As someone who understands and is able to address a wide array of patient needs, Dr. Mays describes her initial interest in working in emergency medicine. “When I was doing rotations in med school, I didn’t find one core area that I felt would be fulfilling long term, but I found pieces of each appealing. Those pieces came together for me in the ER. Minor surgery, trauma, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, psychiatry – we see everything on a wide variety of patients, and I’m able to make quick decisions and take action.”

Despite the appeal of emergency medicine, she experienced the system’s drawbacks. Dr. Mays explains, “The emergency department is designed to treat acute illness and injury, but people also come to us for the wrong reasons. Through no fault of their own, many have primary care physicians on paper, but when they seek an appointment, they can’t get scheduled in a timely manner and feel the ER is their only option.”

Having become frustrated with a system that employs, on average, 11 administrators for every doctor in a system that fails to adequately serve patients and those caring for patients, Dr. Mays envisioned an elevated practice while affecting change for her patients. In 2023, along with her partners, Dr. Laura Roan and Chad Carrone, the team created Integrated Concierge, a direct primary care medical clinic in Slidell that gives in-person services or via text and video.

While Dr. Mays says there is an absolute need for the lifesaving services of the ER, she also looks forward to serving as a primary care provider in this more cost-effective and appropriate setting. As a result of strong encouragement from her mother to pursue medicine, her interest in science grew, but learned she was just as fascinated in the human component. “Patients’ perception of their health issues are just as important as their actual diagnosis. They need to feel comfortable, heard, and satisfied with their care – not to be treated like a metric which so often happens in the ER.”

Dr. Mays says that everything at Integrated Concierge is done with the patient experience in mind, starting with appointments that can last for as long as an hour. “Visits are never rushed. Patients have time to talk through all their medical concerns as well as any other aspects of their health that wouldn’t normally be addressed in a traditional setting – like weight loss, infusions, massage, genetic testing, and other wellness services. Most importantly, Integrated Concierge has the training and expertise to merge the traditionally separate concepts of a doctor’s office and a medical spa by offering patient-centered individualized care. And no worries if you forget to mention something during the appointment! Patients can reach us or our nurse through the online portal and our 24-hour phone line.”
“I was really excited when Laura (Dr. Roan) said yes to this venture,” shares Dr. Mays of her business partner. She is double-boarded and highly experienced, so our strengths complement each other very well. In addition, we share the same mindset when it comes to providing sensitivity, warmth, and empathy to patients.

While both dedicated caregivers are working to expand their practice, they say their belief in the endeavor allows them to focus on their wellness. For Dr. Mays, it’s relaxing on the couch with a good e-book, enjoying time with her rescue dog, and visiting friends with her husband, Brian.