FROM THE PRESIDENT

Medical volunteers

are the heart and

soul of Operation

Access (OA). Our

dedicated and caring

volunteers have

donated nearly

10,000 services

to low-income,

uninsured patients

over the past 19 years. The charity care provided

by the 1200 doctors, nurses, and other medical

personnel who volunteer with OA is now close

to $100 million.

In our offi ce, there is a framed quote by Pablo

Casals that says, “the capacity to care gives

life its greatest meaning.” There is no

doubt that OA medical volunteers care. By

volunteering, they not only help people in

great need in our community, but also receive

valuable gifts in return. Gifts which may come in

the form of a patient smile, a note of gratitude,

or simply knowing that they are making a

difference in the life of another person.

Sometimes recognizing the capacity to care

unfolds in a more public sphere. We are proud

to share news of recent awards presented to

our founders, and to OA clinical volunteer and

board member Susan Dean. Additionally we are

also profi ling the recipients of our Annual OA

Volunteer Recognition Awards who set a high

bar for commitment to service.

I invite you to read about our Legacy, Spirit,

Unsung Hero, Champion, and All Hands on Deck

Award winners. If you work with, or know any of

these individuals, please join our staff and board

in thanking them.

And, if you are a volunteer, please accept our

profound gratitude for your service. If you are

not yet a volunteer, please consider joining us.

The need is great…as are the rewards.

Winter 2012

OA BOARD MEMBER SUSAN DEAN

HONORED FOR HUMANITARIAN WORK:

NEAR AND FAR

Susan Dean wears many hats: Manager at Kaiser Permanente, MBA

candidate; Faith in Practice international volunteer; Operation Access

medical volunteer and Board Member. Now she has another:

2012 SF Business Times Health Care Hero.

Susan received the Health Care Hero award for Nursing in recognition

of her commitment to serving people in need – at home in San

Francisco and abroad, in Antigua, Guatemala, to which she has

traveled every year for the past six years.

Susan credits her family for cultivating her commitment to

volunteering and attributes her dedication to service to the “amazing

experience (I have) when people let you help them… this work gives

you a different perspective on your every day life; it opens up your

world in so many ways.”

Susan began working as an OR nurse

at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco in

1999 and volunteered for the fi rst surgery

session scheduled after her arrival. She has

participated in virtually every KP SF surgery

session since then - except when she had

class confl icts or was asked to attend as a

board member.

Susan was attending our most recent SF Super Surgery in her board

capacity when a scheduled nurse called in sick. Without hesitation, she

scrubbed for surgery – high heels and all. “She saved the day”, says

Ali Balick, SF Program Manager, “Three, if not four, patients would not

have gotten care if she wasn’t there. She is part of the leadership and

also right in there doing the work.”

Thank you and congratulations to Susan for this well-deserved honor!

OPERATION ACCESS VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORSAlameda Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA)

Brown and Toland PhysiciansCavallo Point Lodge

John Muir/Mt. Diablo Community Health FundKaiser Permanente Marin-Sonoma Service Area

Lagunitas BreweryMarin General Hospital

Marin Medical Society and Sonoma County Medical AssociationMeritage Medical Network (formerly Marin Sonoma IPA)

Novato Community HospitalSt. Joseph Health, Sonoma CountySutter Pacifi c Medical Foundation

Operation Access is blessed to work with over 1285 medical volunteers – 306 of whom have been donprofessionals who exemplify compassion for their neighbors and commitment to their communities.

AWARD LEGACY – Presented to volunteers who display an unparalleled level of enthusiasm for OA’s mission. Flexible and responsive, they consistently strive to improve the program, ensuring OA’s success in the years to come.

SPIRIT – Presented to volunteers who display an exceptional ability to work collaboratively and rise to any occasion. Even amid the most diffi cult of situations, they graciously meet every challenge head on, demonstrating the most honorable and joyous sides of human nature.

ALAMEDA/

CONTRA COSTA

Mark Wadley, ORT

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, FremontOperating Room Technician Mark Wadley has been a dedicated volunteer since 2006. Mark is often the fi rst to arrive at every Saturday surgery session. His enthusiasm is contagious and he energizes every OR he works in. The support Mark provides his colleagues is invaluable and helps the team serve four ophthalmology patients in one OR during each Saturday session. Mark shares, “I volunteer with OA to help [low-income] people who don’t have insurance.”

