West Valley Magazine, June 2011, Shaker, John Dover
Posted on 17. Jun, 2011 by trish in West Valley 24
Dr. John Dover, a radiation oncologist for over 20 years, has helped to transform the West Valley’s medical community over the last eight years. Realizing that Goodyear and Avondale was rapidly developing without adequate space for physicians to practice, he opened the dialogue between West Valley Hospital and local physicians to come together and build medical office buildings. This was a win-win for both sides. The hospital wanted more practicing physicians on its campus and physicians wanted to own their own office suites. In 2004, the concept became a reality when physicians invested in and built the IMS medical office building in Goodyear. One year later, a second facility was built in Avondale.
But owning medical real estate was not always on Dr. Dover’s mind. His model for how medicine should be structured pre-dates the current political medical debates. In 2003, realizing that it was becoming increasingly difficult to manage the back office functions in a medium sized medical practice, he began to talk to other physicians about sharing resources, such as billing. By 2006, Integrated Medical Services (IMS) was born, with just six physician practices working together.
IMS has since grown into a valley and state wide multi-specialty physician group, with many of its employees living and working in the West Valley. IMS offers more than just business support to physicians but also a coordinated approach to patient care. In 2010, IMS physicians treated 263,610 patients in both primary care and specialty areas.
Since his arrival to Phoenix in 1989 from Philadelphia where he completed his Residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Dr. Dover has expanded his Valley Radiation Oncology practice throughout Arizona. He is a three-time winner of Phoenix Magazine’s Top Doc Award in Radiation Oncology for 2009, 2010, and 2011.
At West Valley Hospital, Dr. Dover served as chairman of the board for two consecutive terms starting in 2003. He has also served as chief of staff at Phoenix Memorial Hospital as well as president of the Arizona Radiologic Society. Dr. Dover is board certified and is a fellow of the American College of Radiology.
Years in West Valley: 21 years
Family: Erin, his wife and daughter, Mary, 11.
What do you miss most? Solitude
What is your favorite place/feature in the West Valley? Westgate.
Describe yourself as a child: Hyperactive, creative and very curious. I liked to tear things apart and put them back together.
What keeps you up at night? IMS
One phrase you wish people wouldn’t say, or would say more: “I’m sorry”
What’s your favorite food? Chocolate Ice Cream
What is your biggest pet peeve? Whining
What would you choose to do, career wise, if you weren’t in your current career? Research Scientist
What do you do during lunchtime? Work
What originally drew you to the West Valley? Growth and opportunity.
What drives you? Boredom
What is the secret to your success? Hard work.
How do you feel the West Valley has affected you, and how do you feel you’ve affected the West Valley?
I have had the honor of being awarded the J. Kipp Charlton Physician Excellence Award at the Maricopa Health Foundation’s 2010 CopaBall. This honor was awarded to me for the years of service to those living with cancer. Proceeds from the annual event are used to touch the lives of countless patients and their loved ones through the programs of the Foundation and Maricopa Integrated Health System.
Who was an influence in your life/career, and how did they affect what you do? My father because he remained humble despite all of his successes.
What’s the biggest challenge facing you in your work? Staying focused on the big picture.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the West Valley, and how does what you do help ease those challenges? Economy — establish sustainable growth.
