patient stories: The Sibys

Generations of Care: The Siby Family's Journey with CCHP

For over 20 years, the Center for Comprehensive Health Practice (CCHP) has been more than just a healthcare provider for the Siby family; it has been a trusted partner in their well-being, spanning three generations. What began as a recommendation from a friend turned into a lifelong relationship, reinforcing CCHP’s mission of being a family’s home for a lifetime of care.

A Family’s First Step into CCHP

Fatoumata Siby first became a patient at CCHP in 2001 when she was just two years old. Her younger sister joined soon after. Their parents followed, making healthcare at CCHP a family tradition. The Siby family, originally receiving care at a Bronx-based clinic, transitioned to CCHP because it was closer to their Harlem home. But convenience was only the beginning; it was the quality of care that solidified their trust and loyalty.

Generations Growing with CCHP

Over the years, the Siby family grew, and so did their connection to CCHP. Today, all eight of Fatoumata’s siblings receive their healthcare at CCHP, along with their parents. When Fatoumata became a mother to twin girls, there was no question where she would take them for care.

“I've been to other hospitals where I didn’t feel heard, or I felt rushed through appointments,” Fatoumata shares. “At CCHP, they take the time to understand, to listen. If something urgent comes up, they see you the same day or the next day. That’s the kind of care I want for my kids.”

Beyond Primary Care: A Holistic Approach

While primary care has been the foundation of their experience, CCHP has also played a crucial role in other aspects of the family's health. A family member struggling with school-related anxiety and depression found solace in CCHP’s behavioral health services.

“She didn’t always want to talk to us about what was going on, but at CCHP, she found a provider who made her feel safe and comfortable,” Fatoumata explains. “It’s made a huge difference for her.”

Another relative was struggling with undiagnosed asthma, making everyday activities like climbing stairs difficult. A visit to CCHP resulted in a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, significantly improving her quality of life.

The CCHP Difference

For Fatoumata and her family, CCHP is more than just a medical facility; it is a second home.

“The receptionists know us by name. The nurses stop to say hello. It’s a sense of community and belonging that you don’t find everywhere,” she says. “I can’t imagine going anywhere else.”

CCHP also goes above and beyond in unexpected ways. When Fatoumata faced challenges obtaining medication for her newborn twins, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Fernandez personally worked with the pharmacy to resolve the issue. When referrals for specialized care were delayed, CCHP stepped in to expedite the process, ensuring the family received timely care.

Affordability, Accessibility, and Dignity

In reflecting on her family’s care at CCHP, Fatoumata notes a stark contrast in how patients are treated at different facilities.

“At other places, I feel rushed—like I’m just another patient in a long line. But at CCHP, even though we have Medicaid, we’re treated with dignity and respect,” she says. “They take the time to explain everything and make sure we have what we need.”

A Legacy of Health and Trust

With 23 years of care at CCHP, the Siby family exemplifies what it means to find a true medical home. From childhood to parenthood, from physical health to mental well-being, CCHP has been there every step of the way.

Fatoumata’s advice to others? — “If you’re looking for a place where you’ll be heard, where you’ll be cared for like family, this is it. My family trusts CCHP, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

As CCHP continues its mission to provide compassionate, community-focused care, stories like the Siby family’s remind us why this work matters. Because at CCHP, healthcare isn’t just about treatment—it’s about trust, relationships, and a commitment that spans generations.