Our Story
From a single rented suite in 2006 to five locations serving thousands of families across the East Alabama area.
Where It Began
In 2006, Dr. Ritu Chandra opened a small pediatric practice in a rented suite on Stadium Drive in Phenix City, Alabama. She was the only doctor, with three employees and no patients — but she had an unshakeable belief that this community deserved better access to compassionate, comprehensive care.
Within six months, 1,000 families had trusted her with their children's health. The team grew to four. The waiting room filled up. Word spread — not through advertising, but through the kind of trust that only comes from genuinely caring for the people in front of you.
That same belief guides every decision at Preferred Medical Group today.
"Healthcare should be personal, accessible, and compassionate — and that's exactly what we strive to deliver every day."
The practice launched on Stadium Drive in 2006 with nothing but conviction and care. In 2008, a Child Psychologist joined the team — an early signal that Dr. Chandra's vision extended beyond routine checkups. By 2009, a second pediatrician came aboard, and the team began planning something bigger.
In October 2010, Preferred Medical Group moved into a custom-built facility at South Railroad Street — designed specifically to serve the community that had trusted them from the very beginning.
As Fort Mitchell grew, Dr. Chandra moved quickly. Land was acquired and a clinic was built in just three months. In 2013, the Fort Mitchell pediatric office opened its doors — and adult family practice services followed so the whole family could be seen in one place.
In 2015, the Opelika office opened along US Highway 280, bringing Preferred Medical Group's standard of care to yet another community that needed it.
Auburn opened in 2020. A psychiatrist joined the team in 2021. In 2022, Preferred ABA launched in Columbus to support the autism community.
In 2025, a Speech Therapist joined the team — completing a picture of truly comprehensive care that Dr. Chandra had imagined since day one.
"Each time the community expressed a need, we listened and we filled the need."
— Dr. Ritu Chandra, Founder
Our Journey
Started a pediatric practice at Stadium Drive, Phenix City. One doctor, three employees, zero patients.
Expanded pediatric mental health support early in the practice's history.
Growing patient volume called for a larger team.
Opened a new purpose-built facility at South Railroad Street.
Started a pediatric office in Fort Mitchell to serve the rapidly growing community.
Brought PMG's standard of care to East Alabama along US Highway 280. Family practice services added at Fort Mitchell.
Expanded access for families in the Auburn area.
Strengthened behavioral health services with psychiatric care.
Preferred ABA Services opens in Columbus to support the autism community.
Completing a full spectrum of care for children and families.
Preferred Medical Group — Est. 2006
"Nineteen years ago, this was a rented suite and a dream. Today, it is five locations and thousands of families who call us their home for care."
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Welcome from the Founder
Welcome! I'm Dr. Chandra, a pediatrician and the founder of Preferred Medical Group. My family and I are proud to call Alabama home, and I've had the privilege of caring for this community since 2007.
As a pediatrician, I've always been passionate about providing the best care for children, but I recognized the need for both primary care and mental health services, which is why I've made it a priority to offer these services alongside pediatric care in my practice. It's important to me that every family has access to comprehensive care in one place, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to support the health and well-being of our community.
It's truly an honor to be trusted with your family's health, and I'm grateful to serve this community with the love and care that it deserves. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives — I look forward to supporting you and your family for many years to come.