Upstate Independent Medical Association and Integral Leaders in Health to strengthen support for patients and independent physicians in South Carolina
November 22, 2024
Integral Leaders in Health (ILH) and the Upstate Independent Medical Association (UIMA) have formed a strategic partnership designed to strengthen the growing community of independent physicians in the Upstate.
Through this partnership, ILH will assume key operational and strategic responsibilities for UIMA thus delivering essential management services that foster collaboration among individual medical practices across a variety of specialties, said Dr. Spence Taylor, MD, CEO of Integral Leaders in Health.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Upstate Independent Medical Association to support a vision of healthcare that prioritizes patient choice, access, and the autonomy of physicians,” Taylor said. “As healthcare is increasingly influenced by MBAs rather than MDs, our collaboration with UIMA empowers independent physicians to maintain their autonomy and deliver care that’s deeply personalized. By supporting these dedicated providers, we’re helping to advance a healthcare model that values patient relationships and individual physician expertise — giving patients more options and ensuring that independent medicine continues to thrive in the Upstate of South Carolina.”
This partnership aims to advance independent medicine’s commitment to delivering personalized, patient-centered care without the influence of corporate policies or procedures, said Jerome Aya-Ay, MD, President of the Upstate Independent Medical Association, a practicing primary care physician, and owner of an independent practice.
Launched only six months ago, UIMA already has an active membership of more than 60 Upstate physicians. The organization’s collaboration with ILH will not only further develop the membership base and enhance resources for autonomous physicians but also ensure patients have greater access to quality, patient-centered care across the region.
“Our alliance with Integral Leaders in Health advances our mission of sustaining and growing independent medicine in Upstate South Carolina,” he said. “By providing the resources and support our physicians need to thrive, this partnership directly benefits the communities and patients we serve, fostering a healthcare environment that values both physician autonomy as well as patient wellbeing and trust.”
As the landscape of healthcare continues to shift, more physicians are choosing independent practice as a means to maintain autonomy and deepen their commitment to patient care. The collaboration with ILH enables UIMA to provide comprehensive support for these physicians, helping them thrive while prioritizing high-quality, individualized care. Ultimately, the partnership enhances healthcare access and choice for patients, supporting a robust, independent medical community.
About Integral Leaders in Health
Integral Leaders in Health is a Delaware public benefit corporation whose mission is to lead the direction of medicine to where patient well-being is the priority. Its vision is to instill values that help balance medical care among its constituents — doctors, hospitals, payors and innovators. They accomplish this through targeted strategic campaigns that educate, inform and catalyze measurable change. Learn more at www.integralleadersinhealth.com.
About Upstate Independent Medical Association
The Upstate Independent Medical Association supports the collaborative advancement of independent healthcare practices of different specialties in Upstate South Carolina. We believe in the importance of individual practices working together to create a strong, unified healthcare system. By coming together, we can achieve greater outcomes for our patients and the community as a whole.
