Physician volunteers and other healthcare providers
Profiles of volunteer physicians and other healthcare providers
Dr. Daniel Friedman, Westside Neurology
Dr. Nathalie Johnson and Surgical Associates
Winnie Kiser and Surgical Associates
Dr. Louis Libby, Oregon Clinic
Dr. Jennifer Lyons, Oregon Eye Specialists
Dr. Jeffrey Menashe, Northwest Cancer Specialists
Dr. Amy Morris, Kaiser Permanente
Dr. Katherine Morris, Northwest Surgical Oncology: May 2008 and April 2010
Dr. Thomas Pitre, Northwest Urological Clinic
Dr. Aly Rahimtoola
Dr. Michael Sheffield, Gastroenterology Specialists of Oregon
Dr. Miklos Simon, Northwest Cancer Specialists
Dr. Anthony Van Ho, Northwest Cancer Specialists
Dr. Sandra Wilborn, Northwest Gastroenterology Clinic
Full list of our physician volunteers
Project Access NOW coordinates a network of more than 2,400 caring volunteer physicians and other healthcare providers. Here’s a closer look at some of them.
Katherine Morris, MD, Northwest Surgical Oncology
When oncological surgeon Dr. Katherine Morris saw a patient who also needed a neurologist, she called many doctors around Portland until she stumbled upon Wallace Medical Center, which arranged for treatment right away, just as Project Access NOW was forming.
“Once I saw [Project Access NOW] in action, I wanted to be a part of it,” Dr. Morris said.
Because getting people the care they need without health insurance used to involve calling friends for favors, Dr. Morris appreciates how Project Access NOW makes charity care simple. It actually reduces the workload!
“Now I can just help the patient and not worry about anything else,” she said.
Continue reading (and watch a video too) >
Anthony Van Ho, MD, Northwest Cancer Specialists
In his two years as volunteer physician, Northwest Cancer Specialists’ hematologist/oncologist Dr. Anthony Van Ho has found the Project Access system “seamless for patients, for doctors, and for staff”. It has allowed him to focus on treating the illness and leave dealing with the paperwork to specialized administrative staff.
Dr. Van Ho heard about the program from his first Project Access patient, whom he’s still seeing. The patient was a Project Access referral, so the treatment process has been “more streamlined than expected”. By contrast, for “patients admitted through emergency departments who have no insurance, one may have to do more legwork to help them through diagnostics, treatment, prescriptions, follow up…”
Continue reading (and watch a video too) >
Amy Morris, MD, Kaiser Permanente
Dr. Amy Morris worked at Kaiser Permanente as a general surgeon for several years before she learned about a Bay Area program that helped the under- and uninsured get needed surgery. Interested in replicating the community-wide effort in Portland, she got introduced to Linda Nilsen-Solares at the same time Project Access NOW was getting off the ground.
“We were trying to take care of the same issue,” Dr. Morris said. “I thought it would be a great way for Kaiser to participate in Project Access.”
Dr. Morris became a surgeon champion for the program at Kaiser. “I had lots of support from our community benefit program,” she said. “Both the physician group and the health plan administration came together to partner on it.”
Nathalie Johnson, MD, 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.”
Miklos Simon, MD, Northwest Cancer Specialists
Dr. Miklos Simon, oncologist with Northwest Cancer Specialists, first heard about Project Access from his group’s financial counselor, who told him about it in connection with a patient coming through the program. Because as a physician, Dr. Simon wants to treat patients, it is, in his words, “great to be in the position where I don’t have to say, ’I can’t help you.’ It’s very rewarding to not have to turn anyone away.”
As an oncologist, Dr. Simon recognizes that cancer patients come with more than the terrible illness. “Patients without insurance are usually in more difficult situations that those with insurance. Their circumstances often mean visits also deal with social and psychological issues – I have to be a social worker and a psychologist sometimes. Those are as important as the treatment itself.”
