Over the course of Arlington Free Clinic’s 30-year history, the strength of its enduring success can be attributed to the support — each step of the way — from its incredible clinical partners. Northern Virginia Radiology Consultants (NVRC) has been one of those partners from the very beginning. With the partnership beginning under the leadership of Russell E. McWey, M.D., NVRC (based at VHC Health), has provided the highest quality diagnostic and interventional radiology services at no cost to AFC patients.
The core services provided through the partnership include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, mammography, and other specialized radiology-related diagnostic studies. Each service offered by NVRC doctors to AFC patients is delivered from a foundation of trust and respect that has been built over three decades.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. McWey noted, “We don’t separate one patient from the other. So, whether they come from AFC or somewhere else, we take care of everybody. The care is the same. Everybody needs care and that’s what we’re here for.”
Dr. McWey joined VHC in 1987 and now serves as Chief of Medical Imaging and Director of Interventional Radiology. He has served nearly 20 years on VHC’s Board, and in 2020 was named chair. While serving as VHC’s Chief Information Officer, Dr. McWey also played a critical role in connecting the Clinic to NVRC and VHC through the Epic electronic health records system. This integration moved AFC forward substantially and vastly improved the communication of patient information between partners. Outside providers no longer have to wait for patient records to be shared and in urgent situations everyone has background information needed at their fingertips.
“I think it’s been a really cooperative effort to serve this community, and … people really appreciate what AFC has done, not just because of its altruism, but because it provides a good service in care that people wouldn’t get otherwise,” Dr. McWey said. AFC’s sustained ability to care for those in greatest need — as effectively and for as long as it has — would not be possible without committed partners like NVRC.