Eric Mariotti, MD

John Muir HealthDr. Eric Mariotti, a Plastic Surgeon, has been a volunteer since 2010. During the past two years, he and his Physician Assistant, Sarah Kaplan have provided 24 donated services, including skin biopsies and breast cancer excisions. Dr. Mariotti and his team are always willing to take on complex cases. Why does he volunteer? “I have been blessed with a job that I love. Being a doctor [gives back so much to me], that I feel it is my privilege, honor, and duty to give back to our community.”

MARIN/

SONOMA

David Galland, MD

Marin General HospitalDr. Galland, a Gynecologist, has provided his expertise and enthusiasm as a volunteer since 2004. He always takes the time to thoroughly explain the risks and benefi ts of having surgery so that his patients fully understand their options. As a former OA patient, Sindy, once said, “I have always been afraid of hospitals and anything related to them, but Dr. Galland was so kind, patient and careful when explaining the benefi ts of surgery, that I felt confi dent it was the right step to take.“

Gale O’Connor, CRNA

Kaiser Permanent Medical Center, Santa RosaGale O’Connor, a volunteer since 2009, plays a critical role organizing every Saturday surgery session by coordinating the anesthesia schedule, and ensuring there is coverage to run the session. In addition, she is a consistent participant in surgery sessions, providing her warmth and skills to OA patients. Gale, also known by her peers as “The Angel of the OR”, is their inspiration:

“She is the hardest worker and the most stellar anesthetist… and she always makes time in her busy schedule to help.”

SAN FRANCISCO/

SAN MATEO

Karen Kruse, RN

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San FranciscoKaren Kruse, RN has been an active and dependable volunteer since 1995. As an ASU nurse, Karen’s role with the program is vital. She is usually the fi rst to arrive and thanks to her punctuality, surgery sessions consistently start on time. She will not rest to socialize, drink coffee, or grab a bite to eat until all the patients are ready for surgery. Karen encourages colleagues to get involved and steps up to the plate when needed to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Leticia Noveras, RN

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, South San FranciscoLeticia Noveras, RN, has been a PACU volunteer since 2006. She always fi nds the spot where she is most needed – and fi lls it. Be it admitting patients or adjusting her schedule in response to other volunteers, Leticia is ready, willing, and able to fi ll any gap to ensure that surgery sessions run without a hitch. Giving back to the community and helping those is need is very important to Leticia, who has participated in almost every surgery session since day one.

10+ YEARS

Marcia & George ArgyrisS.D. Bechtel, Jr. FoundationMary Burchill & Mark MaxsonPatricia Caplan & Jonathan Simonoff Ruth & Frank CelleJeanjacques De Shadarevian, MD & Mary AlamRachel & O. Howard FrazierDava Freed/Freed & AssociatesGrey Family FoundationRobert Hermann, Jr & Dan JoraanstaadHoward HerskowitzLois & Paul Hofmann, Dr.PHMargaret H. JohnsonKaiser Permanente – Northern CaliforniaLynn & Craig Lubbock, MDSanford Ma & Gloria Fong Ma, MDHenry & Charlotte MartensRamsay Family FoundationJulie Richards & Jeff BosleySan Francisco Foundation

While the services provided to our patients are donated by medical professionals and hospitals, Operation Access provides the infrastructure that keeps this regional specialty care network functioning. As the demand for care has grown, we are fortunate to have had consistent financial support.

The lives of Ruth and Frank Celle were changed by the medical care provided by volunteer and founder Doug Grey. They, in turn, honored Dr. Grey by making an annual donation for ten straight years and leaving a bequest that has strengthened us for an additional ten year period, through the year 2015.

We celebrate the vision of Mr. and Mrs. Celle and express our thanks to all who are committed to OA’s mission.

donating their time and talent for at least 5 years. This year we recognize the following s.

UNSUNG HERO – Presented to volunteers who exhibit an unmatched level of dependability. Although incredibly busy, they are always willing to make room for another patient out of a sincere love for others and a desire to help and heal.

