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President's Message
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There is a general assumption that physicians have always been held in high esteem by our society. This was not always the case. A quote from Galen asserts that "between robbers and physicians lies this difference only, that the misdeeds of the former are performed in the mountains, but those of the latter in Rome itself." Fortunately, a lot has happened that has changed public perception of us for the better. This repository of good will was built up over generations through the selfless acts of our predecessors. While our relative and recent wealth may be respected (if not envied), it is the feeling that we have acted primarily in the best interests of our patients that has resulted in this honor.
In this frame of reference, I wish to discuss the efforts made by the DCMS and We Care. Physicians volunteerism was aided by the "Access to Health Care Act" of 1992. In part, this legislation allowed the establishment of a Volunteer Health Care Provider Program in each HRS district. This act provides immunity for physicians volunteering for appropriate entities. It is my understanding that one of the earliest developments was a link between DCMS and Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in the formation of a health clinic. The efforts of many, including George Trotter—then our president-elect, Eugene Glenn (President), Phil Gilbert, and the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services brought the first community-based volunteer clinic into existence.
It had (and still has) a guiding philosophy that only patients would be served who had no other access to the health care system. Simply put, it was the "working poor," who were not Medicaid-eligible and could not afford health insurance who were to be accepted into this program. As we all know, We Care has grown to involve many clinics thanks to such people as Ken Barwick and Shahla Masood and, of course George Trotter.
Since its inception We Care Jacksonville has opened eleven primary care clinics and expanded into specialty care. In the past year health services valued at more than $2.4 million have been delivered to the medically underserved of our city. Our medical society has provided most of the administrative support for this effort. We Care is now an independent entity, which must support a rapidly growing, need for its services.
Now, here comes the hard part: We Care will not be able to perform its vitally needed function unless some major changes occur. First, the We Care board (many of whom are from the DCMS) must continue to organize and form a working relationship with the Duval County Health Department. This program, which has grown so rapidly, must be properly financed and administered. Once the proper infrastructure is in place it will be necessary for all of us to step up and volunteer our time.
It is my earnest desire that every practicing physician in Duval County will find a way to help We Care. Yes, I know we give to charities and see individual indigent patients without charge. In We Care we have the chance to go beyond individual good acts and significantly impact the health of our entire community. If everyone would commit to one day of service per year, we could change the face of medicine in Jacksonville. I believe we are still honored by most, but in part we are living off the good will banked by or predecessors. We have been provided the opportunity to reaffirm our love of medicine and duty to society by taking up this commitment. Please call Phil Gilbert Now and tell him you are ready to take part in this effort we are making. Let it be said that when the opportunity was offered to us we truly cared!
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