MARTIN, Ky. – For Dr. Emily Willis, joining Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is more than an opportunity to care for patients — it is a chance to return home and serve the communities that helped shape her.

A native of Kimper, Kentucky, Willis is an internal medicine physician providing primary care at the Seton Clinic in Martin while also caring for hospitalized patients as a hospitalist at OLOW and McDowell.

“I love that I can provide care so close to home,” Willis said. “I was born and raised in Kimper, Kentucky, so I am all too aware that finding a physician can be difficult in rural areas. I’m thrilled that I get to come back home and help provide care.”

Willis’ relationship with ARH began well before she joined the organization as a physician. While attending the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), she completed the majority of her clinical rotations with ARH.

That experience left a lasting impression.

“I liked the culture and the people I worked with,” Willis said. Internal medicine appealed to Willis because of the opportunity it provides to take a comprehensive approach to health and remain involved in multiple aspects of a patient’s care. “I enjoy being involved in all aspects of my patients’ care, and internal medicine has allowed me to do that,” Willis said.

At the Seton Clinic, Willis will primarily provide primary care services while also providing acute care to patients during her hospitalist shifts. Regardless of the setting, she said building relationships and understanding each patient as an individual are important parts of providing quality care.

“I like to take my time with patients and get to know them,” Willis said. “I want to learn how I can help improve their health through their daily life and interests.”

For Willis, a successful visit is one in which patients leave knowing their concerns matter. “I want patients to feel seen, heard and understood,” Willis said. “I want them to feel that they have had their concerns addressed and that, if they have concerns later, they feel comfortable letting me know.”

That relationship also means encouraging patients to take an active role in protecting their long-term health. Willis is particularly passionate about the importance of preventive care. “Preventive care is so, so, so important,” Willis said. “It’s important to prevent disease from occurring entirely if possible, and if not, to detect it early.”

As a physician and Eastern Kentucky native, Willis understands both the opportunities and challenges associated with accessing healthcare in rural communities. Returning home allows her to help make quality care more accessible to the people and communities she knows best.

Willis describes herself as easygoing, but patients can also expect a physician who is willing to speak up for their health. “I will advocate for your health, even if I’m advocating directly to you,” Willis said. “Your health is important to me.”

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Outside of medicine, Willis enjoys reading, listening to music, playing online video games with friends, traveling and baking.