Project Access

In spite of the recent closure of Project Access Dallas, the Dallas County Medical Society remains committed to advocating for the indigent and bringing together our physician members with other organizations that wish to collaborate to serve this community. There is much work that needs to be done, and the role of physicians will remain critical to almost any effort. The physician leadership of DCMS remain committed in exploring new community service opportunities for physicians in an organized and impactful way.

PROJECT ACCESS DALLAS UPDATE
from Jim Walton, DO, MBA, PAD Medical Director
March 2013

Transition Summary:

The time has come for Project Access Dallas to close its doors. The PAD staff has been working tirelessly to transition all PAD patients, and connect each with a primary care medical home for ongoing care. Additionally, PAD staff has addressed:

Outstanding specialty care referrals
- There are 79 pending specialty physician care referrals. Of these, 68 have been sent to our community charity clinic partners to facilitate their referral to Parkland, UTSW or a local hospital with which they are affiliated. PAD staff will coordinate the remaining 11 with Parkland.
- No new referrals have been accepted since Jan. 31, 2013.
Brand pharmaceutical access
- PAD and CHN staffs are working with patients to complete Pharmacy Assistance Program applications.
- PAD staff has received 188 brand-name medication requests; 43 are still in process.
Community Health Navigation access
- CHN staff has assisted 357 patients.
- Until March 31, 2013, PAD’s Care Navigation team continues to be available to your patients, assisting with:
  - Transportation and translation needs
  - Prescription Assistance Program application
PAD patients needing a medical home
Each of the following clinics graciously has agreed to take on more patients from PAD.

Thanks and Goodbye:
From Cheryl Prelow, PAD vice president, and Jim Walton, DO, PAD medical director

Since Dec. 5, 2013, the PAD management team and staff have worked tirelessly to close Project Access Dallas with care and diligence. It has been an honor and a pleasure to watch our team rally to finish the great work that PAD represents.

From the beginning of the transition process, our physician volunteers and charitable clinic partners have helped us navigate this uncharted territory. For continuing to see your patients and allowing some to call you their “medical home,” we say, “THANK YOU!” For offering kind words about what the program has meant to you, and the sending encouraging e-mails to the PAD leadership and staff, we are much appreciative.

To our patients, it has been a pleasure getting to serve you. It has been an honor to be part of your healthcare support, and we trust that PAD brought you hope in the midst of your healthcare needs. “THANK YOU!” for giving ALL of us a sense of purpose for our work every day.

To our PAD and DCMS family, “THANK YOU!” for the hard work you have invested into making sure the loose ends are tied up and every patient is taken care of as best you can. It is because of your diligence and hard work that we will conclude PAD operation at the end of the month with confidence that our patients received the respect and care they so richly deserve.

2013 Physician of the Year Honorees:

Allen Schneider, DO: Primary Care Physician Volunteer of the Year (photo on left)
Allen Schneider, DO, an internist who practices with Methodist Hospital of Dallas, is the longest serving volunteer for Project Access Dallas, making it even more fitting he received this year’s Physician Volunteer of the Year award. Dr. Schneider started volunteering on Jan. 29, 2002, and has served more than 40 PAD patients.

Dr. Schneider studied undergrad at the University of Iowa, and attended Des Moines University for Medical School. He completed his internship and residency at Methodist Hospital of Dallas in Internal Medicine. Having been a DCMS member since 1987, Dr. Schneider has served on the Board of Censors. He has also volunteered at Medical Missions Day through DCMS, and has served on the DCMS Community Service Committee.
He and wife, Elaine, a Fort Worth native, have been married for 41 years. In his spare time, Dr. Schneider enjoys jogging, biking, snowboarding, snow shoeing, hiking, and reading. They have two sons. Jeff is an ordained minister with the Presbyterian Church of America in Chicago. He and his wife are expecting a daughter this year. Jonathan is a gastroenterologist in Nashville. He and his wife have two girls, ages 5 and 2.

Dennis Newton, MD: Specialty Care Physician Volunteer of the Year (photo on right)
Dennis Newton, MD, is a dermatologist and practices at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He completed his undergraduate education at Texas A&M University and attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He is a member of the Denton County Medical Society. He has volunteered for Project Access Dallas since June 2002 and has treated more than 100 PAD patients.
He spends most of his volunteer time at MetroCrest Family Medical Clinic, and spends one evening a month volunteering at North Dallas Shared Ministries. He has participated in a handful of medical mission trips.

He and his wife of 45 years, Pam, have three children --two daughters and a son. The couple recently celebrated the birth of their first grandchild, a girl. In his spare time, Dr. Newton enjoys reading, traveling, playing golf, and spending time with family.