This month, ExperCARE Founder and CEO, Catherine Grant, had the opportunity to speak with Pooler Magazine to share how ExperCARE is transforming the future of healthcare, company growth, and serving the community. Read more below!

Story:

Catherine Grant, founder and CEO of ExperCARE, is changing the way healthcare is done in the greater Savannah area. She has a mind for seeing what could be and taking the steps to make it happen.

“I love medicine because I love solving complex problems,” Catherine says. “I love the ability to problem solve, apply what I know, understand people and develop relationships, and then try to leave things better than I found them.”

Beginnings in Medicine

Catherine started college at Armstrong Atlantic State University in 1999 with the plan to attend medical school but when she discovered the physician assistant field, she knew that was what she wanted to do. The career path allowed her to work in a variety of specialties instead of a single focus and provided the work-life balance for a future family.

She attended South University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and then onto The Medical University of South Carolina and graduated with honors with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

After working as a physician assistant (PA) in a number of specialties including plastic and reconstructive surgery, orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation and moonlighting in urgent care, Catherine knew she wanted to do things differently.  She envisioned an customer-focused model and refused  to settle for mediocrity.

“Working in the healthcare system is what inspired me to start my own business,” Catherine says. “I’ve never done well in an environment that was just aiming to be a seven.”

The Growth of ExperCARE

In June 2009, Catherine and her partner opened the first location of ExperCARE in Richmond Hill under the original business name The Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill.

“Our initial tagline was about providing access to high quality health care close to home,” Catherine says. “While a lot has changed with the business in almost 14 years, I have to say that primary mission still stands.”

Their community-focused approach to care with on-demand availability proved to be popular with patients in Richmond Hill. The clinic quickly expanded its services beyond urgent care to include walk-in routine care and occupational health.

With rave reviews coming from the Richmond Hill location, it was only a matter of time before people in Savannah began asking Catherine when there would be a location closer to their home.

In 2016, that idea became a reality with the opening of the Mall Boulevard location of ExperCARE in Savannah. In 2020, they opened a downtown Savannah location and in 2022 added a fourth location in Pooler. Their growth continues with locations in Statesboro, Hinesville and Rincon opening later this year.

“With the growth in Pooler and how many people are flocking to the area, we knew it was going to be important for us to have a presence there because there’s nothing like ExperCARE there,” Catherine says. “I’m pretty grateful for the ability to continue to grow at the pace we have while retaining the things that people love about ExperCARE.”

The ExperCARE Experience

ExperCARE’s mission was born out of a rejection of the cookie-cutter approach to care and an emphasis on creating a patient-first experience enhanced by technology.

“Consumer desires are changing. People don’t want to have to take off from work to go to the doctor,” Catherine says. “They want to be able to go before or after work or on the weekends. They want to live life on their terms.”

Patients never need an appointment to visit ExperCARE, and all four locations are open seven days a week to accommodate busy schedules. ExperCARE is in network with most insurance but also offers affordable, transparent self-pay rates.

“[I think people choose ExperCARE] because we are so focused on how we make people feel. Our aim is for them to leave and say ‘I’d be crazy to go anywhere else,’” Catherine says.

ExperCARE went above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were one of the first providers to offer COVID testing in the area, and worked hard to keep a consistent supply of tests and PPE even through supply shortages. Catherine takes pride in her team’s performance and dedication to the community during those uncertain times.

“I’m proud of my team’s ability to adapt and navigate in a dynamic, ever-changing environment and seeing my team step up and continue to do whatever it takes,” Catherine says.

Heart of a Leader

Catherine taught future PAs at South University for several years. Although she no longer teaches (there), she has had the pleasure of having some former students work at ExperCARE as part of their professional journey.

“Seeing smart, eager minds come together and being able to pour into them as they learn and grow is just one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done,” Catherine says. “Seeing them years later practicing medicine and changing lives and thinking you maybe even had the smallest part in that is really cool.”

From nine employees at the start to approximately 70 today, Catherine has built a team that reflects the ExperCARE values both personally and professionally.

“For any position, it’s really looking at our culture and the DNA of our organization. Our organizational values are integrity, compassion, enthusiasm, leadership and teamwork,” Catherine says. “Those values are that unchanging pillar to our overall culture.”