It’s because Project Access helps alleviate the patients’ financial burden of health care that Dr. Simon felt assured in saying that the program “provides more help than one would think.”
Daniel Friedman, MD, Westside Neurology
Neurologist Daniel Friedman joined Project Access NOW after years of seeing uninsured patients with limited access to diagnostic testing and medications, which made evaluating and treating them much more difficult.
“Because Project Access NOW allows patients to have diagnostic testing and medications,” Dr. Friedman said, “my job is easier and I am able to provide patients with the care that they need. It saves time, energy and frustration for both the patient and myself.”
Dr. Friedman has been with the Westside Neurology group in Hillsboro for 6 years. Thanks to the phone call by Dr. Edmundo Rosales at the Essential Health Clinic, Dr. Friedman started serving uninsured patients there. Project Access NOW then recruited him to participate in the coordinated system.
Winnie Kiser, Surgical Associates
Though Winnie Kiser’s official title at Surgical Associates is Office Coordinator and Surgery Scheduler, she describes herself as “Patient Advocate”. She knows that patients who come in don’t want to be there, so she aims to make their stay as pleasant and effortless as possible. She said, “I treat patients the way I’d like to be treated.”
Winnie also recognizes that Project Access NOW patients wouldn’t be able to get the help they need without the program. “Any one of us could be in that seat so easily,” Winnie said. “If it happened to me, I would like to know something like Project Access NOW is there for me. So if Tara Foley [at Project Access Multnomah County] needs me to go above and beyond, I’ll do it because it needs to be done.”
Michael Sheffield, MD, Gastroenterology Specialists of Oregon
When Dr. Michael Sheffield, partner at Gastroenterology Specialists of Oregon (GSO), heard the request by Project Access NOW staff for specialists to join the program, it seemed like “something we could do”. Every one at GSO got quickly on board – it took little persuasion to see the benefits of participation for community health and for people without access to care.
Dr. Sheffield and GSO, where he’s worked for 16 years, have been a part of Project Access NOW for two years. His evaluation of the program was pretty straightforward. “The beauty of the program is that patients come pre-screened and referred by primary care physicians. Plus it’s a very easy organization to work with – always respectful of our time and energy and always open to suggestions for improvement.”
GSO provides up to 3% of its services for free to those who wouldn’t normally get them. “We’re beholden to our community to fulfill our role as physicians,” Dr. Sheffield said. Project Access NOW not only helps GSO achieve that benchmark, it makes it easier for them to donate care. According to Dr. Sheffield, GSO is “big enough to not have to rely on hospitals for referrals.”
Jennifer Lyons, MD, Oregon Eye Specialists
Dr. Jennifer Lyons, ophthalmologist with Oregon Eye Specialists transitioned into the Project Access system from volunteering with the Coalition of Community Health Clinics. “It’s easy,” she said about her participation. “Project Access patients come pre-screened, all the paperwork is taken care of, I don’t have to go to another location. I can just do my job.”
As a specialty physician, Dr. Lyons recognizes everyone sees uninsured or underinsured patients, but she wishes more doctors would participate in Project Access NOW. She said, “When it comes to working with Project Access NOW, it’s a cinch. They set everything up, give me a one-page form with all the information I need, and I just do what I do.”
Dr. Lyons recounted a story of a diabetic patient who would have ended up blind had she not undergone laser surgery facilitated by Project Access NOW. According to Dr. Lyons, “All the patients are thankful.” What’s more, “Project Access patients are the cheapest free patients we see. I don’t have to do anything on the back end. I haven’t had a single no-show.”
Sandra Wilborn, MD, Northwest Gastroenterology Clinic
Dr. Sandy Wilborn became a Project Access provider the way most physicians have: through word of mouth and a personal relationship. When Project Access NOW started emerging, Dr. Malcolm McAninch, a primary care internist involved in the model’s beginnings, invited Dr. Wilborn to join him.
