CovingtonCares Magazine - Fall/Winter 2023

“Sometimes they come in expecting you to fix everything they have,” she said. “They want to fix this or fix that all at the snap of your fingers.” Reality Check She has to bring them back to reality. “As a patient, you play the biggest role in your care,” she said. “I’m just here to guide you. If you listen and apply what I say, then it will work. But if you don’t want to hear, I can’t do anything.” Dr. Bruce said she sees a big part of her role as being a positive example. “And I hope I make an impression as a believer in Jesus Christ, to let people know that there’s someone greater than medicine who can heal you,” she said. “I hope I’m a beacon of hope to everyone I come across.” ‘I Expect Better' Sometimes she practices a little tough love. “I remember when I told someone, ‘You could be better than that. I expect better from you.’ And they followed my advice.” Her background lets her share a wide perspective on the world and its possibilities that goes beyond the practice of medicine. “I tell them, ‘You know, there’s something bigger than Collins and Covington County. There’s a world out there waiting for you. All you have to do is apply yourself.’” She gets back to Atlanta periodically. Both of her sons are adults working in the medical field, one in New Jersey and the other in California. “He likes that Hollywood lifestyle,” she said with a smile. Helping the Underserved Dr. Bruce, on the other hand, is quite content with the Covington County lifestyle – and with bringing the best of healthcare to an underserved area. “It’s a personal choice, something you want to have to do if you’re serious about wanting to give back. Because they need it in a rural area.” LEARNMORE CCH Clinic Family Medical, which recently moved to a more convenient location at 301 Hospital Boulevard in Collins, takes care of all kinds of general health needs from 8 AM to 5 PM. Monday- Friday. Call 601.765.3180 for an appointment, or just walk in. Drive- thru service is also available. 2023 Fall/Winter 18 “I hope I’m a beacon of hope to everyone I come across.” – Andrea Bruce, DO, Family Medicine