Protect and Serve
At Modern Family Medicine Main Line, Dr. David Ho safeguards the health and wellness of his patients through ongoing relationships based on service, communication, and mutual respect.
David Ho, M.D., never met his paternal grandfather. Even so, he believes his forebear would see something very familiar in his grandson’s medical practice, Modern Family Medicine Main Line in Bryn Mawr. Dr. Ho’s grandfather was a physician in the early 20th century, during a time when the practice of medicine centered on a sense of duty and service to the community.
“There was a lot of respect between physicians and patients back then,” says Dr. Ho. “I want to practice medicine like how we did in my grandfather’s generation, building relationships with patients and their families based on mutual respect and open communication.”
Dr. Ho knew from a young age that he wanted to practice medicine. In fact, he took college credits in high school in anticipation of attending medical school. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California Davis. He completed his medical training abroad and attended St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine and later finished his training at New York Medical College. He also completed a two-year surgical residency at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pennsylvania. Dr. Ho completed his training in residency at Drexel University, where he now serves as a professor for medical students.
Dr. Ho has spent almost 15 years practicing primary care exclusively. In June 2018, after working at an established practice in Havertown, he decided to set out on his own by founding an independent practice, where he could create a culture of mutual respect and service. He is grateful to the core group that helped him start his practice—namely, Amanda Dougherty, Roxi Sarkahian, and Susan Dougherty. He credits his team for cultivating the personal approach to care that helped Modern Family Medicine grow and become what it is today.
“In many ways, medicine has become a consumer product,” says Dr. Ho. “But medical care has always been a vital part of community service, and that’s what I want to offer. I want my practice and how I practice to remain personal.”
Currently accepting new patients, Modern Family Medicine provides primary care for patients ages 16 years and up.
“That’s a great thing to hear for a primary care physician, showing that the patient has a lot of trust in what you’ve done for them,” says Dr. Ho. “That’s when we know we’ve done our job. We hold these relationships as sacred.”
Dr. Ho believes this is due to the importance he places on developing patient relationships and being open to discussing any concerns his patients and their family members may have with their care. Patients often recommend Modern Family Medicine to their family and friends, meaning Dr. Ho starts caring for a patient’s entire extended family.
“This is the aspect of medicine I wouldn’t trade for anything else: to be a part of a community and know that you can make a difference,” he says.
Dr. Ho prides himself on serving as many members of the community as possible, accepting traditional insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid patients. The practice also works with patients whose insurance may have lapsed, and is always scouting for available resources to help these individuals receive and afford the health care they require.
Dr. Ho currently serves as the Medical Director for Brightview Devon Senior Living. He is honored to be part of a community “that upholds everything that a community should and can be for seniors,” he says. “The team at Brightview is outstanding, and I am privileged to work with them.”
Dr. Ho loves his work. In his free time he is an avid movie buff, loves all genres of music, and enjoys swimming, hiking, and spending time with his family.
Although his work requires a great deal of responsibility, Dr. Ho cannot picture himself serving his community in any other way. He views the opportunity to serve patients and their families as a “call of duty,” not only as a healthcare practitioner but also as an educator. Dr. Ho serves as a professor for the Drexel University College of Medicine’s M.D. program, mentoring medical students who will be the healthcare providers of the future.
Looking forward, Dr. Ho is eager to expand his practice. As part of his planned expansion, he will prioritize the hiring of pre-med students for key positions, with the goal of encouraging more students to enter family medicine. Over the past three years, he has done so with great success, with several of his trainees having gone on to study at the likes of the University of Pennsylvania and Brown University. To be able to teach and mentor students who are passionate about medicine is a privilege. “I also learn from them as well,” he adds.
While some patients will show their gratitude by sending a heartfelt card or a thoughtful gift during the winter holidays, Dr. Ho knows that the best way a patient can thank him is simply by continuing their relationship with him—one that is rooted in service, communication, and mutual respect.
“Our patients trust us with their families and friends,” says Dr. Ho. “That’s not something I will ever take for granted.”
Modern Family Medicine Main Line
864 County Line Road, Suite #17
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(484) 222-6222
modernfamilymedicinemainline.com
864 County Line Road, Suite #17
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(484) 222-6222
modernfamilymedicinemainline.com
Photo by Nina Lea Photography
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life, August 2023.
