

"Mission work has been a passion of mine for many years and is one reason why I went into the medical field. I have been on mission trips to different countries serving a variety of needs, including treating patients and building construction. PrimeCare gave me the opportunity to provide care for the local underserved population in Chicago. I have not only enjoyed treating and getting to know my patients, but I appreciate that I am able to do so among colleagues and friends."

- Abby Clemens, PA-C

"I have spent the better part of a decade working in the healthcare field. I have provided direct patient care, as well community organized around particular health issues. Working for PrimeCare combines my love for health education and serving a community in need. At PrimeCare, I am comfortable knowing my ideas will be considered and most often I can rely on a web of support. The position that I have as Patient Care Coordinator allows me flexibility in choosing my approach to patient care while also challenging me to hone in on what areas may need more attention - which changes from day to day - making each day unique from the next. Everyday I look forward to what lies ahead. I feel that I have truly found my niche at PrimeCare and look forward to future growth."

- Maria Flanagan, Patient Care Coordinator

"Working for PrimeCare means not only doing something that I enjoy, but having the opportunity to help patients as well. Every patient is different, has a different story and reason why they come to PrimeCare. I have heard many times from patients that they are glad that PrimeCare offers case management services because they had been trying to deal with an issue that they were able to resolve here. It could be something from helping them receive public benefits, to assisting someone in a domestic violence situation in getting a lawyer, or offering support and advocacy for someone.

I am lucky to be able to work with PrimeCare providers and staff, as well as with other members of community organizations and non-profits. When I am able to help someone who is in a difficult situation that is when I am reminded why I do this. It's not just a job for me to assist a patient in need, it's much more important than that."

- Deyanira Avila, Case Manager

"We deliver quality health care to Portage Park's underserved populations regardless of our patients' ability to pay, or are uninsured, homeless, or are a part of a minority or migrant and seasonal population.

Taking care of our patients in the Portage Park Clinic is very rewarding since we often care for families across several generations."

- Boguslaw Bonczak, M.D., Family Practice Physician

"I am the Behavioral Health Consultant - which means I work closely with the Primary Care Providers and other staff to provide holistic care. The stress and worries of an illness and everyday life can wear anyone down, physically and mentally. My job is to provide understanding, support and guidance as well as therapy services while keeping the doctors informed of progress or setbacks in care.

Working at PrimeCare means working with a population that needs and appreciates the services they receive here. It often means being the first experience with counseling for many patients and acting as ambassador for psychological and counseling services. It gives me an opportunity to use my knowledge and skills to help patients as well as training and supervising others in this model of Primary Care Behavioral Health."

- Rebecca Reséndiz Rodriguez, PsyD, LCPC, Behavioral Health Therapist

"I enjoy working at a place where each person recognizes the value of their contribution in caring for patients, where teamwork is a priority."

- James Lang, M.D., Family Practice Physician

"I'm Dr. Mary Worden-McGuinness, PsyD, Director of Behavioral Health at PrimeCare - AKA "Dr. Mary". Our Behavioral Health program helps patients and their families who are dealing with emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues, and we also help patients who have medical conditions (such as diabetes or pregnancy) that can affect their mental health.

In the past several years our Behavioral Health program has changed from a separate counseling service to an integrated program in which we consult with medical providers and other staff about the emotional and behavioral needs of patients. This movement toward integration is a change that is happening nationally, and we are seen as leaders in the developing area of Primary Care Psychology. I like being part of a team that helps the patient to heal physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. By being available when the patients see their doctors, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding seeking help for mental health issues."

- Dr. Mary Worden McGuinness, PsyD, Director of Behavioral Health

"Working at PrimeCare gives me the opportunity to interact with family (co-workers), but also with patients who can benefit from our overall services. We are making a positive change, even if we think it is insignificant to the patient or to us."

- Lidia Garcia, Case Manager

"Caring for PrimeCare's patients means having a clear understanding of the needs of the patient and being able to provide them with the utmost care and respect. I feel my mission as a support to the provider is complete when the patient's needs are met properly and they trust PrimeCare enough to return."

- Laura Hernandez, Certified Medical Assistant, Team Leader