Thanking Dr. Johnson and Surgical Associates

Dr. Nathalie Johnson heard about Project Access NOW through the American College of Surgeons. So when her colleague Dr. Katherine Morris told her about it, Dr. Johnson was “more than happy to participate”.

After she learned more about Project Access, Dr. Johnson spoke with administration staff at Surgical Associates and then with the group partners. After they learned they themselves could set the number of patients they wanted to see, they jointly agreed to see 6 patients a year each for a group total of 36.

“We started seeing Project Access patients right away,” Dr. Johnson said. “I don’t think we’ve turned anyone away.”

Surgical Associates has now been accepting Project Access patients for 2 years. The physicians have found it easy to participate.

“People at Project Access do a fantastic job getting patients to appropriate specialists. We haven’t been inundated at all. The process is seamless – I haven’t had to make any arrangements because every patient comes with everything organized. I just see them for their issue and take care of them.”

On a personal level, Dr. Johnson appreciates the opportunity to give back to the community. “It’s such a cool way to volunteer here at home. You don’t have to go overseas. You can impact good people in your community and they’re so grateful for it. The more volunteers Project Access has, the easier it is to participate for all of us.”

(April 2010)