A Simple "Yes" is all it Takes to make a Medical Miracle Happen
We’ve all heard stories about someone who was miraculously cured from an otherwise untreatable condition. The events that defy medical reason usually grab headlines. But what about the people who have a hand in making medical miracles happen, people like Dr. Timothy Cleland, a San Antonio ophthalmologist?
Dr. Cleland worked a miracle for Sandra, a 25-year-old woman who, like 25 percent of Bexar County residents, are uninsured or are low-income. She put off seeking treatment for a problem she had been having with her eyes. Sandra sought treatment at a charitable medical clinic hoping a doctor there could diagnose the problem, but she could not have imagined what would transpire from that visit. It turns out that Sandra had uncontrolled diabetes that was causing damage to her eyes, resulting in vision loss. Sandra’s needs went beyond what could be offered to her at the clinic; she needed a specialist.
So what did Dr. Cleland do to work a miracle for Sandra? He treated her even though she was uninsured and he disregarded her ability to pay for the service(s) performed. Thanks to his compassionate decision to help her, and after laser treatment, Sandra’s eyesight has improved. Without Dr. Cleland’s intervention, Sandra’s condition would have caused her to go blind.
Sandra’s story is not unlike many others – thanks to decisions by many local doctors who say ‘yes’ when asked to help. Since 1996, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas (MHM) has strived to provide charitable primary healthcare and dental services to the least served in South Texas. However, with the rising cost of healthcare and the ever-growing rate of uninsured, the need for services such as those offered at the primary care clinics MHM owns and operates is on the rise, as is the growing need for specialty care.
That’s why MHM would like to thank the physicians who have partnered with us to provide specialty care to the underserved in our community. MHM has been privileged to work with local physicians who are delivering world-class services at deeply discounted rates or pro-bono – regardless of the patients’ ability to repay.
These doctors’ compassionate decision(s) to say yes when asked to help have made life-altering impacts in the lives of countless families. Just ask Joey’s mom, who sought treatment for Joey at an MHM facility after Joey had complained of deafness in his right ear. After one call from MHM to Dr. Roderick Moe, a San Antonio pediatric otolaryngologist, Joey’s mom learned that her son would need surgery to reverse the hearing loss and prevent total deafness. With some help from the Methodist Healthcare System and Dr. Moe’s continued flexibility – because he agreed to see Joey pro-bono – Joey has had surgery and is expected to have full hearing again.
MHM and its board of directors are grateful beyond what words can express for the outstanding healthcare services these physicians have provided. We offer our thanks for their compassionate decision to help us achieve our mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God.” In these difficult times, their continued support is appreciated and needed.
One only needs to meet Sandra and Joey, as evidence of the impact this partnership can have in someone’s life. To learn more about MHM’s charity care program, please feel free to call (210) 546-0998.
