Choosing a new primary care physician (PCP) can feel like a daunting task. This is the person you’ll turn to for everything from routine checkups and preventive screenings to chronic condition management and health advice. The right PCP doesn’t just treat you when you’re sick—they help you stay well, make sense of medical decisions, and advocate for your long-term health. 

At Shadid Medical Group, we understand how personal this decision is. Your physician should be someone who takes time to listen, explains things clearly, and makes you feel confident about your care. Whether you’ve just moved to a new area, changed insurance plans, or simply want a more personalized experience, here are five essential tips for finding the right fit. 

Tip 1: Define Your Priorities and Health Needs 

Before you start scrolling through provider lists or asking for recommendations, take a few minutes to think about what matters most to you in a physician. Every person’s needs are different—so understanding your own expectations can help you narrow down the list. 

Ask yourself questions like: 

• Do I need a family medicine doctor who can care for all ages, or an internal medicine specialist focused on adult care? 

• Am I looking for a doctor with specific experience in chronic condition management, such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disease? 

• How important is location, appointment availability, or the option for same-day visits? 

• Do I value a more holistic approach that considers nutrition, lifestyle, and mental health? 

At Shadid Medical Group, we emphasize a personalized, preventive approach to care. Our providers treat patients of all ages and focus on early detection and education—because maintaining good health should never be reactive. 

Dr. Stanley Christopher Shadid, the founder of Shadid Medical Group, embodies this philosophy. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Dr. Shadid is a board-certified family and preventive medicine physician who provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages—from newborns to the elderly. His approach is rooted in compassion, prevention, and a genuine dedication to helping patients thrive through every stage of life. 

When you define what matters most, you’re more likely to find a physician who matches your medical needs and personal values. 

Tip 2: Check Credentials, Experience, and Specialties 

Once you’ve identified what you’re looking for, it’s time to research qualifications. A trustworthy primary care physician should be board-certified, meaning they’ve completed extensive training and passed rigorous exams in their specialty. 

You can verify board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a credible resource that confirms your doctor’s credentials and ongoing education. Beyond that, consider these additional factors: 

• Experience level – A physician with years of experience has likely encountered a wide variety of health concerns and can provide well-rounded, evidence-based care. 

• Areas of interest – Some PCPs offer additional services like weight management, hormone therapy, or minor in-office procedures. 

• Commitment to continuing education – Medicine evolves quickly, and great doctors stay up-to-date with new research, technology, and treatment standards. 

Dr. Shadid brings a wealth of experience and specialized training to his patients. After graduating at the top of his class from Ross University School of Medicine, he completed his Family Medicine residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. In addition to his board certifications in Family and Preventive Medicine, Dr. Shadid has advanced training in aesthetic and cosmetic procedures—including laser therapy, Botox and fillers, radiofrequency skin tightening, liposuction, and hormone replacement therapy. 

His excellence has been recognized across the state: he was named Top Family Medicine Physician in Oklahoma by the Reader’s Choice Awards four years in a row (2018–2021) and honored as Physician of the Year by 405 Magazine in 2020. 

At Shadid Medical Group, our providers combine advanced training with compassionate, patient-centered care. From chronic disease management to wellness visits and urgent care, we’re equipped to handle a broad spectrum of health needs—all in one place. 

Tip 3: Consider Accessibility and Convenience 

Your doctor may be excellent, but if scheduling is a struggle or the office is inconveniently located, it can become a source of frustration. Accessibility plays a huge role in maintaining consistent healthcare. 

When evaluating your options, pay attention to practical details such as: 

• Appointment availability – Can you get in quickly if you’re feeling sick? 

• Office location – Is it close to home or work? Is there convenient parking? 

• Telehealth options – Virtual visits are especially helpful for follow-ups, medication refills, or minor issues that don’t require an in-person exam. 

• After-hours access – Can you reach a provider or nurse line for urgent concerns outside regular hours? 

Shadid Medical Group offers same-day appointments for both new and established patients, making it easier to get care when you need it most. With locations in Edmond and Choctaw, our team strives to make quality healthcare convenient and accessible for patients across the Oklahoma City area. Our goal is to remove barriers between you and your physician, whether that means offering flexible scheduling or clear communication between visits. 

A practice that prioritizes convenience shows that they value your time—and your health. 

