CMA

There is a special volunteer spirit at the Physicians Free Clinic. A spirit of compassion and caring in the actions of the many health care professionals who volunteer their time and talents at the clinic. 

For more than 15 years, patients have been receiving medical care free of charge.  Established in 1993, the Physician Free Clinic (PFC) was created by Columbus Medical Association physicians as an opportunity for CMA members to provide care for those most in need.  Since its inception, the PFC continues to be the largest provider of free health care in Franklin County. 

It is within that context that PFC has evolved from the support of a few doctors to hundreds of volunteers providing service.  Volunteers including nurses; interpreters; OSU medical, pharmacy, occupational therapy, nursing, and physical therapy students; CMA alliance members; and more than 200 CMA physicians who share a common desire to help. 

Laura Van Meter Pastesel is a registered nurse that volunteers her time at the PFC.  Laura was introduced to the PFC through Dr. William Rothermel, a regular PFC volunteer and her employer.  She respected him so much for taking the time to volunteer and for seeing the patients from the clinic in his own practice.  Laura, too, wanted to give back to her community. 

Laura is happy to do whatever it takes at the PFC.  “Most of my duties involve nursing skills such as teaching wound care, taking vital signs and drawing blood.  However, I have also done data entry, cleaned rooms and closets, “she comments. 

“I feel that my volunteering has completed by circle of life.  I have been given many blessings and now am able to give them to others,” Laura adds. 

This feeling of helping others is deeply satisfying for the volunteers at the PFC.  Many share in Laura’s fulfillment that, “Giving of time and of yourself is more precious than money. That I can make a difference to someone.  That I can reach out and touch a person's heart and begin to help them heal.  I remember why I became a nurse thirty years ago and that reason still lives in my heart and soul through volunteering.”

Through the dedicated work of volunteers more than 30,000 uninsured people in Franklin County have received much needed health care. 

One of the many community volunteers at the clinic, Olga Lucia offers her services as a translator.  Being bilingual, she is a great help to the organization.  She helps doctors and patients communicate with each other so that patients can have a clear understanding of their responsibilities for better health care. 

“Volunteering at the clinic and helping people in need is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience.  It gives me a very satisfying feeling of contribution, accomplishment and happiness!”  Exclaims Olga. Olga is enjoying retirement and still makes an effort to volunteer her time at the clinic and with other community organizations.  “I am doing what makes my heart happy” beams Olga.   

While it is understood that the Physicians Free Clinic is not the solution to the current uninsured problem in Central Ohio, it is a way for CMA physicians and the community to continue to help. 

“Without our outstanding volunteers uninsured patients in our community would have far fewer options for health care,” said PFC Nurse Coordinator Katie Clark, RN. “It is truly a remarkable place.”

Many companies, organizations and individuals are part of the Physicians Free Clinic (see sidebar) and more help is needed. In order to continue to meet this unending need of Columbus’ uninsured residents through the Physicians Free Clinic, the Columbus Medical Association Foundation is seeking additional community partners.  Contact the Foundation at 614-240-7420 to learn more about providing philanthropic support.  Learn more at .www.goodhealthcolumbus.org/cmaf