A gastroenterologist by specialty, Dr. Wilborn saw the birth of Project Access as one of its early adopters. She presented the plan to join to her group of 9 gastroenterologists, all of whom quickly agreed to participate.
Dr. Wilborn was going to retire this year, but decided to take an extra year to work, after which she plans to take an OHSU crash course for specialists wanting to re-enter general medicine. When she does retire, “I want to do volunteer medical work.”
Comparing her past volunteer work with Project Access, she said, “I’ve done some volunteer work here and there and been able to provide some un-reimbursed care for years. I like it that Project Access organizes and structures the care for the uninsured. It’s an easy process. They take care of everything.”
Thomas Pitre, MD, Northwest Urological Clinic
Project Access NOW entered Dr. Thomas Pitre’s radar at one of our promotional dinners. He worked at the Old Town Clinic for 20 years and continued to see indigent patients at his NW Urological Clinic office, so when he heard of the Project Access concept, it was easy to come on board.
In his previous charity care experience, he’d experienced having to cash in personal favors to get people care. There was no consistent coordination of resources. “Now that all major health systems are participating,” Dr. Pitre said, “Project Access takes care of all the logistics and allows me to do what I do best: practice urology.”
What’s more important is patients get the appropriate care. In Dr. Pitre’s mind, helping the poor is always a worthwhile effort to support. “It’s an obligation all physicians have,” he said. Project Access means that Dr. Pitre can actually complete the required service; without this avenue of access, the low-income uninsured just wouldn’t get the care at all.
Jeffrey Menashe, MD, Northwest Cancer Specialists
The involvement of Dr. Jeffrey Menashe and Northwest Cancer Specialists with Project Access followed a conversation with Mark Rosenberg, current Project Access NOW Board Chair. Dr. Menashe then proposed that the group join the system and Northwest Cancer Specialists jumped on board in April 2008. According to Dr. Menashe, “It was a good thing to do and a no-brainer. We’re happy to be a part of [Project Access].”
Northwest Cancer Specialists, a group of medical, radiation, and gynecological oncologists and hematologists, had been providing volunteer care for the uninsured based on their policy of treating anyone who comes in. “Project Access streamlines our care for the uninsured, Dr. Menashe said. “It’s a question of how we provide that care. Piecemeal provision won’t use resources in the best way, so it should be more planned and more universal.”
Dr. Menashe sees the benefits of Project Access beyond his and the group’s practice. “We’re a part of the medical community serving people without insurance, and it’s the medical community’s and the whole society’s responsibility to provide access to care to people. It’s good to see that people have stepped up.”
Aly Rahimtoola, MD
Through his willingness to provide leadership and talk to his colleagues, Dr. Aly Rahimtoola has become a textbook volunteer and recruiter for Project Access NOW. He recruits fellow cardiologists to join him in providing care to those in need through the Project Access organized network of physician volunteers. Most regional cardiology physician groups are now participating or in the process of signing up thanks to Dr. Rahimtoola’s leadership.
“It really wasn’t that hard,” Dr. Rahimtoola said. “It took some persistence, but these are good docs who are already providing great service to the community. Project Access NOW actually helps by giving us some structure and additional resources.”
“Project Access NOW helps by giving us some structure and additional resources.”
—Aly Rahimtoola, MD
Dr. Rahimtoola’s efforts also led to the first official endorsement of Project Access NOW by a physician association – the Oregon Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (ACC). “Dr. Aly Rahimtoola is one of our superstars,” said Mike Widmer, MD, Governor of the Oregon Chapter of the ACC. “It was Dr. Rahimtoola’s commitment to providing care for the uninsured that led him to share this opportunity with his colleagues.”
Dr. Rahimtoola, thank you for your commitment and dedication to helping the low-income uninsured get the care they need. Today.
