WESTERLO — On Tuesday, July 15, Dr. Myria Emeny will open her micro practice and see her first patients at the medical building in the Westerlo hamlet. 

Emeny, who received her medical degree from Albany Medical College and completed her residency at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady, had previously practiced at the Whitney Young Health Center in Albany.

In micro practices, doctors lower overhead costs by also performing the roles of secretary, cashier, nurse, groundskeeper, and janitor.  Emeny first heard of micro practices, developed by Gordon Moore of Rochester, while in her residency.  Micro practices emphasize a healing relationship as opposed to an office visit, and doctors spend more time with patients. 

St. Peter’s Hospital had run a charity clinic in Westerlo after Dr. Anna Perkins, a revered rural physician, died in 1993 and left her home and clinic to serve as a doctor’s office.  The hospital closed the clinic in February.

To make an appointment with Dr. Emeny or to sign up as a patient, call Debbie Theiss-Mackey at 797-3423.