During this season of giving, we are reminded of what’s really important in life—the acts of kindness that reflect the true nature of the human spirit. Urology Partners of North Texas (UPNT) is honored to be part of a remarkable organization that demonstrates that goodwill throughout the year, Project Access Tarrant County (PATC).
Founded by the Tarrant County Medical Society’s board of advisors in 2011, Project Access provides much-needed healthcare to the county’s uninsured and working poor. Throughout the year, a network of compassionate volunteer physicians, care providers, lab facilities and organizations step up to ensure individuals in need receive the surgical and specialty care they have no means of receiving otherwise. To date, the volunteers have provided $14.5 million in donated healthcare services to more than 1,700 patients.
“It is very rewarding,” says Trey Moore, MD, a partner and founding member of UPNT. “So many patients come to the hospital with serious health problems and no way to manage them after their discharge. Collaborating with Project Access gives us a resource for treating these issues and providing patients with a long-term solution that prevents repeat ER visits. Everyone at UPNT truly enjoys our involvement. I think we all feel that it’s a meaningful program that has given us far more than we have given.”
“PATC is a perfect example of what putting patients first is all about, and that is our number one priority at UPNT,” adds partner and founding member Jeffrey Applewhite, MD. “Working with the organization is extremely gratifying both personally and professionally. Many of the patients I’ve cared for suffer from kidney stone disease. Without previous access to proper medical care, their condition became quite complicated. Due to delays in treatment, they often require advanced surgical procedures that greatly affect their lives. Without the resources of PATC, these procedures would not be possible.”
Thousands of happy transformations have taken place through the grace and compassion of Project Access.
“I would like to thank everyone at Project Access,” writes one patient. “I have a new lease on life now. Without Project Access and the doctors involved I would have been limited for possibly the rest of my life. Thank you everyone!!!”
Another patient echoes the life-changing impact of her experience. “Project Access gave me the opportunity to have good health, mental peace and a future with my family,” she writes.
As much as Project Access changes patients’ lives, it is a transformative experience for physicians, too.
“There is no better feeling than seeing these very happy and gracious patients be able to return to their life and work,” says Dr. Moore.
Dr. Applewhite agrees: “Some of the most appreciative and memorable patients of my career are individuals I’ve cared for with the help of PATC.”
Dr. Moore and Dr. Applewhite are among a group of physicians slated to receive the Project Access Physician Spotlight Award in January—an honor that is especially meaningful because recipients are nominated by Project Access patients.
Dr. Moore admits it’s humbling. “We are lucky to have such giving people in our community,” he says. “Everyone at Urology Partners truly appreciates PATC and all the other physicians and groups that contribute to caring for members of our community who are in need.”
You can learn more about PATC here.
