If you live anywhere near the Main Line, you’ve probably heard the name. Maybe it was at a dinner party in Berwyn or while waiting for a train at the Paoli station. Someone mentions they finally found a doctor who actually listens, and inevitably, the name Dr. William Greer comes up.
Honestly, finding a primary care physician who hasn't been swallowed by the "six-minute-visit" corporate machine is getting harder. But William R. Greer, MD—a name synonymous with internal medicine in Paoli, PA—seems to be the exception that proves the rule. He’s been a fixture in the local medical community for over three decades. That’s a lot of physicals.
The Paoli Powerhouse: Who is William R. Greer, MD?
Let’s get the credentials out of the way first because they matter. Dr. Greer isn't just some guy with a stethoscope; he’s a product of the "Ivy League of medical training" right here in Philadelphia.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in 1993. Think about that for a second. While most of us were listening to grunge music, he was grinding through one of the toughest medical programs in the country. He didn't leave after graduation, either. He stayed at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) for his internship, residency, and even a fellowship.
Basically, his entire medical DNA is rooted in the Penn Medicine ecosystem.
Today, he runs his own private practice, William R. Greer, MD, P.C., located at 21 Industrial Boulevard in Paoli. He is heavily affiliated with Paoli Hospital (part of Main Line Health) and Chester County Hospital.
Why the "Top Doc" Labels Aren't Just Hype
You see those "Top Doctor" stickers on office windows all the time. Sometimes they feel like participation trophies. But for Dr. William Greer Paoli residents know the accolades are a bit different. He has been named a "Top Doc" by Philadelphia Magazine and Main Line Today for something like 17 years straight.
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Why?
It’s not just about knowing which pill to prescribe for high blood pressure. According to patient data and reviews, he over-indexes in areas that most doctors rush through:
- Advance Directive Planning: He spends significantly more time on end-of-life and long-term care planning than the average internist.
- Immunization Strategy: He’s aggressive about preventative care.
- Diagnostic Thoroughness: Patients repeatedly mention that he "does his homework" before even walking into the exam room.
The MDVIP Connection: A Different Way to Practice
Here is something a lot of people get wrong or find confusing. Dr. Greer is part of the MDVIP network.
If you aren't familiar, this is a "membership-style" or "concierge" model of medicine. In a standard practice, a doctor might have 2,000 or 3,000 patients. It’s a factory. You’re a number. In the MDVIP model used by Dr. Greer, the patient load is capped—usually at around 600 people.
What does that actually mean for you? 1. Time. Appointments aren't 10 minutes; they’re often 30 to 60 minutes.
2. Access. You can usually get him on the phone or get a same-day appointment.
3. The Wellness Program. There’s a big focus on advanced screenings that insurance typically won't cover in a standard "sick visit" model.
Yes, there is an annual fee. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s the only way they’re willing to do healthcare anymore. It’s a polarizing shift in the industry, but for a high-demand internist like Greer, it’s how he maintains the quality that earned him those 17 years of awards.
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What Patients Actually Say (The Good and the Gritty)
I looked through the data from Healthgrades and Castle Connolly. The numbers are high—4.2 to 5.0 stars across the board—but the comments tell the real story.
One patient noted that when they first met him in a hospital room, Greer simply said, "You need a family doctor. Well, now you have one. I'm it." That kind of old-school assertiveness is rare now.
Another person mentioned he doesn’t "sugarcoat" things. If you’re looking for a doctor to just nod and smile while you ignore your cholesterol, he might not be your guy. He’s described as "gentle but firm."
Common praise includes:
- "He looks you in the eye." (Surprisingly rare in the age of iPads).
- "He knew my case before he walked in."
- "The staff actually knows my name."
Common Misconceptions About the Name "William Greer"
If you're Googling "William Greer" and getting confused, you aren't alone. There are a few prominent Dr. Greers out there, and you don't want to show up to a Paoli internal medicine appointment expecting a surgeon from South Carolina.
- William J. Greer, MD: This is a Urogynecologist with the Carilion Clinic in Virginia. Great doctor, but he's not in Paoli.
- William T. Greer III, MD: A family medicine doc in Ocean City, Maryland. He also does a Direct Primary Care model, which adds to the confusion.
- William Greer (Orthopedics): There’s an orthopedic specialist in Murrells Inlet, SC, who used to be a team physician for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
If you are looking for the internal medicine expert on the Main Line, you are looking for William Robson Greer in Paoli.
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Navigating Your First Visit
If you’re considering switching to his practice, you need to be proactive. Because he operates on a membership model, he isn't always "accepting new patients" in the traditional sense—there’s often a waitlist or a specific onboarding process through MDVIP.
His office is tucked away at 21 Industrial Blvd, Suite 200, Paoli, PA 19301.
Don't just show up. Call first at (610) 651-0370.
Actionable Steps for New Patients
If you’re ready to take your health more seriously than a 15-minute urgent care visit allows, here is how to handle it:
- Check your Insurance vs. Membership: Verify that your carrier (Aetna, Blue Cross, etc.) is accepted for the medical portion, but understand the MDVIP fee is separate.
- Request a "Meet and Greet": Most concierge-style doctors will do a brief introductory call or meeting to see if the "vibe" is right before you commit to the annual fee.
- Gather Your Records: Because Dr. Greer is known for being a "diagnostician," the more data you give him (old labs, specialist notes), the more he can actually do for you in that first long session.
- Prepare Your Questions: Don't waste the 60-minute luxury. Write down the weird symptoms you’ve been ignoring.
Ultimately, healthcare in 2026 is about choice. You can stay in the high-volume system, or you can opt for a more tailored experience with someone like Dr. William Greer. It’s really about what you value more: your time or your wallet. For most of his long-term patients in Paoli, the answer has been clear for three decades.
Ready to get started? Call the office to verify their current membership availability or check your latest insurance benefits to see how they align with the Main Line Health system.