SHAWSBURY – From a young age, Dr. Roger Thompson, who grew up in Middletown, had an interest in the medical field and a desire to help people. However, he recognized the importance of tending to the business aspects of healthcare as well. In response to the trend of larger healthcare companies purchasing smaller practices in the early 1990s, Dr. Thompson and a group of 12 independent doctors in Monmouth County established IMA (Integrated Medicine Alliance) Urgent Care in Shrewsbury in 1994 to provide the community with accessible and affordable healthcare services outside of regular office hours. Dr. Thompson, along with Dr. John Haddad, Dr. Lizett Marza, and Dr. Brendan Mulholland, has been dedicated to offering high-quality healthcare to the community for 30 years. They currently operate urgent care facilities in Shrewsbury and Middletown, as well as primary care facilities throughout eastern Monmouth County. With over 200 employees, including 50 physicians and nurse practitioners, the IMA network also includes eight independent primary care practices.
After earning a degree in biology at Rutgers University and graduating from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 1982, Dr. Thompson went on to become a primary care physician. His passion for this field was inspired by the personal care he received from a physician at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank since his birth. He maintained a close relationship with his lifelong physician and eventually took over that doctor’s family care office, later founding IMA Urgent Care as well.
IMA Urgent Care offers a swift and economical option for medical needs. With two urgent care locations and over 200 employees, including 50 physicians and nurse practitioners, the IMA network provides comprehensive care to patients, ranging from family practice and general internal medicine to specialties such as cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, pediatrics, and behavioral health. They also offer care for elderly and rehab patients at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home settings after hospital discharge. Dr. Thompson emphasized the significance of their urgent care services for patients with more pressing medical issues like bronchitis, flu, twisted ankles, and other non-life-threatening conditions, providing a cost-effective alternative to emergency room visits.
Dr. Thompson acknowledged the challenges in the healthcare industry, including the shortage of physicians, increased demand, and time-consuming paperwork and regulations, which have strained independent practices. However, he remains committed to providing the best possible care to their patients and supporting local causes through partnerships with charitable organizations, local fire and first aid departments.
Dr. Thompson and his partners are dedicated to offering mentorship to the next generation of physicians, emphasizing the importance of holistic patient care. They aim to continue providing convenient, quality, and affordable care to the community through IMA Urgent Care and their independent practices, and offer guidance to future physicians in delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to their patients. IMA Urgent Care has been serving the local residents’ health needs for 30 years and aims to continue this legacy for years to come.
IMA Urgent Care and Primary CareLocations: 1048 Broad St., Shrewsbury, and 363 Route 36, MiddletownPhone: 732-542-0002 (Shrewsbury) and 732-471-0400 (Middletown)Owners: Drs. Roger Thompson, John Haddad, Lizett Marza, and Brendan MulhollandFounded: 1994Website: imamd.com
