Pat McDermott – Page 4 – Arlington Free Clinic

“Danny’s” journey (read the full story here) shows how Arlington Free Clinic’s volunteer orthopedic specialists came together to evaluate one patient’s unique needs and provide the tools necessary to reignite possibilities he believed were lost after his accident.

AFC’s impact extends beyond individual cases such as “Danny’s” thanks to the support of an extensive pro bono network that encompasses a spectrum of orthopedic and related services. From initial assessments and surgeries to post-operative care and physical therapy, AFC ensures a holistic approach to rehabilitation.

A significant portion of our patients are employed in physically demanding industries such as construction, landscaping, and caregiving. As a result, they often present at AFC with acute work related injuries such as fractures and sprains, or conditions stemming from chronic overuse like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Despite the crucial nature of their jobs, these individuals are among the least equipped with protections against workplace injuries or support when incidents occur.

The generous network of specialists and practices to the right enables us to bridge this gap effectively, while also managing a range of orthopedic needs related to normal aging or sequelae of chronic disease. From orthopedic cancer treatment and care for osteoarthritis to knee replacements and rehabilitation, together with our partners, we are offering AFC patients the healthcare necessary to overcome their challenges and thrive.

CLINICIAN PARTNERS
Gordon Avery, MD – Orthopedic Surgeon
Anthony Avery, MD – Knee & Shoulder Surgeon/Sports Medicine
Daniel Cuttica, DO – Foot & Ankle Surgeon
John Hattingh, CP, CPO(SA), LPO, MSc – Prosthetist
Irene Hruskoci, PT – Physical Therapist
William Petersen, MD – Hip & Knee Surgeon
David Romness, MD – Joint Replacement Surgeon
Cassie Root, MD – Elbow, Forearm, Wrist & Hand Surgeon
Kevin Sumida, MD – Knee & Shoulder Surgeon
Felasfa Wodajo, MD – Orthopedic Surgeon

PRACTICE PARTNERS
Body Dynamics, Inc.
Nirschl Orthopaedic Center
OrthoVirginia
VHC Health:
• Epic Leaders & IS PACS Administrator
• Outpatient Orthopedic Clinic
• Outpatient Rehabilitation
• Radiology

The initial spark for Arlington Free Clinic came in 1993 when, at the urging of Dr. Archie McPherson – the new Arlington County Medical Society (ACMS) president – Dr. Joseph Backer took charge of the sub-committee focused on helping community members without insurance who needed healthcare.

Up until that point, the ACMS had kept a list of local doctors who agreed to see patients free of charge, but what they could offer – just a single visit – was quite limited, and without access to lab work or necessary follow-up care, patients would soon be on their own again.

Drawing inspiration from the small handful of free clinics that were beginning to crop up across the state, Dr. Backer and his steering committee secured free after-hours use of the hallways and nurses office of Thomas Jefferson Middle School – the Clinic’s home for its first four years; hired an Executive Director – who agreed to serve in a volunteer capacity until funds for her salary could be raised; and won a promise of free labs and diagnostics from Arlington Hospital (now VHC Health) – whose partnership and pro bono support would grow year over year for the next three decades.

In those early days of makeshift space and a reliance on pharmaceutical company samples for medications, resources were scarce. But fueled by the sheer determination of its volunteers, AFC expanded in scope and impact. In response to increasing patient numbers and needs, what began as a modest endeavor focused on primary care soon grew into a comprehensive healthcare home. Showcasing the Clinic’s adaptability and willingness to embrace new opportunities, services like specialty medicine, optometry, physical therapy, and mental healthcare were added – all thanks to volunteers.

AFC’s 30-year journey underscores the power of volunteers and the profound impact that a dedicated group of individuals can have on their community. As we celebrate the milestones achieved and the lives touched, we look to the future with the same spirit of resilience and compassion that has guided us to this point.

In August 2018, “Danny’s” life took an unexpected turn when a motorcycle accident resulted in the loss of his leg above the knee at the young age of 20. Despite facing such a daunting challenge, Danny’s resilience and determination have been nothing short of remarkable.

The Shirlington Employment and Education Center (SEEC), a local organization that helps day laborers find employment, had been attempting to assist Danny in repairing his prosthetic leg – which had become ill-fitting and painful to the point that he had given up on wearing it in favor of crutches. Unable to find an affordable prosthetic clinic, SEEC referred Danny to AFC where he was seen promptly by Dr. Felasfa Wodajo, a volunteer orthopedic oncologist/surgeon. Dr. Wodajo quickly joined Danny’s care team to assess what would be involved in fixing the existing prosthesis, but ultimately referred Danny to his colleague John Hattingh, a skilled prosthetist, who provided him with a brand-new prosthetic leg.

During a follow-up appointment to assess Danny’s adjustment to his new prosthesis, Hattingh surprised Danny by offering him a custom-made running blade, a curved-shaped prosthetic limb made of carbon fiber used by amputee runners. This gesture left Danny speechless: he had shared during a prior appointment that he used to be a runner, and Hattingh’s gift inspired him to sign up and begin training for his first marathon scheduled for the fall in DC.

But Danny’s journey didn’t end with acquiring his new prostheses. Recognizing the importance of mobility in Danny’s life, AFC’s staff team, including our Community Resource Navigator Emely Marchena and Family Nurse Practitioner Terry McManus, began assisting him in obtaining a driver’s license. Through their efforts and connections with the Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence (DRCE), an organization Terry is himself familiar with as a person living with paraplegia, Danny received a generous discount on the necessary evaluation and training to safely operate a vehicle – he passed his DMV road test in April.

Within just a couple of weeks of trading in his crutches for a new prosthetic leg, Danny secured a job in a local restaurant. Previously, every opportunity seemed to vanish when employers tried to envision him working on crutches. With his newfound independence, Danny is not only able to work but also live a life of freedom and empowerment.

Story from our 2024 Spring Newsletter. Read more about AFC’s commitment to ethical storytelling here.

We’re excited to introduce our new President and CEO, Lesley Daigle!

Lesley is both a nurse and a lawyer by training, as well as a long-time Arlingtonian. She has spent the last decade at Virginia Hospital Center, where she managed compliance, focusing on the health and safety of patient care. Lesley has served in multiple roles at VHC with significant leadership responsibilities, including at the Outpatient Clinic, which serves patients very much like ours.

Join us in welcoming Lesley to the AFC Family!