Arlington Free Clinic Community Advisor and volunteer physician, Dr. N. Thomas Connally, was named the 2013 recipient of the Ralph O. Claypoole Sr. Memorial Award from the American College of Physicians. After a competitive selection process, he joins over 30 physicians who have been awarded the Ralph O. Claypoole Award since its establishment in 1979 for devotion to a career in internal medicine and to the care of patients.
In addition, grateful patients and colleagues of Dr. Connally supported and created The N. Thomas Connally Professorship in Clinical Excellence at the University of Virginia for his compassionate care and dedication to patient needs. The professorship will promote outstanding care, link primary care physicians and specialists, and bridge gaps between research, teaching, and patient care.
Both awards recognize Dr. Connally’s exceptional commitment to internal medicine and patients. A glimpse into his career confirms this steadfastness: After practicing medicine for more than 30 years in Northern Virginia, Dr. Connally began to volunteer at Arlington Free Clinic in 2000. He started by seeing patients several times a month, and because of his expertise and interest in quality measurement, he joined the Clinical Services Committee. In 2005 he was elected to the Board of Directors, stepping into the role of Medical Director for a term-limited tenure of six years.
Dr. Connally is currently a Community Advisor, and continues to serve on the Clinical Services Committee and provide direct medical care to the Clinic’s patients as a volunteer physician. On behalf of the staff, volunteers, and especially the patients of Arlington Free Clinic, we are truly grateful to have Dr. Connally as part of our team.
