After over 20 years of practice, I have decided to close my private practice and become an employed Physician working for Bakersfield Family Medical Group (BFMG) in a full-time role effective 11/3/2025. Pamela Whiteley, my long-time Physician Assistant, is making this transition with me. I have not come to this decision lightly as I have cherished my private practice and the patients within it. I look forward, however, to some of the exciting and unique challenges that this new setting affords.
As a result of this change in practice and employment with BFMG, if you have a non BFMG insurance plan such as a commercial Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan I will, unfortunately, not be able to serve as your physician in the new practice as BFMG does not contract with these types of health plans. We will continue to serve as your providers prior to the practice transition, but after 10/31/2025, you will need to establish care with a new physician in the community. Your health plan would be a good resource to identify contracted providers that are accepting new patients. If you are interested in finding out if you are eligible to enroll in a BFMG insurance plan and retain me as your PCP, contact BFMG at (661) 846-4662.
BFMG is a local managed care network that provides comprehensive medical care to patients assigned to its network of physicians. The insurance products BFMG manages are primarily commercial Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Medicare Advantage (such as HealthNet and Humana). If you have one of these insurance products and I am your assigned Primary Care Physician (PCP) with BFMG, Pam and I will continue to serve you in the new location and your medical records will follow you.
If you need to transfer your care to a new physician, please complete the Medical Records Release form and we will have your records available for pickup.
It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve as your physician for the past 20 years. Whether you will be able to transition to my new practice or be establishing care with a new physician remember that a healthy lifestyle is the best medicine at your disposal.
Sincerely, David Bruce Christian, MD
David Bruce Christian, MD
ABFM Board Certified Primary Care Physician/Family Doctor
Pamela Whiteley, MMS, PA-C
Board Certified Physician Assistant