The Community Health Center of Burlington (CHCB) is pleased to announce that staff physician Dr. John Brooklyn was honored as the 2009 Vermont Family Physician of the Year by the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians.
“John has had a career notable for a deep commitment to caring for individuals with complex medical and mental health issues,” says nominator Dr. Rachel Inker. “As a dedicated family practice physician at the CHCB for the last 15 years, he serves as not only a caring doctor, a resource and enthusiastic teacher for medical residents and students, but also as an educator and leader for his colleagues.”
With only a few addiction medicine specialists in the state, Dr. Brooklyn’s work bringing methadone treatment to rural Vermonters, assistance establishing a methadone maintenance program for pregnant women and service as the medical director of the Chittenden Center has been recognized as a lasting and immeasurable contribution to the state and Vermonters struggling with addiction.
The Vermont Family Physician of the Year is awarded to family physicians who provide patients with compassionate, comprehensive and caring family medicine; is directly and effectively involved in community affairs and activities that enhance the quality of his/her community; provides a credible role model professionally and personally to his/her community, other health professionals, residents and medical students; can effectively represent the specialty of family medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in public speaking; is in good standing in his/her medical community; and is a member of the AAFP. The mission of the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians is to promote excellence of the health care provided to all the people of Vermont.
For 38 years, The Community Health Center of Burlington has increased access to high quality health care for Vermonters, regardless of their ability to pay. Our unique programs include: medical visits starting at $6.00 for the uninsured or 13% of the total cost for dental visits, free and low cost prescription programs; social work support; and interpreter services for non-English speaking patients. One of Burlington's largest family medical and dental practices and one of eight non-profit, federally qualified health centers in Vermont, the Health Center provides comprehensive health, dental, and human services to uninsured, underinsured, low income, and homeless Vermonters. CHCB’s Homeless Health Care Program, offers a full range of services at two specialized clinics, Safe Harbor Clinic for adults and families at 184 South Winooski Avenue and Pearl Street Clinic designed for at-risk youth and young adults located on Pearl Street. CHCB is funded in part by a grant from the US Health Resources and Services Administration and generous community support.