HONOR DUTY RESPECT - The Citadel

“It’s not the American wayto admit you can’t keepup with the Joneses,” shesaid. “But after I visitedthe clinic, I learned whata remarkable place it was.I’ve been treated betterat the Barrier IslandsClinic than I was at mostdoctors’ offices when I hadinsurance. I’ve been treatedwith dignity, respect andcompassion.”In April 2008, the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic (BIFMC)opened its doors on Johns Island. Founded by Drs. Arthur Boothand Charlie Davis of Kiawah and Johns Islands, respectively, theclinic adopted a simple mission—to provide a free medical homeand continuing primary healthcare to uninsured adults living orworking below 200 percent of the poverty level on Johns Islandas well as Wadmalaw and James Islands. Two months after itsopening, Dr. Jim Spann, ’58, who served as chief of cardiologyat Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia for 15 yearsand at the Medical University of South Carolina for 10 years,accepted the role of executive medical director. In 2009, at Spann’srequest, Charleston native Dr. Jim Hayes, ’60, was recruited as avolunteer physician and now serves as chairman of the board.For people like 60-year-old Michelle Fitzpatrick, a former medicalsales representative from James Island, the clinic has been theanswer to a prayer. When Fitzpatrick lost her job in late 2008because of cutbacks, she found herself without insurance.31