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Physician volunteers sought for RotaCare clinic in East Palo Alto
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RotaCare, a free walk-in clinic held weekly for nearly five years in East Palo Alto, needs some
additional physician volunteers willing to work Saturday mornings once every 12 weeks,
announced Duncan Govan, a faculty urologist and former acting chief of staff."This is a 'no questions asked' free resource that provides urgent medical care to people who might otherwise not have access to such care in the community where they live, including at public clinics," said Govan. "It is clearly a superior alternative to using the SHS Emergency Department as a clinic of last resort." Normally, 12 general physicians, internists or family physicians and an equal number of pediatricians are needed to provide a sufficient pool, said Govan, a founder and currently medical director of the clinic. But natural attrition has taken its toll. Currently, only about 10 adult and 10 pediatric practitioners are on the rolls, he said. The clinic is supported by local Rotary Clubs, which provide about $8,000 annually to cover the cost of some medications, supplies and incidental expenses, he said. SHS has provided some lab and X-ray services and other support, Govan said. "We have an outstanding cadre of medical staff members, including faculty members and private physicians, nurses, pharmacists and Stanford undergraduates, who have made a difference in local basic health care. The university students, many of whom are pre-med and fluent in Spanish, serve as clinical coordinators and interpreters for the majority of our patients," Govan said. "For individual physicians there is a tremendous opportunity for satisfaction in helping individuals and needing to fall back on the emergency department for non-emergency care. "I appreciate the fact that many of you are providing pro bono treatment in your offices and clinics, but the fact remains that there are still large numbers of people who need basic care who wouldn't receive it without your efforts through RotaCare," Govan added. The clinic currently uses space donated by the Drew Health Foundation in East Palo Alto. For information, or to sign up as a physician volunteer, call Govan at (415) 725-5746 (office) or 424-9044 (home). His fax number is (415) 725-5746 (office), or 843-1480 (home). |
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