We’re excited to welcome Dr. Matthew Comeau to the Rooks County Health Center team. As a native of Plainville, Dr. Comeau is right at home with us.
Dr. Comeau finds the gratitude from patients in rural areas especially rewarding. He notes that, unlike larger systems where patients have many providers to choose from, rural healthcare fosters a unique sense of appreciation. “Patients value you as a provider,” he says, “where in larger systems, they have a lot of providers to choose from and often take care for granted.”
He acknowledges that rural healthcare comes with its challenges, particularly in terms of accessibility and resources. To tackle these issues, Dr. Comeau has embraced telehealth, which offers patients easier access to care without the need for travel. This approach helps prevent illnesses from worsening by providing timely and convenient treatment options.
In rural settings, being part of a close-knit community has a profound impact on patient care. For Dr. Comeau, the environment feels like family. “You feel as if you are taking care of family,” he said. “In larger communities, if you only see a patient once or twice per year, the personal involvement in their well-being doesn’t seem to present the same concerns. Here, it’s different—it’s more personal.” This connection strengthens his commitment to providing exceptional care and ensures every patient feels valued.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Comeau enjoys creative pursuits like woodworking and crafting. He is mechanically inclined and also engages in tactical training. If not in healthcare, he could see himself farming or pursuing a career in woodworking.
Dr. Comeau’s journey to RCH was deeply personal. “Giving back to the community I grew up in, as well as being close to family, helped in my decision to come back,” he said. The quality of care and services at RCH impressed him, even after working in a healthcare system ten times the size. “As small as the community is, I was amazed by all the services offered. The quality here exceeds what I’ve seen in much larger systems.”
Welcome home, Dr. Comeau! We are so happy to have you!