She places a high value on professional development with an onboarding process that includes some required reading of books about leadership, and twice yearly team gatherings build morale among the staff.

“It’s all about really getting to know the people you work with and understanding what their goals are and how we can help them get there,” Catherine says. “Sometimes that’s going to be in our organization. Sometimes we’re a stepping stone to a future goal. I think the more you can embrace that and really serve them, they will continue to serve our patients, their families and the community.”

Serving the Community

Catherine makes a difference in her community through her involvement in organizations like United Way of the Coastal Empire, where she is a member of the Board of Directors and has been recognized as part of the organization’s Women Who Rule campaign. She is also a board member of the Richmond Hill Downtown Development Authority, forging public-private partnerships to enhance the area’s economy.

Because of the drive and passion that she puts behind the causes she cares about, Catherine is a prolific fundraiser. In 2017, she chaired the Bryan County United Way annual campaign and shattered their fundraising record. She has also raised more than $63,000 for Alzheimer’s research as a participant in the Alzheimer’s Association Dancing Stars of Coastal Georgia in 2015.

She has continued to be involved with Dancing Stars of Coastal Georgia as a committee member, partner and as a pro dancer.

Outside of work, Catherine enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. She and her family attend Compassion Christian Church, and her faith drives her decision making process in choosing causes to be involved with and her philosophy in patient care.

Looking to the Future

As ExperCARE continues to grow, so too does Catherine’s motivation to make an impact on the healthcare industry as an entrepreneur.

“I get motivated when I see how broken the healthcare system is,” Catherine says. “There’s so much room for improvement. It just takes people who know the system to think outside the box and be willing to innovate and make it better.”

 

View Pooler Magazine HERE!

ExperCARE Health, an award winning, locally owned and operated on-demand health care center, has announced it will celebrate it’s 14th year in business serving the Greater Savannah area with top-quality, customer-focused healthcare! ExperCARE plans to celebrate by hosting a celebration at their flagship location in Richmond Hill, GA on Thursday, March 30th in conjunction with the Richmond Hill Bryan County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.

“It is such an honor to have the opportunity to serve the Richmond Hill community for nearly 14 years,” said Catherine Grant, Founder and CEO. “When we founded ExperCARE, we envisioned a healthcare model that provided convenience and access to top-quality medical care, close to home. It’s been an incredible 14 years and we look forward to celebrating with the Richmond Hill community that has continued to support us since day one,” said Grant.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, March 30th

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location: ExperCARE Richmond Hill – 60 Exchange Street, Suite B7 Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Details: Stop by and celebrate with ExperBEAR and a special guest!  A 50/50 Raffle will be featured with proceeds benefitting the Richmond Hill High School Wildcats Athletic Department

For more information, please go to www.ExperCAREhealth.com.

ABOUT EXPERCARE HEALTH:

ExperCARE Health has convenient locations across the Greater Savannah area: Richmond Hill, Mall Boulevard, Downtown Savannah, Pooler next to Costco and locations opening soon in Statesboro, Hinesville and Rincon.  As the shortage of primary care providers grows and ER’s are over-capacity, on-demand healthcare provides a solution that serves your busy life. ExperCARE is an award-winning healthcare center, offering access to urgent care, routine care and occupational health, 7 days a week, extended hours to all ages.  ExperCARE is in-network with all major insurance providers, and you never need an appointment. ExperCARE is the southeast regions most-loved solution for on-demand healthcare. Experience the healthcare model of the future; experience the ExperCARE difference!

ExperCARE Founder and CEO, Catherine Grant, was recently featured on ChooseSAV.org sharing why ExperCARE continues to be your most-loved, first-choice for on-demand healthcare.

ExperCARE is the Urgent Care of Choice in the Coastal Georgia Region

Year after year, ExperCARE Health has been voted the best urgent care center of choice by Coastal Georgia community members and was most recently awarded Best Urgent Care in Connect Savannah and Savannah Magazine’s healthcare category, as well as, Best Doctor of Occupational Medicine in Savannah Magazine.

So what is the ExperCARE difference?

