Great Falls resident Dr. Reza Didehvar had been dreaming of opening up his own urgent care center for some time. Last month, that dream became a reality when he opened the doors of Old Dominion Urgent Care, located in Chesterbrook Plaza in McLean. Didehvar worked for a private practice in McLean for the last 10 years.
"The good thing about this kind of place is that it takes the load off of the emergency rooms," said Didehvar. "Of course, if you are having a real emergency like a heart attack, you should still call 911, but we can also evaluate patients here."
Didehvar went to great lengths to make sure that his urgent care center is a place that is patient friendly. All of the furniture and medical equipment is brand new, and because Didehvar said he places great importance on patient privacy, he made sure to have private, sound-proof examination rooms. The bathroom is located next to the laboratory, and even has a small window for discreet delivery of urine samples.
Didehvar offers a full range of services, including vaccinations, sutures, blood tests and x-rays. He and his staff also speak a range of languages including, English, Spanish, Tagolog, Farsi, German and Ethiopian.
Number of years in the community. I have been the McLean/Great Falls community for the past 11 years.
Family. I got married last September. My wife's name is Armita. I became a father of a wonderful boy last week. My son's name is Arya Alexander.
Education. I did my residency in Family Practice in Erie, Pa.
Current job/primary occupation. I am a Medical Director and Attending Physician at Old Dominion Urgent Care Center in McLean
Achievements. I was awarded co-chief resident at Hamot Hospital.
Activities/interests/hobbies. I enjoy riding my bicycle, running, playing tennis and skiing. I like to attend Musical symphonies and Broadway shows.
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community. My favorite restaurant is Maestro at Ritz Carlton and Tachibana in Mclean.
What are your community concerns? What are some ideas you have on ways to improve your community? My concern for the community is for the young to have a good education and better health care. The way we can improve that is to encourage our children to learn how to communicate better and have a better understanding of the world around them.
What brought you here? My family is what brought me here, and the diversity of the multi-cultural aspect of Washington D.C. and the suburbs
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?" I always wanted to be a physician in order to help others who are in need of care.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years I see myself more involved in the community that has given me so much for the past 11 years.
Personal goals? My goal is to provide the best care for my patient's and the ideal center at Old Dominion Urgent Care Center.