Today we’d like to introduce you to Carole Fortenberry.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The Physicians’ Care Clinic (PCC) was founded in 1992 by a group of physician leaders as a community outreach initiative of the DeKalb Medical Society. It operates under a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization designation. The Clinic is provided oversight by a Board of Directors consisting of volunteer physicians and community leaders. Patient care is provided to DeKalb adults who are low-income, have no type of health insurance and are in the 150th percentile of poverty as designated by the federal government.
The PCC is unusual among charitable clinics in that it offers comprehensive care, including access to primary and specialty care physicians, diagnostic testing, pharmaceuticals, health education, management and health maintenance supplies. This is accomplished through the efforts of over 200 active volunteer physicians, nurses, pharmacists, students and other health care professionals who unselfishly give their time two evenings weekly at the clinic.
The clinic is strategically located in Decatur. Operating expenses are covered by the generosity of donors, including individuals, foundations and businesses. The PCC receives over $1 million of in-kind contributions annually from DeKalb Medical, DeKalb physicians practices and local business groups.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not always been a smooth road!
The clinic has struggled over the years in many areas:
A. Name recognition – we have always been a well-kept secret in DeKalb County. For many years the PCC did not advertise, so patient referral came through word of mouth and physician or hospital referral. Since implementation of our website, joining social media (Facebook) and advertising in the Neighbor newspapers, this has changed dramatically. We provide a medical home for over 1000 DeKalb individuals and accept new patients daily. A patient application can be found at our website: www.physicianscareclinic.org.
B. Financial viability – as a small charitable clinic, the PCC has often struggled financially. We heavily depend on individual donors and foundation grants for our funding. We are blessed to have a dedicated fund raised years ago by the DeKalb Medical Foundation that annually provides approximately 35% of our annual operating budget.
C. Volunteers – we always need volunteers – they are the heart and soul of the Clinic and we could not provide the services we offer without them! Our volunteers provide more than 3,500 volunteer hours annually. Volunteer positions are available for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, front desk personnel, pharmacy students, medical & nursing students, office volunteers, educators and so much more! If you would like to volunteer please contact us @ 404-501-7940 or by email to physcareclinic@gmail.com. The volunteer application can be found at our website: www.physicianscareclinic.org.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Physicians’ Care Clinic is the oldest and largest volunteer-led primary care clinic in DeKalb County. We provide comprehensive, non-emergent primary care to DeKalb County adult residents after qualifying through an application process.
I believe what sets us apart from other charitable clinics is our dedication to improving the lives of our patient population, not only through chronic disease management, but also through constant and consistent patient education. A large percentage of our patients suffer from chronic disease (hypertension, diabetes, etc) that requires on-going primary care and management. As patients better understand the impact of their disease process and have the resources necessary to manage their own health, we see improved health outcomes and a return to an active, productive lifestyle.
In 2017, the Physicians’ Care Clinic is celebrating its 25th Anniversary and more than 50,000 patient encounters since it was founded in 1992.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in DeKalb County and always had a love of science. I was encouraged to study nursing and love being able to positively impact the lives of others.
Contact Info:
- Address: Physicians’ Care Clinic, Inc.
Administrative Office
2675 N. Decatur Road
Suite 406
Decatur, GA 30033 - Website: www.physicianscareclinic.org
- Phone: 404-501-7940 or 404-501-7960
- Email: physcareclinic@gmail.com
- Instagram: Physicians’ Care Clinic. Inc.
- Facebook: Physicians’ Care Clinic. Inc.
- Twitter: Physicians’ Care Clinic. Inc.
- Yelp: Physicians’ Care Clinic. Inc.
- Other: Physicians’ Care Clinic. Inc.
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