Tip 4: Evaluate Communication and Compatibility 

Your relationship with your primary care physician is deeply personal. You should feel comfortable discussing your health concerns openly, without feeling rushed or dismissed. The best physicians not only diagnose and treat—they listen, explain, and collaborate. 

Here’s what to look for during an initial visit or consultation: 

• Active listening – Does the doctor give you time to explain your concerns and ask follow-up questions? 

• Clear communication – Are medical terms explained in a way you can understand? 

• Respectful interaction – Does the provider make you feel like a partner in your health decisions? 

• Cultural and language inclusivity – If English isn’t your first language, is interpretation or translation support available? 

At Shadid Medical Group, we’re proud to have a team that prioritizes compassionate communication and personalized attention. We also offer Spanish translation services to ensure every patient feels heard and supported. 

Dr. Shadid’s approachable, family-centered style reflects his Oklahoma roots and his commitment to faith and community. He and his wife, Katy, are raising their three children—Micah, Noelle, and Layla—in the Oklahoma City area. Outside the clinic, he serves on the board of directors at the Crossings Community Medical Clinic and is an active member of Crossings Community Church, where he continues his mission to care for others both in and out of the exam room. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), effective communication between patients and providers has been linked to better treatment adherence, improved outcomes, and higher overall satisfaction. In short, when you feel understood, you’re more likely to stay proactive about your health. 

Tip 5: Review Insurance, Policies, and Reputation 

Practical details like insurance coverage and office policies can make or break your healthcare experience. Before scheduling your first appointment, take a moment to confirm a few key things: 

• Insurance network – Make sure the practice accepts your health plan. Out-of-network visits can lead to unexpected costs. 

• Billing clarity – Does the office provide estimates or help you understand your out-of-pocket responsibilities? 

• Office policies – How do they handle cancellations, referrals, or prescription refills? 

• Reputation – Patient reviews can reveal helpful insights about wait times, staff friendliness, and overall satisfaction. 

While reviews shouldn’t be your only deciding factor, they can help you spot trends in how a clinic treats its patients. 

At Shadid Medical Group, transparency is part of our commitment to quality care. We accept most major insurance plans and aim to make billing and scheduling as seamless as possible—so you can focus on your health, not the paperwork. 

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Instincts 

Sometimes, choosing a doctor comes down to how you feel after that first visit. Did you feel rushed? Were your questions answered clearly? Did the provider seem genuinely invested in your health? 

Your intuition can tell you a lot. The best primary care relationships are built on trust and comfort—something that can’t always be measured on paper. If you walk away from your appointment feeling heard and respected, that’s a great sign you’ve found the right fit. 

The Shadid Medical Group Difference 

At Shadid Medical Group, we believe primary care should be personal, preventive, and proactive. Our team focuses on helping patients live healthier, happier lives through compassionate care and open communication. Whether you need a wellness check, management for a chronic condition, or help navigating a new diagnosis, we’re here every step of the way. 

We also make care accessible with: 

• Same-day appointments for urgent needs 

• Spanish translation services for better communication 

• Comprehensive family medicine for all ages 

• Preventive screenings and chronic care management 

• Easy online scheduling through our website 

Dr. Shadid has built this practice around his belief that medicine should feel like a partnership. His reputation as one of Oklahoma’s most trusted family physicians is rooted in his genuine care for every patient who walks through the door. 

Your health journey deserves a provider who sees you as a person, not a number. 

Final Thoughts 

Finding the right primary care physician is one of the most important investments you can make in your well-being. A strong, trusting relationship with your doctor can make all the difference in preventing disease, managing chronic conditions, and living your healthiest life. 

If you’re looking for a new provider who values personalized care, accessibility, and long-term health partnerships, the team at Shadid Medical Group is here to help.

Health needs don’t stay the same forever. Babies grow into kids, kids become teenagers, teenagers turn into adults, and eventually, we all move into the later seasons of life. At every step along the way, the body changes, new challenges arise, and preventive care looks a little different. That’s why having a doctor who treats every stage of life is so valuable. 

At Shadid Medical Group in Edmond, Oklahoma, our family medicine team is built on this exact philosophy: one trusted place for healthcare that grows with you. From newborn checkups to managing chronic conditions later in life, we provide consistent, comprehensive care that simplifies your healthcare journey and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. 

Continuity of Care Creates Better Health Outcomes 

One of the biggest advantages of seeing the same doctor throughout your life is continuity of care. When a provider knows your full health story, they can make more informed decisions and spot patterns sooner. 

