"When Dr. Peter Carrazzone injured his eye in the fifth grade, he discovered his future career. “I was hospitalized, and the doctor who treated me – the ophthalmologist – really inspired me. I knew then that I was going to be a doctor.” He chose family medicine because he enjoyed most every medical rotation. “Family medicine gave me the most robust ability to see everything.”
A large focus of his practice is preventive care. “We strongly monitor our patients to identify problems,” he says. “We offer annual physicals and important screening tests. We talk to them about diet and exercise. If they’re doing something harmful, such as smoking, we want to motivate them to change behaviors so they have a greater chance of a healthier and longer life.”
Wellness is a term that is used a lot, according to Dr. Carrazzone. He cautions patients to be aware of so-called lifeline screenings. “Sometimes, companies offer screenings that don’t give you any information that pertains to your health. That’s why we practice evidence-based medicine. We do screenings that either rule out a potential problem or result in a need for monitoring or treatment.”
He treats babies to seniors, and enjoys getting to know the families at Vanguard. “Knowing the family history and dynamics plays a large role in being a good diagnostician,” he says. “It provides that additional information that is helpful in treating the whole patient.” Importantly, he takes the time to listen, and he sees the patient throughout the whole medical experience, from office to hospital. “Every morning, I do rounds at three hospitals,” he says. “It’s part of our continuity of care.”"
