MEDFORD, NJ — After nearly 40 years of practicing medicine in Medford and an abrupt shutdown of his office in 2025, one doctor is coming out of retirement to once again serve the community.
Dr. James Holton was working in the old Medford Train Station building's primary care office when Optum, a provider owned by UnitedHealth, decided to suddenly close the location and others across the country in a move to consolidate resources.
The decision left many of his patients, he said, with months-long waits to get into other facilities, and reaching out to him for help.
"To me, it was another example of how the system has changed. Doctors do not have the same control over patient care that they used to...the bottom line starts to drive too many decisions. Patients feel that, and they end up paying for it," Holton told Patch.
The current model, he says, is too distant when it comes to basic communication.
"They want to feel heard, not rushed, and they want to know that when they call, they are not going through a portal or triage system or being sent to somebody who doesn't really know them," Holton said of his relationship with the patients who have brought families over generations to his facility.
His practice moved into the historic building in 1994 and became a part of Optum after it was sold in 2018, causing he and others to wonder how much of this personal touch they would, in fact, lose.
"Trust comes from being available, listening carefully, educating patients, and following them over time. That is how primary care is supposed to work," he added.
Now, eight years later, Holton is embarking on his own journey back in the place he called home for 30 years.
After hearing from so many former patients who were suddenly left wondering where to turn for prescriptions, guidance, and just a doctor who knew them, he said the decision was easy.
"I've had the privilege of taking care of multiple generations of families. That's one of the most rewarding parts of primary care. We've been part of this community for decades, and I've always felt that people here really welcomed me into their lives," Holton added.
Patients are being accepted now online or by calling (609) 678-3353 for the new, smaller, more personalized setting at the Medford Train Station (69 North Main St.).
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE: NJ Medical Group Optum To Go Out Of Network With Many Insurances
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