CHAMPION – Presented to volunteers who have effectively encouraged their peers to participate with OA or who have played key roles in implementing the program at their medical center(s). They recognize that it takes a village to bring health and healing.

ALL HANDS ON DECK – Presented to a group that regularly volunteers together as a cohesive team. This team is always eager to join hands and put in the extra hours, purely for the joy of volunteering and helping their neighbors in need.

Faraz Berjis, MD

Alta Bates Medical Center, BerkeleyDr. Faraz Berjis, a Gastroenterologist, has provided valuable services to 32 OA patients since 2006. He is always very respectful of his patients, regardless of insurance status and wishes he could do more for the community. In his own words: “I volunteer with OA because it’s a pleasure to give back [to the community].”

Aaron Baggs, MD

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, RichmondDr. Aaron Baggs has been an enthusiastic volunteer since 2004. Dr. Baggs has served 56 patients, who always feel well taken care of because he is compassionate and, for his Spanish speaking patients, fl uent in their native language. His reason for volunteering: “OA identifi es people who have a problem that is limiting their life and provides me an opportunity to use my knowledge and skills to fi x that problem.”

Anne Delaney, MD

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center San RafaelDr. Delaney, a Plastic & Reconstructive specialist, has been an OA volunteer since 2001, and has provided 51 services. Dr. Delaney’s fl uency in Spanish helps her connect to many of her patients. In addition to local volunteering, Dr. Delaney often volunteers in developing countries, most recently Ethiopia, providing cleft palate and skin graft procedures. Dr. Delaney believes that: “All patients deserve to receive the surgeries that will make their lives better.”

Julie Clark, MD

Petaluma Valley HospitalPetaluma Health CenterDr. Julie Clark, an Ob/Gyn, has volunteered with Dr. Fiona Redwood since 2008. Her work at the Petaluma Health Center allows Dr. Clark to provide both continuity and high quality care for her patients, regardless of their income or insurance status. Dr. Clark characterizes her volunteering as “a team effort…It’s really heartening to be able to take care of people who desperately need surgical intervention and allay their fears about being in debt up to their eyeballs for the rest of their lives.”

Bruce Allen, MD

Mills Health CenterBruce Allen, MD, a dedicated volunteer since 1995, never turns down a case. A general surgeon practicing at Mills Health Center, Dr. Allen has donated 48 surgical procedures to patients in need since his early years of practice at Mount Zion. Dr. Allan became an early OA volunteer because of his profound respect for his mentor and OA Co-Founder, Dr. William Schecter. “[Dr. Schecter] sets a great example and I am very grateful to have an easy way to donate my time.”

Juliet Wong, RN

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San FranciscoJuliet Wong, RN, a key member of the team since 2003, has attended almost every surgery session while balancing full-time work and raising two children. With such a busy work and home life Juliet says that, “OA is the easiest way [for me] to volunteer. I know what I’m doing and it is [a very] convenient way to give back.” In addition to regularly volunteering, Juliet fi nds creative ways to recruit others. Who can say no to baked goods and children with smiling faces?

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center,

Redwood City

Active volunteers since 1998The Kaiser Redwood City team stands out for their strong commitment, positive attitude, and endless enthusiasm. The team is comprised of a core group who consistently works together at surgery sessions with no signs of burnout. It seems that the more they volunteer, the more willing they are to continue volunteering. ASU nurse, Tina Mulready, RN, once suggested that they “should do this at least fi ve times a year” rather than the customary four.

The team works as one, moving from pre-op, to the OR, and to recovery. An atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation pervades every Saturday surgery session, and each member gladly stays late so that extra patients can be served. It is a joy and an inspiration to work with this dedicated team.

