Keith Groach, PA-C
In my small Ohio hometown, I worked for the town physician while I was in high school, which led to my interest in medicine. He invited me to join the local rescue squad as a student member, and I eventually became an EMT. Later, I trained to be a medical assistant. I've been in and around medicine since I was 15 and can't imagine another career. \n A physician told my PA class that 90% of our job is to listen and ask the right questions. That idea helped form the foundation of my approach to medicine. \n I believe you can best measure a person's health not by the number of pills they take, but by the number of stairs they can climb. I do everything I can to keep patients off medications. That said, if we can't fix a problem through lifestyle changes, then I'm committed to finding the right medicine at the right dose to achieve the best outcomes. \n My role is not to tell a patient what to do, but to serve as a guide. When possible, I strive to "teach you to fish," as the saying goes. It doesn't do a patient any good to be prescribed medicine they won't take. I believe in mutual medical decision-making and work to ensure patients understand the "why" behind their care plan. \n My weight was a life-long struggle until 2023 when I was confronted with my own health shortcomings and embraced healthy eating, exercising and being outdoors. Since then, I've participated in obstacle course races, 5Ks and marathons. I'm fostering a love of movement and the outdoors in my son and daughter, too. If I'm not out exercising myself, I'm probably cheering them on in races and swim meets. \n Because of what living healthfully has done for me, I place a strong emphasis on health and wellness in my practice. That means proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, of course, but it also encompasses mental, emotional and, if appropriate, spiritual health - in whatever form that takes. \n At my church, I'm involved with the children's ministry, counseling ministry and outreach. I volunteer at my kids' school, and I'm an avid member of F3 (a men's group that stands for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith). \n Winston-Salem has been my off-and-on home since coming to Wake Forest for my undergrad degree in 2005. It's been my permanent home since 2014. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, and our family's favorite vacation spots are the beach and mountains since both allow plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. \n I'm not one to sit still unless I'm reading (I love science fiction and fantasy) or watching a movie. My favorites are Marvel movies, Star Wars and Disney/Pixar productions. I love home renovation projects, working on my car, techy gizmos and gadgets and cooking - especially on my grill or smoker.
