Sharmel Kasten, DO

"I graduated from Lemoore High School in 1992 and received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology/Physiology at California State University, Fresno in 1997.  While in college, I discovered the osteopathic philosophy of medicine and chose Touro University, College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM) for medical school because I felt the Osteopathic Medicine philosophy was the best fit for my personality, goals, and interests.   On graduation from TUCOM, I began my Family and Community Medicine Residency through the University of California, San Francisco in Fresno.   During residency, I developed a special interest in helping patients with weight loss and in teaching other physicians.  On residency graduation, I earned the Best Resident Teacher award for my project designed to help other physicians excel in helping their patients learn to manage their weight.  Weight loss and obesity continue to be a special interest of mine and I try to dedicate myself to weight management/lifestyle education for all of my patients who are interested and in need.  I also have not lost my passion for teaching.  I love having medical students of all levels rotate through my office as they gain experience they will one day use to touch lives in their careers.  My first job outside of residency was with a rural health care clinic in Lemoore for Adventist health and as an attending (teaching) physician for the Hanford Family Practice Residency Program through Loma Linda.  After 3.5 years of experience there, I decided to join Clovis Medical Group private practice where I worked as a partner for 8 years.  Finally, I ventured away from my group practice into solo practice in 2017 in hope of taking this opportunity to really make my career and practice all I dreamed it could be...and maybe more!!  Through all of my experiences in family medicine, I have never spent a single moment wondering if I made the right career choice.  The good, the bad...it doesn't matter...this is what I was meant to do.  This is my calling. "

"With fewer office appointments, waiting times are much less with same or next day appointment availability.  As a concierge patient, you will always be given priority to see me personally instead of another provider.  The concierge fee allows me to have the time to conveniently review and handle simple problems over the phone.  My staff and I are directly available to my concierge patients through cell phone, text, or email at all times. Urgent or emergency care would not be needed for lack of office availability, but only when your medical condition truly requires that level of care.  This is the personalized kind of care that your concierge fee allows me the time to provide for you.  I want to especially thank all my concierge patients for holding their health and my service in such high regard.   My desire for this type of more old-fashioned doctor-patient relationship is why I consider medicine my calling.  I can't tell you how excited I am to have the opportunity to provide you with this service!"