After nearly two decades at Providence Community Health Centers – most recently as vice president of patient care services – Marie Ghazal last month took the reins of the Rhode Island Free Clinic, succeeding Lynne Urbani as CEO.
Ghazal, a former nurse who has a master’s degree in community health from Boston University and is working toward a Ph.D. in nursing practice at the University of Rhode Island, answered questions about the Free Clinic and how her experience will guide her in her new job.
PBN: What drew you to the Rhode Island Free Clinic?
GHAZAL: I know my work in community health centers made a difference in the state to improve access to health care for patients, and to expand programs while leading a tremendous staff dedicated to serving the underserved. After 20 years, I was drawn to the RIFC for the challenges ahead in the health care system. Service to the uninsured remains a priority for the state, and I know my background will be an asset for the future of the RIFC. At this point in my career, I am excited to be able to focus my time and talents in the area I have the most passion for, primary care access for the uninsured.
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PBN: The Free Clinic has gone through quite a bit of leadership change in the last few years. Does that create challenges for you? How do you deal with that?
GHAZAL: I believe I am the best person for the current time at the RIFC. There have been changes in leadership since the start of the clinic in 1999, and all have moved the clinic forward. There is no question that there are significant challenges ahead of me. Working with a dedicated staff, board of directors and network of committed volunteers is very positive for me as the CEO. My leadership style is to focus on the strengths we have as a team to bring stability and growth.
PBN: You’ve joined the Free Clinic at a time of great demand and steady growth. How well has the clinic been able to meet the growing need for its services? Do you still use a lottery?
GHAZAL: We continue to have the monthly lottery. Once a month, Rhode Island adults wait outside our clinic in hopes of becoming a patient. Over the last six months, there have been 30 to 80 adults. We know the demand is great based on the daily inquiries we receive from interested Rhode Island residents. In 2009 we doubled our patient visits, from 2,000 to 4,232. For 2010 we are on target to reach our goal of 8,000 visits. We rely on the generous donation of time and professional service from volunteer providers to provide primary care. [Do we want to] lose the lottery? Yes, the RIFC is currently looking at other innovative ways to accept new patients, and we will do it.
PBN: How do you expect health care reform to affect the clinic?
GHAZAL: The RIFC remains essential to Rhode Island’s health care system. We are the only clinic providing free comprehensive primary care, prevention education and specialty referrals to the uninsured. The legislation will not begin its largest implementation until 2014, and even when the full implementation is complete (2019), services will still be needed for the uninsured. The RIFC will continue to need support from our community, our funders and our volunteers to provide immediate services to our patients. Along with this legislation, the RIFC looks forward to new and innovative networks to serve our patients.
PBN: What would you say is your top priority as CEO in the next year or so?
GHAZAL: My top priority is in line with the mission of the RIFC: How to serve more uninsured adults through the RIFC volunteer and staff model, our physician network, partnerships and networks. This involves financial as well as operational goals that must be met along with strengthening new and existing partnerships. I am excited about the future of the RIFC.
To learn more about the Rhode Island Free Clinic, go to www.rifreeclinic.org.