ExperCARE’s practices truly stem from its mission, which is to provide top-quality, customer-centric healthcare that is convenient, consistent, and efficient. The medical care centers are locally owned and operated with locations in downtown Savannahoff Mall Boulevard, in Richmond Hill, and in Pooler.

Catherine C. Grant is the Founder of ExperCARE. Grant founded ExperCARE as The Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill in 2009 and has grown the practice into four facilities as the company’s CEO. ExperCARE is also in the process of opening facilities in Statesboro and Rincon.

“When I founded ExperCARE, I did so knowing I wanted to build a new healthcare model and transform the future of healthcare. I believe in a model where patients can be seen quickly, receive top-quality care, and leave with a clear understanding of their situation,” said Grant. “As we continue to grow and expand access to ExperCARE clinics, we strive to become your most-loved, first-choice for on-demand healthcare.”

ExperCARE is open seven days a week with extended hours. You never need an appointment, but patients have the convenience of booking ahead should they choose. ExperCARE is in network with most major insurances. They also accept patients without health insurance and offer fair, cash-pay prices.

Of its dedicated work, ExperCARE says, “We envision a simplified healthcare model that provides access, transparency and a seamless transaction to consumers. For our team, being the change we believe in allows us to make a meaningful difference today and be a solution for the future. At ExperCARE, our values of Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Enthusiasm and Leadership are at the heart of everything that we do, and we are committed to expanding our reach as the region’s most-loved, first choice for on-demand healthcare!”

You can see a full list of ExperCARE’s services by visiting their website at https://expercarehealth.com/.

Click HERE to visit ChooseSAV.org.

An article from Reflections Richmond Hill, Spring 2022 Issue

WORDS BY DR. JAY JAY HENDRIX  PHOTOS BY ERIN HIXSON PHOTOGRAPHY

My heroes make waves. They have common attributes: brave, resourceful, yet humble – living as if rules are “guidelines” and traditional roles are to be challenged. As a consequence, they’re amusingly misunderstood.

Who inspires you?
A family member, neighbor, celebrity, or teacher? Perhaps a parent who set a standard and held you to it? People with traits you admire and aspire to imitate?

Catherine Grant’s mother emphasized one of the same valuable lessons for her daughter as my dad did for me: Never need to depend on someone to take care of you. No doubt, given her example, her daughters will perfect this strength.

Raising three daughters is an enormous challenge in itself. Ask me how I know. When considering the possibilities for Catherine’s girls, a familiar saying comes to mind, “If you see her, you can be her.” Little girls need examples in a variety of roles to know they have options. Sometimes rather than plotting a course for us to follow, the people we admire inspire us instead on an uncharted journey.

“Who inspired you?” I asked.

Encircled by stacks upon stacks of books confirming her thirst for growth, Catherine answered without a second of hesitation, “My mom.”

She vividly described an iconic mother-figure, content to earn the “degree of Mrs.,” required to shift direction by a marriage that didn’t work, a twist among many that would set the foundation for the building of her daughter’s tenacity. Beyond the quintessential story of a mom needing to work with her child in tow, the stage was set for an inquisitive daughter to inherit a relentless work ethic and commitment to excellence. Catherine was eight when her mother re-married. Poppy, as he was lovingly known, became a piece of her balance. With his selfless love and encouragement, he helped her mother lay the foundation- the forging of an entrepreneur. She learned early that work was her way to achieve her goals, and she set sail on that sea.

Catherine’s accolades and accomplishments are expanding in much the same fashion as the business she co-founded. Since opening the first urgent care center in Richmond Hill in 2009, she has been stacking recognitions and awards as neatly as the books surrounding her CEO chair. With her at the helm, ExperCARE is opening a fifth location.

Motivated to be a part of the solution to what she considers to be a “broken” system, Catherine envisions “healthcare the way it should be,” patient-focused with an improved standard of care. “People deserve better care,” and together with her leadership team, ExperCARE is advancing that mission.

Leadership, business fundamentals, self-improvement, and biographies make up Catherine’s reading collection, but she is clear about her Source. One of her guiding Bible verses is from Philippians 4:13 “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

“We all need a True North.” Catherine relies on her relationship with Jesus to provide truth, wisdom, and discernment. “I want to have a tangible impact by helping others experience Him.”

