Pulse

Celebrating dedication and service at HOPES Free Clinic

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students and faculty gathered for photo

At the heart of HOPES Free Clinic’s mission lies a deep commitment to community service and compassionate care. This year, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion honor the remarkable contributions of our Student and Physician Exceptional Volunteerism Award recipients, whose dedication and teamwork continue to enhance the lives of patients and volunteers alike.

The Student Exceptional Volunteerism Awards recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond in their respective teams:

  • Continuity Coordinator Team: Shaazia Ahmed and Loganbay Campbell, both members of the MD Class of 2027, exemplify reliability and care, consistently showing up to provide invaluable support to both patients and their peers.
  • Laboratory Services Team: Claire Allison (MM 2023), MD Class of 2027, Nikki Drake, MD 2026, and Monica Ethirajan, MD Class of 2025, have each made lasting impacts through mentorship, positivity, and a passion for excellence.
  • MEQ Team: Emily Behling, MD Class of 2026, George Jones and Jamie Wilson, members of the MD 2025, have improved data collection processes while providing innovative solutions to enhance team efficiency.
  • Shift Management Team: Emma Cook, Medical Masters Class of 2024, and Melissa Cazzell, MD Class of 2027, have been instrumental in welcoming new volunteers, ensuring smooth clinic operations, and embodying the HOPES mission through their unwavering dedication.

In addition to our student honorees, we celebrate the exceptional contributions of our physician volunteers. This year, we are grateful for the expertise and mentorship of:

  • Bruce Waldholtz, MD, member of the Board of Directors for Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, who has attended 17 clinics, offered challenging clinical presentations and advocated for students and the clinic outside its walls.
  • Timothy Sayles, MD, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, who joined HOPES this year and has become a cornerstone of our Gynecology Clinic, brings enthusiasm and teaching excellence.
  • Dr. Laura Heiby-Thomas, a compassionate family medicine physician who prioritizes continuity of care and exemplifies community-oriented service.
  • Dr. Shriti Patel, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, a steadfast advocate for mental health services at HOPES, who offers critical teaching and support in a challenging clinical environment.

Together, these dedicated volunteers have left an indelible mark on HOPES Free Clinic, ensuring it remains a beacon of hope for our community. Their contributions embody the clinic’s mission of providing quality care to those in need while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

As we celebrate their achievements, we also look forward to the continued growth and impact of the HOPES Free Clinic, fueled by the unwavering support of individuals like these honorees.