Meet Dr. Gabrielle Williams | Primary Care Doctor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Gabrielle Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Williams, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Like many who veer from the conventional path, I became disillusioned with traditional medicine. I envisioned I would be a primary care physician (PCP) who had time do a full health physical, listen to the patient’s concerns, discuss treatment options including lifestyle, then we both decide what’s best. This takes time which, unfortunately, tends not to be a priority in insurance-based healthcare. It’s becoming clear quantity is emphasized more than quality care. Both doctors and patients are dissatisfied. I became miserable as I was inundated by patients’ valid complaints, administrators’ unrealistic expectations, and experiencing moral injury often. My husband saw this and asked how I would design my own practice. As the plan became clear, I realized I want a direct primary care/concierge practice. This model allows time to provide quality care, emphasis on prevention and lifestyle habits instead of medications, and education to promote shared-decision making. Through direct primary care, I can achieve my goal to become an accessible personal doctor to my patients, providing in person, virtual, and home visits to those with limited transportation and or those who prefer privacy.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I designed Gateway Direct Health as a solution to the many American healthcare system issues. Did you know people are waiting months to see a doctor, are in the waiting room over 30 minutes, sometimes 3 hours, to see a doctor for 10 minutes who likely doesn’t have enough time to address their concerns?  If one has a question afterward, it is very difficult to reach their doctor and get an appointment. Part of the problem is doctors are asked to see over 20 patients a day, complete notes, refill medications, send lab and imaging results to patients, fill out paperwork, complete prior authorizations for medications and CT/MRIs they know the patient needs but insurance is giving pushback. etc. Everyone is dissatisfied but not many people have the power or willingness to change the system.
Therefore, I started Gateway Direct Health, a membership-based practice focused on quality care, doctor-patient relationship, disease prevention and treatment through lifestyle changes. Patients pay a monthly fee and have access to me via phone, text, video. We offer in person, virtual, and home visits. Patients can be seen within days instead of months. Patients have a doctor whose primary focus is on guiding them to exceptional quality of life and health.

I’m proud I am getting out the traditional, insurance-based space early in my career instead of waiting. Transitioning is not easy. I had a guaranteed check every 2 weeks. However, staying wasn’t an option. I have to fight against fear, financial insecurity, doubt, pessimism, negativity, comparison, unmet expectations, etc. About once a month, I say aloud, I want to quit (didn’t even open my doors yet lol). Yet I’m still fighting – I thank God I am not alone. He is guiding me, reassuring me through His Word, family, friends. He reminds me to tell Him everything I am feeling and everything I want! I talk to friends, mentors for motivation – I try not to keep my struggles to myself which has been so important.
I’ve learned the significance of moving forward in belief instead of disbelief.

I want the world to know I am committed to serving my patients well, giving them the healthcare experience they deserve and need!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Breakfast: Atlanta Breakfast Club, The Breakfast Boys Lunch: Ponce City Market – Bibi eatery, Botiwalla
Dinner: Birria tacos at a taqueria
Snow cones at Rios italian ice, Pelicans

Fun things to do: Movies, Katz’s Cafe, Atlanta Comedy Theater, R&B concerts, Aquarium, Botanical Gardens, Six Flags, Food truck event, eat at nice restaurants (I love food)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jesus! The Almighty, omnipresent, omniscient God who placed this vision in my heart/mind and the reason I can’t just shake it off and quit.. My husband is my number one fan, my business coach, financial advisor, COO, etc. He has been so supportive, and I appreciate him with all I have.
My babies for being my WHY!
My parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph who raised me with strong Caribbean work ethics And Ms. Gaskin who supports and prays over me!
My siblings Marsha and Richard
Family in Miami: The Charles Family – raised and guided me
My mentor: Dr. Jose Villalon-Gomez
My friends: Dr. Tina Harris, Dr. Zazi Nylander, Carla Taylor
All of the Direct Primary Care and Concierge Doctors who provided mentorship: Dr. Michelle Evans, Dr. Jeremy Neuman, Dr. Anand Mehta, Dr. Christa Springston, Dr. Michelle Cooke, Dr. Dolapo Babalola, Dr. John Vu, Dr. Kimberly Works, Dr. Kimberly Eide
Business mentor and friend: Richard Harris

Website: gatewaydirecthealth.com

Instagram: dr.notms

Facebook: dr.notms

Other: Tiktok: dr.notms/gabwilliamsmd