Thanking Dr. Carol Bunten and The Vancouver Clinic
When she joined The Vancouver Clinic as gynecologist and obstetrician in 2004, Dr. Carol Bunten wanted to know what she could do to help provide care for people who haven’t been able to get it otherwise.
“Fortunately The [Vancouver] Clinic was getting involved in Project Access NOW in 2006,” Dr. Bunten said. “[Dr.] Sally Williams approached me to ask if I’d be willing to participate, and Dr. John Nusser also encouraged me to do it. I’ve since been able to donate my time to meet some of the large unmet need in the community.”
A few of Dr. Bunten’s colleagues in her department have also joined the effort to provide care to the under- and uninsured.
“[We] get a lot out of the ability to feel that [we’re] righting some of the wrongs of the health care system and provide care for those who don’t have any other options,” Dr. Bunten said.
Dr. bunten sees about one Project Access patient each month and she feels inspired by the willingness of the community to provide the service.
“I’m really glad the community where I work has a program like this to help those who need specialty care regardless of ability to pay for it.”
According to Dr. Bunten, the process of working with Project Access patients “is easy and takes no extra time. The care coordinators are wonderful. One piece of paper you send in takes care of it. Patients are grateful and keep their appointments.
“Sometimes you get paid in money, other times in gratitude. I’m fine with both types of payment because I feel it is a privilege and responsibility of our profession to care for those among us who need help. I’m grateful to Project Access NOW for coordinating this effort.”
(March 2011)
