As I sit back and reflect on this past year, one word keeps coming to mind: grateful.

Launching Magnolia Health from the ground up has been the most rewarding, and, at times, the most challenging chapter of my life. In just one year, we’ve welcomed over 1,000 patients through our doors. That number is more than a milestone. It’s a symbol of trust, of hope, and of a community that believed in us before there was even a sign on the building.

The truth is, growing this quickly hasn’t been easy. There were days I walked into an exam room with stress written all over my face. There were nights I lay awake wondering how we’d get it all done, how we’d keep up, and what would happen to the patient I had to turn away because we simply didn’t have the room. That weight stays with me.

But it also pushes me.

This year has made one thing painfully clear: there is a real healthcare crisis in Rutherford County and beyond. The overwhelming demand we’ve faced shows how deep the need is. And while I’m proud of what we’ve built, I know this is only the beginning. We must keep growing, keep improving, and keep fighting to be part of the solution.

To every patient who left a kind review, told a friend, or sent a family member our way, thank you. Your support is the reason we made it through year one.

To every patient who’s shown us grace as we’ve found our footing, thank you. Your patience has meant everything.

And to anyone who may feel their experience with us fell short, please hear this: I’m sorry. We care deeply. This clinic is more than a job, it’s my life’s work. Every success lifts me up, and every failure hits me in the heart. I promise we are learning, adapting, and doing everything in our power to be better.

I want Magnolia Health to continue to grow because I believe we have something special. I want us to be the leading healthcare provider in Rutherford County. Not for recognition, but because I know we can change lives. And that’s all I’ve ever wanted,  to improve the lives of as many people as I can, just by doing what I love.

Here’s to another year of growing, serving, and showing up for this beautiful community that’s given us everything.

This is just the beginning. 

With love and gratitude,

Clayton