William Schecter, MD & Gisela Schecter, MDSutter HealthRobert Thorwald & Juliana KippsBrooks Walker, Jr. FundSteven Webster, MD, FACSElaine Yutan, MD, FACS & Peter Murphy6-9 YEARSBenjamin AuneAutodesk, Inc.Jason Beers & Jane ZimmermanAllan & Susan BernsteinBlue Shield of CaliforniaRalph and Claire BrindisDeborah & David Brooks, MDBrian Callahan & Heidi AdlerPeter & Judy CoyJacqueline DangHenry ElsonJosh Glidden & Mary GregoryDeborah Gold, MD & Michael GoldsteinJanet & William H. Goodson, MD

Reva Gould & Rick LiptonBarbara A. Griffi nHilltop FoundationRobert & Lynne HofmannLynne & Robert Hoffman, MD Seth & Julie JacobsGay T. KaplanJinwoo Kim & Gina VartanianTalmadge King, MDLane & Kevin KressJack & Adrienne LaddLakeside FoundationStanley S. Langendorf FoundationCynthia & Harlon LeeMary & Arnold Levine, MDCarolee & Robert C. Lim, MD Mary Anne McGuire-HickeyMcKesson FoundationKathleen & Hideyo Minagi, MD Katharine H. MooreMarybeth Mulcahy, MD &

Thomas G. Martin, III

Myra NathanJose & Maria OlmosVicki OppenheimRGK FoundationMichael & Jeanne Rhee-DechiarioRalph Roan, MDJoseph Romson, MD, Ph.DRichard RubinsteinThomas R. Russell, MD, FACS &

Nona C. Russell, MDKing & Bruce Sams, MDGeorge Sandy FoundationMitch Savitsky, MD & Cheryl SmithNick & Karen SchmitSher-Right FundWilliam Strull, MDGeorgia WestdahlTerry & Doug YoungKay Yatabe, MDJinwoo Kim & Gina Vartanian

5 YEARSLynn & Jason BaskettCisco Systems FoundationDonald O & Ronald R Collins FundSusan & John DeanGenentech BiotechnologyWayne Gilbert & Diane Sklar, MDShirley JaegerJohn Muir/Mt. Diablo Community

Health FundMarin Community FoundationTina MilinovichJohn Ngai, MDGeorge Pugh, MD & Mara McGrathDavid & Stefani ShanbergLucy Song, MDDonato StinghenWells Fargo FoundationRupsa & Laurence F. Yee, MD, FACS

115 Sansome St., Suite 1205, San Francisco, CA 94104115 Sansome St., Suite 1205, San Francisco, CA 94104

OPERATION ACCESS FOUNDERS, WILLIAM SCHECTER, MD, DOUG GREY,

MD, AND PAUL HOFMANN, DR.PH, RECEIVE THE REGIONAL BAY AREA

SCHWEITZER LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF) perpetuates the legacy and philosophy of physician-humanitarian Dr.

Albert Schweitzer by developing leadership training programs that prepare medical professionals to improve the

lives of vulnerable people with and in local communities, health and human service systems, and the world.

The Schweitzer Leadership Awards, launched in January, 2012, honor individuals in local U.S. Program sites

“whose life examples have signifi cantly mitigated the social determinants of health in their communities

and whose commitments to service have infl uenced and inspired others.” As recipients of the fi rst Bay Area

Leadership award, Drs. Grey, Hofmann, and Schecter were recognized for their compassion and vision as OA

founders and as role models for current Fellows preparing for careers grounded in service.

Inspired by their vision, clinicians throughout the Bay Area have restored dignity and hope to thousands of

people who otherwise might have to resign themselves to coping with pain and/or physical limitation, only

dreaming about what their lives could be like if their health problems were resolved.

For nearly 20 years, OA volunteers have provided 10,000 services to people in need. Together, we have enabled

patients without insurance and fi nancial resources to secure or return to work, often in physically demanding

jobs; to care for their families; and to live without pain or physical limitation. In selecting our founders for this

award, the ASF review committee confi rmed that the principles which inspired the creation of OA echo the

principles embodied in the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship.

We are fortunate that today over 1200 medical professionals have chosen to follow in the footsteps of our

founders and are working with OA to achieve health care equity for people facing barriers to care.

Dear friends, colleagues, and community partners...

We thank you for your support and extend our

BEST WISHES FOR A

JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON

AND A HAPPY AND

HEALTHY NEW YEAR.

“I’ve always believed that we in healthcare are blessed with skills that are so universally valued and so easy to give away. I’m impressed by the enthusiasm with which volunteers give up their free time to do what they do best, expecting nothing in return.”

Andrew Moyce, MD, retired

Photo: Bill Horton