The six principles of family medicine are continuity, comprehensiveness, coordination, community, prevention and family.

Providers of family practice health care include physicians and advanced practice nurses whose educational programs encompass all six of these principles.

In addition to providing direct care, Dr. Cook oversees the entire practice, coordinating the care and referring patients when indicated

• The mission of the MRVHC, which is shared by Dr. Cook, is to serve as a primary care family practice.
• Primary care is described as integrated, accessible health care.
• Primary care providers develop sustained partnerships with patients and practice within the context of family and community.
• Primary care providers address a wide range of health care needs.

• adult physical exams (including gynecological)
• well child care
• immunizations for children and adults
• full lab capabilities, EKG, lung function tests
• specialized diabetes care
• mental health therapy services
  

The Mad River Valley Health Center also handles illnesses, injuries and accidents, with the ability to x-ray, suture and perform minor surgery.

In 1996, the Health Center was designated as a Rural Health Clinic that further enhanced the service available to Medicaid and Medicare patients.