The Genatempo family (left to right): Mark, Lily, Cari, and Matthew.
“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” ―Hippocrates
For 20 years, Mark and Cari Genatempo have been under the care of Robert Grabowski, DO, a Family Medicine physician at Penn Medicine Doylestown Health.
During those years, Dr. Grabowski has become more than just their doctor, but a trusted friend. And when their adult children transitioned from their pediatrician, they also chose Dr. Grabowski.
“He invests time in getting to know us, remembers personal details, and celebrates our milestones — a level of care that transcends the typical doctor-patient relationship,” says Cari.
Finding Joy in Medicine
The enduring value of human connection in medicine is at the heart of Dr. Grabowski’s practice.
“When I walk into the exam room, my focus isn’t immediately on the reason for the visit; it’s on building a genuine relationship,” he explains. “When the Eagles won the Super Bowl, I spent 20 minutes talking with a young patient about the Eagles and then finally asked, ‘What are you here for today?’”
Over time, Dr. Grabowski comes to know his patients and their families well, and they, in turn, get to know him.
Inspired by His Mentor
Dr. Grabowski’s approach is deeply influenced by his primary care physician (PCP), a role model and mentor who instilled in him the value of genuine human connection in the practice of medicine.
“He taught me how to build trust and make people comfortable by getting to know the whole person, which shapes my patient interactions today,” says Dr. Grabowski.
The Value of Trust
Building connections is not only a natural strength for Dr. Grabowski but also a core principle of Family Medicine. These relationships help deepen trust, improve communication, and ultimately lead to better care, as familiarity can enable doctors to identify health issues early.
Taking time with his patients means that sometimes Dr. Grabowski runs behind schedule, but Cari says the attention she receives is worth the wait. “He takes time with his patients, and to me, that is more important.”
"Dr. Grabowski has a remarkable ability to connect with people on a human level,” says Mark. “His personal touch elevates the level of care he provides, and he’s shown the same thoughtfulness with our children.”
For example, when Mark was battling pneumonia, Dr. Grabowski had recently recovered from the same illness. After commiserating over their mutual malady, Dr. Grabowski shared the names and numbers of the specialists who had helped him recover.
Being There for His Patients
“Everybody’s got my cell phone number,” says Dr. Grabowski. “It’s not always the best work-life balance, but if a patient needs help, my door is always open.”
The Genatempos have experienced Dr. Grabowski’s unwavering devotion firsthand. “His dedication ensures that we walk away with a sense of clarity and peace of mind, which makes all the difference in our healthcare experiences,” says Mark.
For example, when Matthew was first away at college, 12 hours from home, he became very ill. Dr. Grabowski walked him through the steps to get the care he needed locally, while coordinating his care and prescriptions from a distance.
“Dr. Grabowski is the first person we call for guidance in those critical situations,” says Cari.
Last year, Lily sustained serious injuries when cars collided, hitting her in a parking lot. While the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team transported her via ambulance to the nearest hospital, Cari called Dr. Grabowski.
He saw Lily the very next day. “When we thanked him, he said, 'Of course, I saw her right away. You're like family,” says Cari.
“Whether he stays late to accommodate an urgent appointment, personally follows up on test results after hours, or offers words of encouragement during challenging times, his commitment makes you feel valued and important.”
Shared Values
For Dr. Grabowski, Penn Medicine Doylestown Health is the ideal match, with a shared commitment to keeping personalized patient care at the forefront.
“When I reach out to the specialists, they call back and follow through,” says Dr. Grabowski. "We are a close-knit group with good working relationships and friendships.
About Primary Care
Board-certified Penn Medicine Doylestown Health Primary Care physicians provide preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyle education, and compassionate treatment of illness for all members of the family. As a partner in health, we strive to meet the unique needs of each patient through routine preventive care, referrals to medical specialists when needed, and patient advocacy if specialist care becomes necessary.
Find a Primary Care Physician
Learn more about Penn Medicine Doylestown Health Primary Care.
About Penn Medicine Doylestown Health
Penn Medicine Doylestown Health is a comprehensive healthcare system of inpatient, outpatient, and wellness education services connected to meet the health needs of the local and regional community. The flagship of Penn Medicine Doylestown Health is Doylestown Hospital, a 245-bed not-for-profit, community teaching hospital with a medical staff of more than 600 providers who deliver the highest quality care in over 50 specialties. Renowned locally, regionally, and nationally, Doylestown Hospital provides superior healthcare and offers advanced surgical procedures, innovative medical treatments, and comprehensive specialty services. Serving Bucks County for over 100 years, Doylestown Hospital is proud to educate and train the next generation of physicians through its family medicine residency program.