Lyerly, Mark, Andrew, MD

When I was a young adult, I had an accident that changed my life in many ways. It immediately hit a pause button on my life, leaving me hospitalized and keeping me from normal activities for several long months. But the warm folks I met in the hospital and at rehab changed my life for even longer than that. They changed my perspective on how I could best make my way in the world, and I have been preparing to take care of, or taking care of, patients ever since. \n Although I started my career as a hospitalist, caring for all ages of hospitalized patients, I have been working in primary care since 2006. I often focus on senior adults. Taking care of this group is such a tremendous honor. They infuse my days with bits of fun peppered with wisdom that is as valuable today as it ever was. \n The best expert on every patient is themself and their loved ones; and I always consider information offered by my patients and those closest to them. I rely on these sources to understand my patients' health goals so we can forge a path together to achieve fulfilling care. The most rewarding things I see are my patients' smiles when they start to feel better, find a way to cope with an illness, or find a path to better health. \n When I'm not seeing patients, I love to read and consider myself a bit of a book nerd; I especially love science fiction and fantasy. I enjoy writing fiction, playing the flute and the tenor sax, and singing in my church choir. I also serve as a deacon in my church. I have a love for the outdoors that I attribute to growing up around my grandparents' farm, and I tend to spend every minute I can outside in my garden.