Congratulations to our very own Mariquita Belen, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine (above, right); Stephanie Zampino, Pharm.D. (’18), assistant professor of pharmacy practice (above left); and nurse Janet Raber, manager of the Student-Run Free Clinic at NEOMED (center) – all winners of Charitable Healthcare Network’s 2022 Free Clinic of the Year awards!
Dr. Belen was named Physician of the Year, Dr. Zampino was selected as Pharmacist of the Year and Janet Raber was honored as Staff of the Year, all for their work at the Student-Run Free Clinic at NEOMED. The three awardees have been invited to attend the Safety-Net Symposium Friday, April 29, in Columbus, Ohio, to be honored in person.
Shared Dedication to the Free Clinic
Every year the Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) selects individuals for these awards who go above and beyond the call for duty and truly exemplify the traits of being a charitable healer. To have even one member of our team at the free clinic win an award is an honor, but to have three of our core faculty members chosen to win is an incredible accolade that speaks to our faculty’s dedication to this enterprise.
The CHN remarked that they valued each of these award winners’ dedication to service to the free clinic. The CHN went on to say, “We know that there is a critical need in Northeast Ohio and are thankful for your unwavering service to those in need. You were nominated by someone who clearly admires and values your commitment to the Student-Run Free Clinic at Northeast Ohio Medical University.”
We are thankful for every student, faculty member and staff member who volunteers or works at the free clinic. Any one of them would have deserved this award, but we are honored that these three core faculty members were selected to be honored. Dr. Zampino is an integral part of our executive team and provides a valuable pharmacy perspective, helping implement a Comprehensive Medication Review Day into our flow. Dr. Belen is key in coordinating our clinic chiefs and providing consistent care to our many patients. Lastly, Janet Raber is a critical member of the team. Her hard work helps us provide free labs, patient education and much more to our patients.
I am honored to work with these individuals every day. Once again, congratulations to all!
--Submitted by Sanjay Jinka (M3)
CEO, Student-Run Free Clinic at NEOMED
Student representative, NEOMED Board of Trustees