Board member profile: Rob Delf

Rob Delf has been involved with healthcare issues his entire professional life. One of his projects as the director of the Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland was Doctors Offering Community Service (DOCS), a partnership with the Coalition of Community Health Clinics in Multnomah County, which matched patients with volunteer physicians and other health care providers. DOCS later became an integral part of the regional effort that morphed into Project Access NOW.

To Rob, the idea of Project Access NOW is consistent with the Medical Society’s mission: “Physicians creating the best environment in which to care for patients.” And that includes access. Rob should know – he’s been with the Medical Society for 27 years.

Rob sees Project Access as “the best collaborative effort I know. It reflects the commitment and compassion of those involved.” The regional approach that Project Access NOW embodies “made all the difference in the world in creating access to healthcare for those who wouldn’t otherwise have any.”

Rob enjoys his work on the Project Access NOW board of directors. “All board members believe in what they’re doing – helping others get the care they need. We’re maintaining that focus. Every board member exemplifies care, compassion, skill and experience. It’s the best bunch of people I know.”

Rob chairs the bylaws and policy committee. “The only legal experience I have,” Rob said, “is from Oyez.org – during my lunch hour I listen to the podcasts of U.S. Supreme Court proceedings.”

For all the talk of lifetime experience in changing the face of healthcare, Rob keeps some things the same. “I still play in a rock band – Refluxx. I believe that getting old is inevitable, and growing up is an option.”