It’s just what the doctor ordered.

Or, rather, it’s what North Huntsville needed.

In a major effort to address a dearth of health care access in North Huntsville, Alabama A&M and Huntsville Hospital have opened the first primary care clinic in that underserved but growing part of Huntsville.

Officials from Alabama A&M and Huntsville Hospital joined elected representatives and community stakeholders this week to cut the ribbon for the Physician Care North Huntsville. The clinic, just north of campus at 4701 Meridian Street, will provide primary care services to patients ages 18 and older.

The new facility represents more than a ribbon-cutting, officials said. It marks a significant investment in the health and well-being of a community that has waited years for expanded health care options.

“I would like to thank new (A&M) trustee and (Huntsville Hospital) Executive Vice president Tracy Doughty,” said A&M President Daniel K. Wims. “This idea did not occur in a vacuum. It came out of years of conversation between him and I, and I am personally indebted to him for the work he did to make this vision possible.”

Wims said discussions initially centered on finding ways to address longstanding challenges facing the community.

“I sold (Doughty) on the idea that we have somewhat of a food desert and a health care desert, and we needed to do something about it,” said Wims. “This facility is a monumental step forward for North Huntsville and the families who call this community home.”

The 3,200-square-foot facility in AAMU Plaza includes five exam rooms and one procedure room and will offer annual physicals, preventive screenings, immunizations, chronic disease management, employment and sports physicals, and sick visits.

Wims said the new clinic is part of a broader effort by the university to support community wellness and economic development. He also announced plans for a dental clinic in the Knight Center on campus and other health and wellness initiatives serving A&M and the community.

Dwayne Mathis, executive director of Huntsville Hospital Physicians Network, said expanding access to preventive care has been a longstanding priority for the hospital system.

“Historically, North Huntsville has had fewer health care options than many other parts of our community,” said Mathis. “Today is a major step toward changing that.

“Our mission is to bring primary care and preventive services closer to neighbors across our community, and that is exactly what Physician Care North Huntsville will do.”

Doughty said the clinic was created to remove barriers to health care for residents across North Huntsville and surrounding communities.

“This clinic is about access,” he said. “It’s about making it easier for people in North Huntsville to get the care they need close to home. While this clinic is adjacent to Alabama A&M University, it was created to serve every neighbor in North Huntsville and beyond.

“Together, we’re creating something that will benefit every student, employee and family, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

The clinic will be led by Physician Assistant Tammie Smith, an Alabama A&M alumna. Her team will begin seeing patients by appointment Monday.