Finding Comfort and Confidence in Care: The Dixons’ Experience With Curana Health

For residents of Hayes Barton Place, peace of mind and exceptional healthcare are just steps away from their front door. That’s a major advantage Ronald and Barbara Dixon have discovered since putting their trust in the Curana Health team for their primary healthcare needs.

From their very first interaction, the Dixons took notice of the special care they were being provided, describing the Curana Health staff as “exceptionally responsive, courteous, professional, and extremely knowledgeable.” This combination of expertise and genuine kindness quickly set the tone for their ongoing relationship with the team.

One moment in particular stands out to the Dixons: When Ronald needed help navigating new medications, the Curana Health nurse practitioner stepped in without hesitation. She reached out directly to his other providers on his behalf—an extra step she wasn’t obligated to take, but one she embraced wholeheartedly. The medical assistant has shown the same level of dedication, consistently responding quickly to the couple’s requests and offering support that goes above and beyond expectations. These gestures, while small on the surface, have made a meaningful difference in the Dixons’ daily lives.
What keeps them returning to Curana Health is the trust they’ve built and the comfort they feel. Knowing that medical assistance is close by brings them tremendous reassurance. “We are very impressed with the team’s quick response times and feel that they really do care about their patients.”

For the Dixons, having a doctor right in their community is more than a convenience
—it’s a game changer. “The fact that we can walk to our doctor versus having to drive
is a real positive!”

Since transitioning to Curana Health, the Dixons noticed a significant improvement in their overall peace of mind. The stress of coordinating offsite appointments has eased, replaced by the confidence that comes from having a dedicated provider on-site at their community. That proximity, combined with the team’s attentive care, has strengthened their sense of independence and wellbeing.

“Knowing that we have a Curana Health provider close by adds to the overall peace of mind you need when you reach our age.”

For the Dixons, Curana Health has become an essential part of what makes life at Hayes Barton Place feel secure, supported, and a place to truly call home.

© 2025 Curana. All rights reserved.

Derek Chao, MD

President and Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Chao brings more than two decades of experience in managed care, clinical leadership, and healthcare transformation to Curana Health. Starting his medical career as a hospitalist and nephrologist in Southern California, Dr. Chao has held various leadership positions (including medical director and chief medical officer) within numerous healthcare organizations (including HealthCare Partners). Before coming to Curana, he served as chief executive officer of Optum Health’s western region, where he oversaw operations and care delivery across nine states. Dr. Chao’s expertise spans a range of healthcare models, from fee-for-service to value-based care across Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial plans. His broad experience has honed his ability to lead both clinical and operational teams through the complexities of healthcare delivery models, and his professional insights are shaped not only by his clinical expertise, but also by personal experience (having witnessed firsthand the challenges his elderly parents faced in navigating the American healthcare system). At Curana Health, Dr. Chao leads efforts to empower the organization’s healthcare providers, optimize care delivery, and ensure clinicians have the tools and support needed to achieve exceptional outcomes for patients and operator partners alike.