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Writing by Dr. Christopher S. Burress

Articles, essays, and medical insights.

A growing collection for patients, families, clinicians, trainees, and anyone interested in practical medicine and healthcare.

Published on Doximity Op-Med

Perspectives from rural Tennessee medicine

Essays by Christopher Shea Burress, DO, FAAP, exploring independent practice, primary care policy, physician life, and care for rural communities.

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Doximity Op-MedClinicians & colleagues

Our Healthcare System is Unsustainable. Now What?

An examination of rising healthcare costs, barriers to timely care, and possible coverage reforms, informed by experiences in rural primary care.

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Doximity Op-MedClinicians & colleagues

Why I Disagree with ‘Those Who Can’t Practice Medicine Teach It’

A reflection on teaching as part of medical practice, the value of passing knowledge to future physicians, and adapting medical education to changing learners and technology.

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Doximity Op-MedClinicians & colleagues

The Old School Financial Rules That Have Helped Me As A Doctor

Reflections on debt, saving, investing, practice ownership, and financial freedom for physicians.

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Doximity Op-MedClinicians & colleagues

The Government Broke Its Promise to Primary Care

A rural primary care physician examines payment policy, administrative burden, and the future of independent practice.

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Doximity Op-MedClinicians & colleagues

Others Were Afraid of Making a Home Visit, But These Were My People

A personal account of a rural home visit and the challenges of caring for patients living in poverty.

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Doximity Op-MedClinicians & colleagues

As a Rural Doctor, I’m Not Superhuman. I’m Just a Human Who Doesn’t Like to Fail

A candid reflection on the financial, physical, and emotional cost of keeping a rural independent practice open.

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For patients & families

Useful guidance for everyday health decisions

Plain-language information written or clinically reviewed by Dr. Burress.

MedicarePatients & families

Medicare wellness visit or annual physical: what’s the difference?

Understand the purpose of each visit and how to prepare.

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Care navigationPatients & families

Primary care, urgent care, or the emergency room?

A practical framework for deciding where to seek help.

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New patientsPatients & families

What to bring to your first appointment

A short checklist that helps your visit stay focused and productive.

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The writing desk

Three streams of practical insight

01Publishing now

For patients & families

Plain-language explanations that help people prepare for visits and make informed health decisions.

02New series

For clinicians & trainees

Practical perspectives on primary care, hospital medicine, rehabilitation, hospice, and medical education.

03New series

Healthcare & rural practice

Thoughtful analysis of access, affordability, reimbursement, policy, and the future of independent practice.

Have a topic you would like Dr. Burress to address?

Patients and colleagues can suggest future educational topics by contacting the practice. Do not send private medical information through social media.

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Previously published

A permanent home for past and future work

Previously published articles can be linked here while remaining on their original publication sites. New writing can be published directly in this library and organized for patients or professional readers.

The article library grows automatically as new work is published from the private practice dashboard.

Editorial standard

Educational content identifies its audience, author or reviewer, and review date. It provides general information and does not replace individualized medical advice.