'This is the next chapter': Doctors leaving Novant share vision of new group

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On March 19, 41 doctors, including David Cook and Ehab Sharawy will open medical offices under Holston Medical Group. The two men have been leading the charge since it was announced in January that they'd be parting with Novant Health.

"We were able to do some amazing things at Novant Health ... I think this is just the next chapter," said Cook.

Cook was raised in Charlotte. He has been practicing family medicine in the Lake Norman area for years. He said when Tryon Medical Partners split from Atrium last year, that set an example. He said they would do great things in the Lake Norman area.

Cook said,  "Doctors are burning out at an extremely high rate now (because they feel they are) on a hamster wheel ... What we want to do is create a value system around the patient so that we are not having to see so many patients throughout the day."

Cook said they hope to create a system that makes health care more affordable for their patients.

"Charlotte is a very expensive place to get healthcare," said Cook. "Let's find the best physician, the best facility, and let's say we can do it for $20,000. Why do it in another facility for $40,000?"

Cook said they'll measure their success over the next two years. He said they hope to implement strategies through technology. They hope to give patients more control over their medical records to help streamline services.

Sharawy said,  "Right now when you don't have that. the care becomes fragmented, duplicated, there is frustration on the patient, the provider, and it absolutely increased health care costs."

The doctors said thousands of patients have already scheduled new appointments with their doctors. Sharawy said they plan to show their appreciation.

"Thank them. Thank them very much," Sharawy said.

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