Imagine this: you’ve been seeing the same doctor since you were a teenager. They know your family medical history, your past injuries, and even your lifestyle habits. If you come in at age 40 with new symptoms, your doctor has the context to determine whether it’s something minor or potentially the early signs of a chronic condition. That deeper understanding leads to quicker answers and better treatments. 

At Shadid Medical Group, Dr. Christopher Shadid and his team focus on long-term relationships with patients. They don’t just treat what’s happening today — they keep track of your entire health journey so nothing gets overlooked. That kind of trust and familiarity is what makes family medicine so effective.

One Place for the Whole Family 

Life is busy, and healthcare shouldn’t be more complicated than it needs to be. One of the best parts of having a doctor who treats every stage of life is the convenience for families. Instead of shuffling between pediatricians, internal medicine providers, and geriatric specialists, everyone in the household can be seen in one place. 

At Shadid Medical Group, families appreciate the ability to schedule well-child visits, sports physicals, chronic disease management, and wellness exams for parents or grandparents — all under the same roof. It makes it easier to keep everyone on track with their healthcare and saves valuable time. 

Plus, children who grow up seeing the same doctor often feel more comfortable in a clinical setting. That early comfort can carry into adulthood, making them more likely to keep up with preventive care later on.

Same-Day Appointments for Life’s Surprises 

No matter your age, health issues don’t always give advance notice. From a toddler with a sudden fever to an adult with a minor injury, having access to same-day appointments can make all the difference. 

Shadid Medical Group understands that life doesn’t wait, which is why we offer same-day visits for both new and established patients. Instead of running to urgent care — where you may see a provider who doesn’t know your history — you can get care from a team that’s already familiar with your background. This keeps your health record consistent and ensures your treatment plan makes sense in the bigger picture.

Preventive Care Looks Different at Every Age 

Preventive care is one of the most powerful tools in medicine, but what it looks like depends on your stage of life. 

At Shadid Medical Group, we adapt preventive care to each phase of life, making sure you get the right screenings and guidance at the right time. Catching issues early — or preventing them entirely — is always easier than treating them later. 

For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that routine preventive care can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This is why we place such a strong emphasis on age-specific wellness.

Chronic Care That Stays Consistent 

Chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and hypertension don’t disappear after childhood or suddenly appear in old age — they often require management across a lifetime. When you have one provider guiding your care through every stage, it’s easier to stay on top of these conditions. 

Dr. Shadid is board-certified in Family and Preventive Medicine and has helped patients in Edmond and the greater Oklahoma City area manage complex health needs. His approach combines medical expertise with compassionate, individualized care. Having a provider who truly understands your history can prevent gaps in treatment and improve your quality of life.

A Doctor Who Knows the Whole Community 

Another benefit of having a doctor who treats every stage of life? They know the community just as well as they know their patients. 

Dr. Shadid isn’t just a physician; he’s a trusted leader in the Edmond medical community. He’s been recognized multiple times as one of the Top Family Medicine Physicians in Oklahoma City and was named Physician of the Year by 405 Magazine. His deep roots in the community mean he understands the unique needs of local families — and he’s committed to serving them with integrity and care. 

Alongside him, Nurse Practitioner Laney Combs brings extensive experience and a reputation for truly listening to her patients. Many describe her as compassionate, approachable, and thorough. Together, this team provides care that is both professional and personal. 

Why All Stages Matter in One Place 

Healthcare is most effective when it’s comprehensive, continuous, and convenient. Having one provider who can care for newborns, children, adults, and seniors keeps families connected and ensures no one slips through the cracks. 

At Shadid Medical Group, we take pride in offering: 

When you have a doctor who walks with you through every stage of life, you gain not just medical expertise but also a trusted partner in your family’s health. 

Next Steps 

Life changes, but your healthcare doesn’t have to. Choosing a doctor who treats every stage of life means peace of mind, smoother care transitions, and stronger health outcomes for you and your loved ones. 

At Shadid Medical Group, we’re here to provide that consistency. Whether you’re bringing in your newborn for their first checkup, scheduling your teen’s sports physical, or managing chronic conditions as an adult, our team is committed to being by your side at every step. 

Ready to establish care with a doctor who grows with you? Schedule an appointment with Shadid Medical Group today and experience the difference of comprehensive, family-centered care.