Gus Petticolas, DDS

I volunteer at the Free Clinics because of the suffering of the unseen folks in pain. I knew I could help those people. I realized that I could come here and take my time and treat these folks in pain and they can go out and have better lives. I feel better about myself because of that. My daily practice is really a utility, but the purest form of practice I do is right here at the Free Clinic. 

Working here has allowed me to express my love for people in need, and that has given me untold joy. To be able to be part of something that has slowly changed the culture of my profession is wonderful. Over the years, we've been able to bring in other medical professionals to volunteer their time and talents and skill as well. Once we get someone down here and they see a patient, and they see the need that can't be met any other way unless they step up, that usually convinces them.  The connection is made.  You don't have to write a letter and ask them to come back.  They come in, they see the need, they experience the purest form of practice, they come back again and again to help these folks who so desperately need it.  They realize how empowered and endowed they are with the gift of healing.  They experience the patient's gratitude. That is a joy that extends way beyond any monetary payback. This is practicing medicine in its purest form.

Gloria Just, PhD.,  R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.
Nurse Practitioner, Bedford Christian Free Clinic, Bedford

Nurse Practitioners enable free clinic medical sessions to remain possible when physicians aren't readily available to volunteer. Those free clinics who have willing Nurse Practitioners to faithfully volunteer are truly blessed! Gloria Just of Moneta, VA, is but one shining example.

Nurse Practitioner Just volunteers at the Bedford Christian Free Clinic and has often done so twice per week for a number of years, now. Her impact in Bedford has impressed free clinic patients and her  volunteer colleagues alike.  "I like Mrs. Just because she seems to care about my well being and she has taken the time to explain my diabetes and that I have certain responsibilities myself to improve my health-- beyond my just taking the insulin" recounted one patient recently." One evening, Mrs. Just called me at home just to see if I was having any difficulties taking my medicine.  --It meant a lot to me to hear from her personally like that."

 Mrs. Just often proves herself to be an advocate for patients in other ways, too. She works with other volunteer staff, including the patient referral specialist, who coordinates outside specialty care options for patients.  Mrs. Just works hard in concert with volunteer physicians in determining the best course of treatment for clinic patients who can present with quite alarming health concerns. She personally has helped guide several patients through particularly serious health matters, including cancer.

The free clinic in Bedford is fortunate to have Gloria Just and volunteers like her. She's a shining example of truly exceptional volunteerism which revolves around her passion for helping others find their way back to better health. "Finding avenues for the clinic to help educate our patients is extremely important to me," she noted. "I find volunteering to be especially rewarding  whenever I can help guide our patients towards a better understanding of their health care. I also enjoy the camaraderie among other volunteers as we all work and interact together in the free clinic setting. I always meet the nicest people at the clinic!"