Dr. Frances Kunda has had an extensive career in family medicine, but after spending the past several years primarily in a teaching role to train new physicians, she began to miss seeing her own patients.

“I’m looking forward to being back in a private practice,” Dr. Kunda said. “These are my patients. I’m going to stand up for them and go toe-to-toe for them and advocate on their behalf.”

Dr. Kunda completed her family medicine residency with Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System in the 80s and is now home again and accepting new patients with Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medicine – Boiling Springs.

“I’m so excited to be coming back home. As a physician, this isn’t just my career, it’s my calling,” she said. “I love what I do, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Passion for teaching

Dr. Kunda said she still plans to teach and holds staff appointments at several area medical schools. She teaches the younger generation to develop a passion for what they do, which changes the way they care for patients and what they are able to handle, she said.

“It’s what I live and breathe, and it’s who I am,” she said.

After spending several years of her career as an assistant professor of family medicine, she began to miss the doctor-patient relationships she once had, and that desire helped draw her back to practicing family medicine with Spartanburg Regional.

“I fully recognize the blessing and how the good lord has blessed me way past what I deserve,” Dr. Kunda said.

She plans to have former medical residents shadow her in her new role to get a first-hand look at an operating family medicine practice.

Joining Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medicine – Boiling Springs has made Dr. Kunda eager to develop a core base of patients. She has always been a relational person, so building that trust and rapport with patients is important to her.

Medical missions

Dr. Kunda said her biggest passion is medical mission work, visiting the same medical clinic in Honduras once or twice a year for the past two decades.

“The trips fill up my tank when my tank gets empty here,” she said. “We go to where there is no doctor and can make a difference just by being there. Sometimes it’s not doing anything except holding somebody’s hand and giving them huge quantities of reassurance.”

Her time in Honduras helps her get back to her roots with patient care by playing a supporting role to someone’s health journey and well-being.

“You don’t have the same resources down there. You’re using your eyes and ears and stethoscope and doing basic medicine,” she said. “There’s something fulfilling about being able to do that.”

Dr. Kunda has also volunteered with St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic in Spartanburg since its doors opened more than 30 years ago, and she continues to provide assistance there today.

To make an appointment with Dr. Kunda, call Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medicine – Boiling Springs at 864-560-3650.