Patient First is celebrating 45 years of service, marking a milestone that reflects decades of providing accessible urgent care to patients across the Mid-Atlantic.

Patient First’s distinctive green roof first appeared on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia in 1981. It was built on a simple idea of providing friendly, convenient, and cost-effective medical care without an appointment, 365 days a year. Patient First’s physician-led model gave patients access to a broad range of services under one roof.

In the 45 years since, Patient First has grown to 79 medical centers across Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, with more than 50 million patient visits over that period. From the beginning, Patient First centers provided on-site x-rays, laboratory services, and prescription medications available in one office. Care is led by physicians and physician assistants at each center, supporting a high level of clinical oversight and continuity. Over time, Patient First has expanded its services to include primary care, occupational health, and telehealth.

The commitment to accessibility was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Patient First kept its medical centers open for in-person care while also launching telehealth services, ensuring patient access during a time of heightened need.

“Caring for generations of families and seeing patients I first treated years ago now bringing in their own children is a level of fulfillment that is difficult to match,” said Dr. Cliff Walton, Medical Director of Patient First – Chester.  

Dr. Walton’s career reflects the long-term commitment shared by many within the organization. He joined Patient First in 1990 as a medical assistant while pursuing his education. After graduating from medical school in 1994, he continued working at Patient First while completing his residency training before becoming a physician with the organization in 1996. He has served as the Medical Director of the Chester center since 2004.  

Patient First’s culture of long-term commitment often spans generations. Kimberly Harmon, PA-C, a physician assistant at Patient First – Aberdeen, followed a path that began with her mother, Bonnie Schaffer, RN. Schaffer joined Patient First in 2001 as Director of Medical Support (DMS) at the Perry Hall Center and later served as DMS at the Aberdeen Center. Although she has stepped down from her director role, Schaffer continues to care for patients as a nurse at Patient First – Perry Hall. 

Harmon began her career with Patient First in 2006 in a front office role at the Perry Hall Center and went on to serve as a medical assistant, X-ray assistant, and lab assistant. After completing her physician assistant training, she joined Patient First as a physician assistant in 2013 at the Aberdeen office, where she continues to practice today. 

Patient First’s focus on patient care and long-term relationships has also been recognized across the region, earning 38 “Best Urgent Care,” “Top Doctors,” and “Top Workplace” awards in 2025.

Looking ahead, Patient First plans to continue adding services, adopting new technologies, and expanding into additional communities while maintaining its longstanding commitment to patient service.

As it has been since the beginning, the organization’s guiding principle remains unchanged: putting patients first.