Dr. Gutierrez has been working in healthcare for 35 years and is board-certified in internal medicine. He attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City and completed his residency in internal medicine at the Truman Medical Center. Dr. Gutierrez is bilingual in English and Spanish. As a Primary Care Physician, Dr. Gutierrez has treated adults of all ages, including seniors, and his experience spans all types and backgrounds of patients. Prior to joining CenterWell, he was partner and owner of Lee’s Summit Physicians Group for 15 years and also spent six years at an inner-city clinic with a mostly Spanish-speaking patient base. Dr. Gutierrez says that he entered the healthcare profession because he loves a challenge, but that the patient relationships that he has developed has made it worthwhile. Gutierrez believes that patient satisfaction can be achieved by listening and communicating with patients where they are and that the best doctor-patient relationship is one that allows for collaboration, respect and value. He also believes that patients will only get better if they take an interest and work on their own care and that it’s his job to guide them through that. When asked what words he lives by, Gutierrez says, “We all have problems and issues, so don’t judge others.” Dr. Gutierrez is proud that he comes from a family of missionaries that have served in underdeveloped countries and as for his immediate family, he has a son, daughter and two granddaughters. He also has a wife of 39 years who leads a ministry in Africa to help women with birth injuries. When he’s not caring for patients, Gutierrez’ interests include travel, family, movies – and playing bass in a church rock band!