Cyilee Martin is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at CCMH Medical Clinic. Cyilee began her career with CCMH last November, and she plays a crucial role in ensuring our community receives timely care, especially for acute conditions.
Experience Matters
Martin brings a wealth of experience to her role.
“With 15 years as a nurse, much of my background is in emergency medicine, though I’ve also worked in hospice and family practice. I’ve been a Nurse Practitioner for the past two years, graduating with my doctorate from Creighton University in Omaha. My DNP experience includes cardiology and mental health as well. I think my nursing background, particularly in emergency medicine, is a significant asset in my current position.”
Acute Care Specialty
Having been a nurse for 15 years helped broaden her knowledge, Martin noted.
“Doing acute care in the medical clinic and emergency medicine can be very similar in a lot of ways. In both situations, you have to be able to quickly assess and address patient needs, guiding them from initial symptoms to appropriate care. I am a strong advocate for patient-centered care. I emphasize educating and empowering patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.”
Same Day and Overflow Appointments Only
Martin occupies a unique role at CCMH.
“Unlike providers who build their own long-term patient panels, I primarily see same-day appointments. I fill the gap for patients who need immediate attention but can’t get in with their primary care provider. This is especially crucial given the high demand for appointments. The CCMH Medical Clinic staff can see approximately 200 patients daily. Nonetheless, we sometimes receive as many as 400 calls on a Monday. I think it’s easy to see that being dedicated to seeing ‘nobody but sick people,’ provides a critical service for our community.”
Helping Others Is Her Focus
When asked what excites her most about her work, Martin emphasizes the satisfaction of helping people in their time of need.
“The number one thing I like about doing what I’m doing now is the ability to kind of help people in that time of need when there is no one else to do it. It’s a very nice feeling to be able to come in and see a patient and send them on their way with them feeling better.”
The Early Bird Sees The Patient
Martin also offers a helpful tip for early birds: she’s at the clinic two days a week starting at 7:30 AM.
“I like being able to provide an option for those who wake up feeling unwell and need to be seen right away. I’m very comfortable with the demands of rural healthcare. I understand the lifestyle and expectations of a small-town community.”
Same Day Appointments Can Be Challenging
Complex medical histories, coupled with limited time, can be a demanding ask, according to Martin.
“Complex medical histories, having a short time to get to know all that, depending on the severity of a patient’s condition, can make it very challenging to come up with a treatment plan. I do make a conscious effort to extend appointment times when a patient’s condition appears more intricate. It’s the only way to ensure thorough care and provide a proper diagnosis.”
Collaborating With Other Providers
A significant advantage of Martin’s role at CCMH is the seamless collaboration with other providers.
“If I encounter a patient with a more complex issue, I can easily consult with their primary care provider, who is often just a short walk away. This ‘brain trust’ approach ensures comprehensive and coordinated care, a benefit not always available at standalone urgent care centers. As I said earlier, same-day visits can often be more complex. With the presence of the emergency department and primary care providers on-site, it proves to be immensely beneficial to me and to patients when referrals are necessary.”
Routine Check-Ups and Screenings Are Recommended
Martin explained patients can do a number of things to proactively manage their health and potentially reduce the need for urgent visits.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of follow-up appointments with primary care providers, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes. Regular routine screenings like colonoscopy, mammography, and annual lab work can help with a timely diagnosis for an acute condition. Staying on top of these preventative measures can help catch issues early and prevent them from escalating to urgent situations.”
Go Online or Call To Request An Appointment
If you would like to request an appointment with a provider at the CCMH Medical Clinic, go online at ccmhia.com. For same-day or overflow care, please call 712-265-2700.
