As we come to the close of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we can't help but think it should be renamed National Volunteer Appreciation 365 Days a Year! Though that is a mouthful to say!
Our volunteers give selflessly of their time and talents year-round. Dr. Schmitt is just one of the more than 600 active volunteers at CrossOver Healthcare Ministry.
Dr. Schmitt began volunteering at CrossOver in 2018 after retiring. Not only is Dr. Schmitt a primary care doctor, he is also board certified in several other areas, one of which is endocrinology which is an incredible gift to CrossOver's patients who live with diabetes. From his first day at CrossOver he has mentioned and reiterated that he would be available to come in and cover shifts at any time, we just needed to call him.
Well, we needed to call him. Last month with our Medical Director unexpectedly out for a week with the flu, and patients needing to be seen, Henrico Clinic Manager Teresa Gonzalez called Dr. Schmitt to cover a shift. He was happy to do so. He came in with a smile, attended to patients, and truly helped the clinic flow continue in the absence of Dr. Murchie. But the real Dr. Schmitt moment came on Friday morning of that week when the realization was made that because of Dr. Murchie’s absence there was no MD present for the new resident starting that day at the Richmond Clinic. At 8:15 AM Teresa again called Dr. Schmitt, explained the situation, and he responded, “I need to shave and I’ll be there!” He got there, supervised the resident, and as always he provided compassionate care to our patients.
We are so grateful to Dr. Schmitt for his knowledge, his willingness to serve our patients, and for his enthusiasm to jump right in! Thank you to Dr. Schmitt and to all of our volunteers for making our work of providing quality healthcare to our neighbors in need possible.
