With the opening of the new UCHealth Sterling Ranch Medical Center this week, health care is now just minutes away for Sterling Ranch residents. So whether a child has an alarming fever, an adult needs physical therapy after an accident, or it’s just time for a regular check-up, help is close at hand.
Dr. Kalindi A. Batra opened the doors this week to this new Medical Center, alongside a staff of 10 other health care providers, including a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, physical therapist and more. The clinic staff will provide primary care, urgent care, physical therapy and occupational medicine, said Angela Hauck, practice manager. Everyone at the medical center will focus on providing an excellent experience in addition to the very best care.
Located in the new Sterling Center, the clinic is the only health care facility situated right in the community and will be close to the new UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, now under construction.
Dr. Batra states her philosophy of care on her UCHealth website profile:
“I connect with patients by actively listening and engaging communication to help promote individualized and personal care,” she said. From check-in to check-out, “We will ensure a welcoming, timely and informative experience.”
She believes that “compassion and listening skills are essential” in providing great patient care.
She added that a team approach offers the best care – and that “the most important person on the team is the patient.” She likes to involve family members and caregivers when appropriate, too.
When possible, Dr. Batra focuses on promoting healthy lifestyle choices such as good nutrition and exercise, with an emphasis on plant-based eating. “There are a wealth of studies to show that’s the healthiest way to eat,” and she has been a vegetarian most of her life. But don’t worry, she won’t try to convert you.
“I’m married to a Peruvian who loves meat,” she said, laughing. “The real bottom line is finding a healthful diet.”
The Alaska-born physician has traveled the world with her family, but Colorado suits her perfectly.
“My hobbies and interests include any seasonal outdoor activities,” including skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking and swimming. “As long as I’m outdoors, I’m not picky,” she said. When she can’t do those, she likes to practice yoga or read (with a cup of tea) or prepare a meal for family and friends.
Her travels have given her much more than vacation photos.
“I’ve learned that there are many different systems of health care and we could learn from some of them,” she said. “I studied primary care in Cuba, which has one of the healthiest populations in the world. They invest a lot of money into preventative medicine.
“I learned that if we emphasize preventative care, health care overall will be less expensive.”
She especially enjoys working with children.
“Kids are resilient, they teach us a lot and they keep life fun,” she said. They also teach us patience and perspective, she added.
Dr. Batra is “super-excited” to be part of a team addressing so many different needs, she said. And she’s excited to be able to offer the kind of care she herself would want.
“I’ve been a patient,” she said, adding that she understands that patients want their time with the physician to be productive.
“I am comprehensive and thorough, and I want to make sure patients’ wants and needs are the top priority,” Dr. Batra said. So she asks patients to consider their specific goals – both immediate and long-term.
“I’m focused on keeping patients healthy and giving them the tools they need to live their extraordinary lives.”