James “Doc” McEntire is known in automotive racing circles for his focus on winning. McEntire, a Lee’s Summit pediatrician who’s been racking up racing accolades since the early ‘80s, holds international world records for drag racing performance on street legal cars. He and his red 1968 Camaro—the same one he used to take his driver’s license test—have been featured in Hot Rod, RPM and many other industry magazines.

He brings that same competitive streak—and winning record—to his practice, Preferred Pediatrics.

In the Driver’s Seat

When McEntire left residency training, he accepted a three-year employment contract. As the contract was winding down, he decided he could do better by opening his own pediatrics practice.

“I knew that by building some relationships, I could make it work. I associated myself with good people in banking, accounting and areas where I knew I would need help. That freed me up to develop my practice to be the best in the region,” he said.

That was in 1998. McEntire has been going full throttle ever since.

Dr. Noel Graham, two nurse practitioners and additional staff now round out the team at Preferred Pediatrics.

Accelerating Standards

Although McEntire and his team of providers are focused on growing the practice, they don’t sacrifice personal attention.

“We have an interest in the human aspect,” he said. “When they call our phones, they are going to get a human being. When they come in, we look at every single patient individually, and we want to be a resource for all their needs. There’s no excuse for distraction. When they are here, I am focused on their needs, and I want to be sure they feel like they got value from their visit.”

McEntire has the designations and affiliations to back him up too.

Preferred Pediatrics has earned the prestigious distinction of being a Patient Centered Medical Home, a nationally recognized quality assurance program that measures, according to rigid standards, the way in which patient-centered health care is delivered.

“We have the highest level that is attainable in the nation . . . even though we’re not a big mega group,” McEntire said.

Preferred Pediatrics is also an affiliate of Children’s Mercy, a relationship that resulted from the high standards McEntire sets.

“Children’s Mercy approached us because they want high-quality primary care practices with best practices based on evidence-based medicine to affiliate with them. It shows there are certain practices in the community that are exceptional—they’re above the norm. The affiliation allows us to show the community we have these high-quality standards and care.”

As much as he enjoys working with children and their families, McEntire also serves as a professor of pediatrics at KCU. “I am committed to growing future doctors in the community,” he said.

Keeping the Wheels Turning

McEntire credits Equity Bank for the role they’ve played in Preferred Pediatrics’ growth. He said they’ve been able to take away much of the stress of staying compliant with changing legislation, with obtaining business mortgage loans and dealing with other issues that come up.

“Knowing your banking partner is going to be responsive to your needs . . . the flexibility, the open communication, the responsiveness Equity Bank has shown us is just astounding,” he said. “From the first meeting with them, we’ve just been able to establish a true partnership . . . We’re going to continue to grow this partnership as our company continues to grow.”

McEntire believes the best years of the practice are still on the horizon.

“Our affiliation with Children’s Mercy Network will help us continue to expand and establish us as one of the few practices in the region that is a high-quality group,” he said.

Share Your Napkin Story

Some of the most amazing business stories started as an idea scribbled on a napkin.

Mark Parman, Kansas City Market President of Equity Bank, invites you to share your Napkin Story. “We not only want to hear your origin story, we can help you continue to write the rest of your company’s story,” he said.

Equity Bank is a full-service community bank with offices in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Our group of bankers are experienced with businesses from small to large. We take the time to listen to your story and help you design the services that will benefit you and your business.

To share your napkin story, get in touch at marketing@equitybank.com or (913) 323-9300.

Visit: Equitybank.com/napkin-stories