This Doctor is In...Even If You Don't Have Insurance
Nominee: Violeta S.
I would like to nominate Violeta for a raise. She never stops doing amazing things.
Violeta was born and earned her degree in medicine in the Philippines. After her internship and residency, she established her practice in the Midwest.
Despite lower pay and other difficulties, Violeta chose to focus on serving children in the inner city. She also teaches at the local medical college. In addition, she is an active volunteer in several community groups, including one that travels to and provides medical care and supplies in the Philippines at least once a year. This would be enough to earn her a raise.
But Violeta has also established a free medical clinic, which operates two mornings a month and serves people regardless of race, age, gender, religion, employment or immigration status. Services and medications are provided to all absolutely free.
The clinic is located at Violeta’s office. Since the clinic opened its doors in October 2000, an estimated 2,200 people have been treated there more than 4,000 times, including people from all over the U.S., Mexico, Laos, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
The clinic provides the following services, completely free of charge:
• Well baby and child exams, including immunizations
• Day care/school/sports/camp physicals
• Pre-employment exams, including tuberculosis skin testing
• General exams for adults
• Blood pressure checks
• Screenings for cholesterol, blood glucose, anemia, and strep
• Vision and hearing screenings
• Follow up lab tests, bone density screenings and mammograms
• Flu shots
• Free medications
• Medically necessary dental care
The Clinic does NOT provide:
• Prenatal or OB/GYN care
• Psychiatric counseling
• Immigration physicals
• Treatment of work-related injuries
• Prescription of controlled medications and “lifestyle” drugs, such as Viagra or Propecia
• Weight loss programs
• Workman’s compensation exams
Because the cost of health care and the number of uninsured continues to rise while the economy worsens, Violeta’s work is incredibly valuable. Those who are treated at the clinic avoid costly emergency room visits.
Violeta has been practicing for more than 30 years. Even treatment for cancer in 2007 has not slowed her down. Yet at a point in her career when other doctors are thinking about retirement, she is thinking about expanding her clinic. To me, she is the portrait of a caring, giving and practical woman who truly deserves a raise.
PLEASE CHOOSE ONE:
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