SMCMA Physician

Helping The Most Vulnerable Members of Our Community

While examining the state of health care disparities, Silicon Valley is a prime example of the dichotomy between those who have access to healthcare and those who do not.   Though San Mateo County (SMC) boasts median income that is third highest in the state, it is difficult to believe that while 25% of the homeless population is in California, the Bay Area is home to one of the most significant numbers of the homeless populations in the Country.   In 2017, a Stanford Healthcare community needs assessment identified various health care needs in SMC, which included several chronic diseases and healthcare access and delivery.   When the most underserved members of our society including the aging homeless population with untreated chronic and acute illness, the working poor, children and seniors are in need of medical care, the Emergency Room serves as their safety net.  They cannot afford to pay for health insurance or the out of pocket co-pays.

There are numerous humanitarian efforts to help our most vulnerable members of society and the health care professionals are doing their part in caring for people in need.  In particular, RotaCare Bay Area stands out as RotaCare provides ten free medical clinics in the Bay Area for those who are unable to pay for or access primary and urgent care services.  Ms. Jatinderpal Sahi, CEO of RotaCare Bay Area, shares information about RotaCare’s services in the article on the previous page.  As Primary Care or Specialty physicians and health care providers, we are poised to be able to do so much more.  Proactively, and collectively, when we support free clinics by volunteering, donating our time or money, we know we are making a difference in the lives of those who are in greatest need.

Dr. Gurpreet Padam is a member of the SMCMA Editorial Board and a Family Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine physician in San Mateo County.