(August 2008)
Katherine Morris, MD, Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center
“Project Access allows me to do what I trained to do: Take care of patients. Together we’re helping fellow Oregonians in a caring and efficient manner. Many patients need help today,
and Project Access is providing it.”
—Katherine Morris, MD
Dr. Katherine Morris who practices at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center and volunteers for Project Access of Multnomah County, occasionally provides free health care for those in need. But even when there is a specialist like Dr. Morris willing to provide care, too often the doctor or safety net clinic has to track down and convince other specialists, labs, diagnostic imaging providers and hospitals to give services for free
“Cancer surgery can be very complex,” Dr. Morris explained. It can involve radiology, anesthesiology, nursing, hospital inpatient services, pathology and support staff such as respiratory and occupational therapy. It requires a great deal of coordination. “I can do the charity case, but all the other parts have to be arranged by the hospital. The biggest frustration for physicians and danger for patients are the times when a patient may not have a life-threatening problem, yet can’t afford to get needed treatment.”
By recruiting other specialists to join her as a Project Access volunteer, Dr. Morris is looking forward to fewer frustrations for her and other health care providers as well as better care for those in need in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. “That’s a huge benefit and lifts a huge burden,” Dr. Morris said. “I think it’s a phenomenal program, I am so impressed. “Project Access allows me to do what I trained to do: Take care of patients. Together we’re helping fellow Oregonians in a caring and efficient manner. Many patients need help today,
and Project Access is providing it.”
(March 2008; adapted from a press release by Jerry Rhodes, CareOregon)
Louis Libby, MD, Oregon Clinic
“…Project Access is a small but significant community effort to deal with the health care crisis. It’s the right thing to do.”
—Louis Libby, MD
Dr. Libby, pulmonologist, is one of Project Access NOW’s most active volunteers. The decision to become a volunteer physician was easy for him. “Our health system is broken, and Project Access is a small but significant community effort to deal with the health care crisis. It’s the right thing to do.”
Before enrolling in medical school, Dr. Libby helped run a free clinic in Cleveland, Ohio as a VISTA AmeriCorps volunteer. He planned to be a family physician, but later decided to specialize in pulmonary and critical care medicine. He’s been practicing in Portland for some 23 years, steadfast in his belief that health care should be available to everyone. “I don’t distinguish insured and uninsured patients. We have an obligation to take care of all patients. We care for everyone the same way and deal with money later.”
At the Oregon Clinic, where Dr. Libby practices, 125 specialist physicians are involved in providing care for the uninsured through Project Access NOW, in large part thanks to his recruitment efforts. “Project Access NOW fits with our philosophy at the Clinic,” Dr. Libby said. He’s also recruiting fellow member to participate in Project Access NOW at the Oregon Thoracic Society, the American Lung Association’s medical arm.
So what motivates Dr. Libby to participate? “Frankly, I’m in health care to help people. Everyone deserves basic health care and Project Access is one of the ways that we can all work together to help make sure that happens in our community.”
Thank you, Dr. Libby, for your hard work and dedication to providing the uninsured with the health care they need. Today.
(October 10, 2008)
John Evans, MD, and Oregon Anesthesiology Group
The Oregon Anesthesiology Group was the first large group to sign up to provide charity health care even before Project Access NOW was established. The Group originally worked with Doctors Offering Community Services (DOCS), which is now Project Access Multnomah County located in the Coalition of Community Health Clinics.
The Group signed up 200 physicians to provide anesthesia services for up to 500 surgeries per year across the region. Following the Group’s lead, the OHSU Anesthesiology Group agreed to participate shortly thereafter. Because of the Oregon Anesthesiology Group’s participation and leadership, ninety percent of Project Access anesthesiology needs were met early in the model’s existence.
Dr. Evans has been a supporter of Project Access NOW personally. He has signed up to take Project Access NOW patients and, as Chair of the Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland, one of the founders of Project Access NOW, advocated for the Project Access model. We are grateful for his personal and professional leadership.
(December 12, 2008)