What are you building?

Catherine’s answer to this question again hails her mother’s recurring influence. She believes that what we hear as children becomes our inner voice, and she heard the incessant message, “With hard work, you can be and do anything.” Work does not intimidate Catherine, nor does challenge. In fact, challenge propels her to thrive. The inner voice she now conjures in the face of adversity repeats, “You were created for this.” Together with Scott, her husband, counsel, and confidant, the Grant’s are building full steam ahead.

Catherine’s waves extend beyond business to create broader change for a better world. Alzheimer’s, childhood cancer, and United Way fundraising; serving on boards for community development and healthcare advancement; and volunteering to mentor future business leaders are among her commitments to advocacy.

All of the accomplishments in her wake haven’t changed Catherine’s ultimate goal: to be more like the person who inspires her by exemplifying unconditional love. “In a broken world, my mom has been able to love others even when they were not easy to love.”

Her three young daughters, Grayson 12, Madison 9, and Emerson 1, are watching, and if their mother’s accomplishments seem impressive, I predict a tsunami. Catherine describes them as fearless and passionate. Grayson helped build the recycling program at school, and together with sister Madison, they worked diligently to raise funds for a clean water project in Zimbabwe. Their mom recognizes that her most important role is to encourage her daughters to become all that they were created to be, just like the person who inspired her.

Our daughters are watching; and so are our sons. May we inspire them and others to make waves. Waves are shifting and fading, but the changes they create are immensely powerful, enduring, and inspiring. May we never underestimate ripples.

ExperCARE Marketer, Becca Rivera was recently elected to the Board of Directors of local networking organization, Buy Local Savannah! Buy Local’s mission is to support independent, locally-owned and operated businesses in the greater Chatham County area, to maintain our unique community character, provide continuing opportunities for entrepreneurs, build our community economic strength, and prevent the displacement of community-based businesses by national and global entities.

ExperCARE has been locally owned and operated since opening in June of 2009. “Supporting local business has always been something I’m incredibly passionate about,’ says Rivera, ‘The greater Savannah area has such an incredible local business community that has supported ExperCARE since day 1! I am SO excited to partner with this awesome board and continue to advance the mission of Buy Local Savannah!”

To learn more about Buy Local Savannah and the impact of buying local, visit, www.buylocalsavannah.com.

To read more about the 2022 Board of Directors, click here.

ExperCARE is proud to have recently donated over 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to area churches ahead of their holiday services.

They say their primary concern is their patient’s health and wellbeing. “2020 has been a year of challenge and change for every business, family and person,” said ExperCARE CEO and founder Catherine Grant. “ExperCARE is grateful for the patients who choose us as their first choice for on demand healthcare. We want everyone to do their part to keep safe during the holidays and we’re happy to help in this small way.”

In an effort to spread holiday cheer and promote hand hygiene, ExperCARE is thankful for the opportunity to deliver hand-held hand sanitizers to 25 different churches in the Savannah and Richmond Hill area.

Continuing its commitment to convenient, efficient and consistent healthcare, ExperCARE opened a third location in downtown Savannah on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. The new, 2,000-square-foot clinic at 818 Abercorn St. will open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped to handle routine care, occupational visits such as employment physicals and drug and alcohol screenings, as well as urgent care, including stitches, digital x-rays, splinting, etc.. A provider and a board-certified radiologist are always available on site. “We don’t believe our patients should have to sacrifice service for convenience,” said Founder and CEO Catherine Grant. “When you’re sick or injured, you want to be seen right away in a clean and convenient location by a highly-qualified provider who accepts your insurance. We strive every day to offer the highest level of personal care and are thrilled to be adding a location in historic downtown Savannah.

As the new year comes around so too do the resolutions, “the new year, new me” mentality, and folks flooding in to get gym memberships. Now that a were are well into the new year of 2020, many of us realize it’s not so simple to stick to those life altering changes.

