Home: Our Impact : Volunteer Stories
John Muir Health Orinda OBGYN & Berkeley Outpatient Center
Volunteers since 2023
“I very much appreciate the opportunity to take care of these patients in need. Each and every patient has been so thankful, and it is very rewarding to see their lives improved after surgery. Thank you for this opportunity!”
— Tiffany Perry, MD
Benjamin Malkin, MD
Head and Neck Surgeon, Kaiser Permanente Oakland
Volunteer since 2017
"Taking care of medically underserved people has been an important part of my career, beginning with my training during medical school and residency. Before joining Kaiser Permanente, I also practiced at a city hospital in Queens, NY, that focused on providing care for un- and underinsured people in the community. I've been lucky and privileged to have access to a comprehensive education and I believe volunteering with Operation Access is a way I can share my expertise to help people who have not had the same opportunities."
Beemen Khalil, MD
General Surgeon, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital
Volunteer since 2018
"As one of the San Francisco Bay Area pioneers in Robotic General Surgery, I feel overjoyed to be able to partner with Operation Access, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and Sequoia Hospital to deliver the most sophisticated and modern surgical care to the underserved and uninsured in our community. This coalition has fostered a sense of community by extending the arm of medicine to those who have the poorest access to it, yet need it the most. The difference is palpable and I can see it in how grateful my patients are. While I deeply miss the heartwarming hugs I used to receive prior to the COVID era, the emotions still run aplenty and I will continue to contribute in any way possible."
Sari Kasper, MD
Gynecologist, John Muir Health, Walnut Creek
Volunteer since 2010
“I have been volunteering in medical settings since high school. I started as a patient transporter in a local hospital, then worked as a patient educator at Planned Parenthood, and later an HIV counselor in San Francisco. It is so rewarding to be able to apply my specialized medical training and surgical skills to help others. Donating a service through Operation Access is seamless and the patients are some of the most motivated and grateful people I encounter in my office.”
Michael Magnotti, MD
Endocrinologist, Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation, Santa Rosa
Volunteer since 2018
“It’s an honor and privilege to be able to help patients who need to see a specialist but don’t have the financial means to do so. I can provide them with care that they would likely otherwise not be able to receive. One of the patients I recently saw was diagnosed with thyroid cancer based upon the biopsy I performed. We were able to get her surgery and iodine ablation to treat the cancer.”
Steve Liou, MD
General Surgeon, Kaiser Permanente, Redwood City
Volunteer since 2011
“The happiness and hopefully improved quality of life of the patients I’ve cared for over the years is the greatest reward.”
Ricardo Charles, CRNA
Kaiser Permanente, Oakland
Volunteer since 1999
“The chance to serve my own neighbors and community is a dream come true. As a volunteer, the joy that I receive from the gratitude and graciousness of the patients is a true lesson in humility.”
Jeffrey Brooks, MD
Vascular Surgeon, California Vein & Wound Center, Napa and Solano
Volunteer since 2019
"I have been volunteering with Operation Access for the past two years. Throughout this time, we have helped multiple uninsured patients who needed medical help but had no ability to pay for the treatment. This partnership has made it possible for these patients to receive surgical treatment for their disease. They are doing great and have returned back to their normal life. I look forward to continuing to work with Operation Access to jointly help people in need."
Benjamin Stahl, MD
General Surgeon, MarinHealth Medical Center
Volunteer since 2017
"Dr. Stahl is a terrific doctor, very nice and highly recommended. I felt confident when he told me he would be performing my surgery."
-Heidi, patient