Today we’d like to introduce you to Asif Uddin, MD.
Hi Asif, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I completed a dual residency in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry in 2020 and subsequently decided to open my own private practice. My goal was to create an integrated model of care that recognizes the profound connection between the mind and body. KC Psychiatry & Primary Care is the only clinic in Kansas City that offers both medical and psychiatric services under one roof with the same provider. Starting a practice alone, with no prior business background, was a challenge for sure. Managing not only the clinical care aspect but also the day-to-day operations was a learning process that took a few years to refine. Over time, I was able to bring on my invaluable office manager, who has been integral to the practice’s success. Her dedication, compassion, and positive spirit have made a lasting impact on both our patients and the practice as a whole. She’s been with me for nearly four years now. Above all, we make it a priority to place patient care above all else. Our patients’ feedback speaks volumes about the impact of our approach. Many share that they’ve experienced meaningful improvement after feeling overlooked or discouraged in previous settings. At the heart of our practice is empathy, we believe it’s the most essential element of truly effective care. Beyond treatment itself, our goal is to help patients rebuild trust in the healthcare system and feel genuinely supported every step of the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. It’s been rewarding, but far from smooth! Running a business with no prior training has easily been the biggest challenge. I have dedicated my life to acquiring the knowledge and clinical expertise necessary to provide excellent care, which has always been my primary goal. However, the business side of things has been a lot of trial and error. Things emerge that had never crossed my mind, and we navigate those along the way. For example, elements such as scheduling, licensing, and accounting services. Continuous adaptation has been essential as we’ve navigated the complexities of medicine and the added responsibilities that come with private practice. Through experience, we’ve developed an efficient and effective system. With Jessica overseeing daily operations and main point of contact for patient communications, I’m able to remain focused on delivering the highest level of care to our patients.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
It has always been my lifelong goal to become a physician. After completing medical school, I pursued a dual residency in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, one of only ten programs in the country at that time, with a total of twenty residency spots nationwide. Following residency, I became board-certified in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and later, Obesity Medicine. Mental health care remains one of the most significant unmet needs nationwide, with shortages reported in every state. Unfortunately, many patients have shared that their previous care experiences left them feeling dismissed or misunderstood. My goal has always been to bridge that gap by providing high-quality, evidence-based, and compassionate care that addresses both medical and psychiatric needs together.
With my unique and specialized training, I can offer an integrated approach to care, one that ensures nothing is overlooked. I provide patients comprehensive psychiatric treatment while also managing medical problems such as weight, blood pressure, or diabetes, for example. Medicine is constantly evolving, and I remain committed to practicing according to the most current clinical standards and evidence-based guidelines.
Oftentimes, physicians are inclined to consider medical issues as more important or impactful than psychiatric ones. However, I know from my personal battle with bipolar disorder that psychiatric issues can be equally debilitating, if not more. I am transparent with patients about my struggles with mental health, enabling me to better empathize with patients. This provides patients comfort in the fact that I am a real person, just like them, who happens to be a doctor. Patients are provided autonomy, and I approach every patient relationship as a collaboration. My role is to educate and advise, not dictate one’s care, a practice that is all too common among physicians. We want my patients to feel empowered, informed, and actively involved in their care. That partnership, rooted in empathy, and mutual respect, is what truly distinguishes our practice from others.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Referrals are always appreciated, but they are not required. Patients are welcome to schedule directly through our website at www.kcmedpsych.com. We operate as a cash-based practice, which enables us to maintain a high level of accessibility and individualized attention without the limitations often associated with insurance-based systems. We make it a priority to ensure patients are seen promptly and that their care is handled with compassion, respect, and empathy. Our mantra is “if we lose our empathy, we’ve lost our way”.
Every patient interaction is a personal communication that is never filtered through layers of staff or automated systems. I believe that accessibility and trust are the foundation of good care, and that’s something we strive to uphold with every person who reaches out to us.
Collaboration is always welcome. I value working with other physicians, therapists, and healthcare professionals who share our goal of providing integrated, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. Whether it’s coordinating treatment, consulting on complex cases, or developing new referral partnerships, we’re always open to connecting with like-minded professionals in the community.
For those who wish to support our work, simply spreading awareness about what we provide; an integrated model that blends psychiatry, primary care, and obesity medicine, goes a long way. We just would like patients to be informed that there is a place that patients can access the kind of holistic care they deserve.
Pricing:
- New patient psychiatric evaluation (1 hour): $400
- Primary care and psychiatric evaluation (1 hour): $500
- [All] Follow up appointments (30 minutes): $200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kcmedpsych.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcpsychiatrist
