Exploring Life & Business with Jocilli Walton of Mulberry Primary Care

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocilli Walton.

Hi Jocilli, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into healthcare began with a strong desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. My academic foundation has played a significant role in shaping my practice and leadership approach. Completing both my undergraduate and graduate studies at Emory University in Atlanta provided me with a strong clinical and theoretical framework grounded in evidence-based practice, leadership development, and population health. This education equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to deliver high-quality care, lead clinical teams, and continuously improve healthcare outcomes.
Over the last 8 years, I have gained extensive clinical experience across internal medicine, primary care, and urgent care. Working in these diverse settings allowed me to develop a broad clinical skill set, manage complex patient populations, and understand the gaps that often exist within our healthcare system. These experiences ultimately prepared me for the next chapter of my career—opening my own practice.
With the support and encouragement of my husband, Eric, who continually inspired me to pursue my vision, I was motivated to venture into private practice with a strong focus on preventive medicine. Together, we recognized the need for accessible, high-quality primary care that prioritizes early intervention, patient education, and long-term wellness. Our goal has always been to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care while promoting the overall health and well-being of every individual and family we serve.
Today, I remain deeply committed to advancing preventive care, strengthening healthcare systems, and creating meaningful connections with patients. My journey reflects growth, resilience, and a passion for providing care that not only treats illness but empowers patients to live healthier lives.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the greatest struggles along the way was learning the business side of healthcare. While clinical training prepares providers to diagnose, treat, and care for patients, it does not fully prepare us for navigating insurance contracts, credentialing, billing, staffing, regulatory requirements, and the financial responsibilities of running a practice. Transitioning from clinician to practice owner required learning an entirely new skill set, often through trial, persistence, and continuous adaptation.

Another major challenge has been navigating a healthcare system that often prioritizes patient volume over quality. In many settings, productivity metrics and time constraints limit meaningful patient interaction. This approach conflicts with our philosophy of care. Our goal has always been to move away from rushed visits and instead provide high-quality, preventive, and compassionate care—allowing patients the time they need to ask questions, express concerns, and fully understand their health.

Although these challenges were significant, they reinforced our commitment to practicing differently. Overcoming these obstacles strengthened resilience, sharpened leadership skills, and solidified the mission to build a practice centered on prevention, education, and patient-provider relationships—ensuring every patient feels heard, valued, and genuinely cared for.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our practice was built on a simple mission: to provide high-quality, preventive, and compassionate primary care while restoring the patient–provider relationship.

We are a comprehensive primary care clinic specializing in preventive medicine, chronic disease management, women’s health, and medical weight management. We focus on early intervention, patient education, and personalized treatment plans to support long-term health and wellness.

What sets us apart is our commitment to quality over volume. In a healthcare system that often prioritizes rushed visits, we intentionally provide patients with the time to ask questions, express concerns, and fully understand their care. We believe meaningful conversations lead to better outcomes.

What we are most proud of brand-wise is the trust we have built within our community. Our patients know they are heard, respected, and cared for as individuals—not numbers.

Our brand stands for compassion, accessibility, and excellence. We aim to deliver thoughtful, thorough care that empowers patients and treats them the way we would want our own families to be treated.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about our city is the strong sense of community. It has a welcoming, close-knit feel where people genuinely support local businesses and build meaningful relationships. The diversity, family-friendly atmosphere, and growing focus on wellness make it a wonderful place to live and serve. Being able to care for patients who are also neighbors creates a deeper connection and sense of purpose.

What I like least is how access to healthcare can still be challenging at times. Long wait times, limited appointment availability, and system barriers often make it difficult for patients to receive timely care. These challenges highlight the need for more accessible, patient-centered practices—something that continues to motivate our work every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mulberryprimarycare.org