“Out of adversity comes opportunity.” COVID challenged everyone in some way. Dr. Robert Larbi-Odam’s medical practice in Crystal, Minnesota, was just getting off the ground when the pandemic effectively shut down his practice.
“We are doctors, but we don’t control economics,” said Dr. Odam. “Our primary care clinic was essentially closed after people became fearful of venturing out in public in early 2020. We had to scramble, like everyone else, to find ways to keep our business afloat.”
Dr. Odam reached out to his bank, but they were unable or unwilling to navigate the Payroll Protection Program. After searching for advice and resources, a friend recommended calling Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office. Senator Klobuchar’s staff referred Dr. Odam to Minnesota Lakes Bank, one of a few community banks in the Twin Cities metro area that was helping dozens of businesses navigate the PPP loan process.
“Sherry Valley was a godsend,” said Dr. Odam. “She explained the paperwork and assisted us in getting the loans that helped us stay open. Once we were able to get back on our feet, she continued to help us with other banking challenges.”
Dr. Odam’s practice has grown since then, and he is proud to explain his approach to providing medical services.
“Our team is multilingual, and we focus on communicating with people about their conditions and treatments in terms they understand,” he said. “I have a public health background, and we use extensive data about our patients’ medical history to track their health and help them become proactive about staying healthy.
“Our goal is to close the gaps in people’s health care. We can prevent more serious health challenges by treating issues earlier,” Dr. Odam explained.
Dr. Odam, a native of Ghana, has assembled a 12-person medical team, including LPNs, medical technicians, x-ray technicians, an operations manager, IT manager and data administrator.
Another distinguishing feature of the team’s practice is their willingness to provide service when it’s easier for people to physically get to the clinic.
“We have adjusted our hours to accommodate our clients: we’re open from 10 am to 6:30 pm during weekdays, and we’re open Saturdays as well,” he said. “This enables us to reach many more families who can’t always afford to take time off during the regular workday. Some of those families may otherwise resort to going to urgent care centers at hospitals and waiting for two or three hours to be seen for easily treatable conditions.”
Dr. Odam is now also pioneering a mobile clinic in Stearns, Benton and Sherburne counties to reach people who can’t always travel to his clinic site in Crystal.
“I worked in community health services during the early stages of my career,” said Dr. Odam, “and I realized the challenges faced by people who are newcomers to the United States. I believe we can reach people who are otherwise overlooked and under-served.”
“Minnesota Lakes Bank helped us build a clinic that includes 12 exam rooms and space for additional services,” he continued. “They worked with us to see a bigger picture for the growth of our services, and I really appreciate their help.”