So how can we integrate healthy habits into our daily lives so that they are sustainable? At ExperCARE, we like to stress playing for the long game. When we try to change everything all at once it doesn’t always work… but making small shifts are easier to maintain long term. Here are five habits to add to your lifestyle:

  • Add a Walk to Your Daily Routine

Your brain needs a break at work, take twenty minutes and go on a walk. Ask a friend or colleague to join you, it’ll give you time to socialize AND exercise. By doing this, you’ll notice an increase in energy levels throughout the work day.

  • Try to Multi-Task

We all have those points in the workday where we feel as though we could be doing something else more productive, right? You should try to double task! Return someone’s phone call while going on a walk. Do some reps (crunches, curls, pushups) while you’re on a conference call. Listen to a book or podcast designed to help you grow while commuting to and from work or school.

  • Cook double

Less is not more in this situation. Make an effort to cook double batches of your dinner. Especially on the weekends, strive to cook extra, freeze it and use it for dinner or lunch when you’re in a rush! There’s a healthy meal right at your fingertips!

  • Pack Your Lunch the Night Before

Let’s face it! It’s so much easier to run out and go through the drive through on your lunch break. But… it’s so much healthier to pack a lunch from home. Each night, take 10 minutes to put leftovers in a container or bag some carrots, fresh fruit and a sandwich for the next day. Pro tip: leave a sticky note on the door out of your house, to remind yourself to grab your lunch on your rush out the door in the morning.

  • Drink Lots of Water

Make it a part of your day! When you feel fatigued, it’s often times because you are dehydrated. Grab a big bottle of water at the beginning of every day, have it sitting in your line of vision throughout the day and make a conscious effort to drink, drink, drink. Set alerts on your phone every couple of hours as a reminder. It’s great for your skin, digestive and circulatory systems, and helps . Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

If this still seems overwhelming, think even smaller… Start by doing just one of these new healthy habits each week. Focus on your achievements, not your setbacks.  Celebrate your successes.  This will help create momentum and increase your chances of sustained success.  You’ve got this!

5 tips to keep you healthy during the holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! During the holiday season, we cherish time with our family and friends, eat lots of yummy food, and get some time to unwind and relax. It is certainly merry and bright, but sometimes it isn’t quite so jolly for our waistline or our health in general. ExperCARE has compiled a few reminders to help keep you healthy and safe over the holidays!

 

  • Eat mindfully

 

We all want to dig into Mom’s homemade mashed potatoes and Grandma’s famous apple pie! And we certainly should. But the holidays are all about moderation and balance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests limiting your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Try to substitute that not so healthy food for a fruit or veggie. Also don’t forget to give your tummy time to digest before going back for seconds!

 

  • Wash your hands 

 

Germs, germs, and more germs! We are traveling, snuggling  up together, and out of our regular routine all during flu season. Be sure to keep your hands clean to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. This is your friendly reminder to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (if not, use your elbow but not your hands). This helps keep yourself and those around you healthy.

 

  • Get your flu shot

 

Unfortunately, flu season is in full swing this time of year… But don’t let the bug dampen your holiday cheer. Plan to get your flu shot before the Christmas chaos begins. No one wants to spend their Christmas at ExperCARE or on the couch with a fever. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. The CDC suggests everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. ExperCARE has the flu vaccine at both locations.

 

  • Stay active by changing up your holiday workout

 

‘Tis the season to pack our social calendars with Christmas activities and parties, eating and drinking festive foods, shopping until we drop, and spending time with family and friends. If you notice the schedule isn’t necessarily centered around daily exercise. But in order to stay motivated, you should set goals for yourself and be sure to add a few workouts onto your holiday checklist. The best idea is to reinvent what you would usually do. Plan to split you activity into smaller, more manageable workouts. Don’t stress over making it to the gym for an hour everyday. Instead, have your family go out for a 30 minute walk, use a workout app on your phone for 15 minutes, or play outdoor games with your family. 

 

  • Relax, manage stress 

 

As much as the holidays are about fitting everything into your schedule, they are also about taking time for yourself. Don’t let the holiday rush stress you out or take a toll on your mental or physical health. Do at least one thing everyday that makes YOU happy, whether it’s meditation, reading a good book, or watching a Christmas movie. 

Last but not least, ENJOY the most wonderful time of the year! ExperCARE wishes you and yours a cheerful, restful, and healthy holiday season!