RANDOLPH, Vt., Oct. 23, 2023—Doctors Jessica and Ryan Heney have joined Gifford Health Care, Jessica on the Primary Care team in Randolph and Ryan at Bethel Health Center.
The Heneys, a married couple, share a deep commitment to providing personalized care to patients at every stage of life.
“We take care of people from cradle to grave, all ages, all genders,” said Jessica. “What I like about family medicine is that it’s varied—from physical and well visits, to treating UTIs, to managing diabetes. Every day looks different depending on who is on the schedule.”
“We get to deal with the entire spectrum of the human experience, working with our patients to figure out their needs and whatever else may be happening, and we have a broad skill set to address those needs,” said Ryan. “There are very few things we can’t do in those first steps with a patient, to help them.”
Jessica describes her philosophy of care as personal and unrushed.
“I like chatting with people and getting to know who they are,” she said. “Providing care is a marathon, not a sprint. I take a long-haul view of things. Together we can chip away at things over time. And it’s rewarding to see people taking care of themselves.”
Ryan, who previously worked as a chemist, said he missed the human element of medicine when he worked in a lab. As a doctor, he enjoys empowering his patients with information.
“I like to think of my primary role as an educator, and that’s how I try to frame working with patients,” he said. “I want them to make an informed decision based on options I give them. Hopefully that empowers patients to take the lead in their health, as opposed to me being too prescriptive.”
Both Heneys, who describe themselves as mission-driven, were drawn to Gifford’s size and community.
“Gifford reminded me of where we did our training,” said Jessica. “I was really looking for that after being at a large center where no one knew anyone. Gifford feels very familiar. We also talked to people who work here, some of them for decades, and they obviously love it.”
“It’s a great community, and we really like the setup of Gifford, with the hospital and FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center),” said Ryan, referring to Gifford’s network of community health centers throughout central Vermont.
Jessica Heney is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She previously worked in family medicine at Thundermist Health Center in Woonsocket, R.I., and Brown University Department of Family Medicine / Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, R.I. She earned her doctor of medicine degree from The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, R.I., where she also served as a clinical instructor of family medicine, and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Ryan Heney is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He previously worked in family medicine at WellOne Primary Medical & Dental Care in Foster, R.I., and Brown Family Medicine in Pawtucket, R.I. He earned his doctor of medicine degree from The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, R.I., where he received the John J. Cunningham Memorial Family Medicine Award, and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
When not at work, the Heneys enjoy spending time with their family, including four daughters ages 3-9. Together they garden, keep bees, and make home improvements on their Vermont homestead, which also includes ducks and barn cats.
For more information about Gifford Primary Care in Randolph or Bethel Health Center, visit giffordhealthcare.org.
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Gifford is a community hospital in Randolph, Vt., with family health centers in Berlin, Bethel, Chelsea, Randolph, and Rochester, and specialty services throughout central Vermont. A Federally Qualified Health Center and a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country, Gifford is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency department and inpatient unit; many surgical services; an adult day program; 49-unit independent living facility, and a nursing home. The hospital’s mission is to improve individual and community health by providing and assuring access to affordable, high-quality health care in Gifford’s service area.
