FYI

Caring for the Community

For 50 years, Marin Community Clinics has provided care for the county’s most vulnerable residents. BY DONNA BERRY GLASS

Dr. Carolyn Shore has always been enamored with bikes. As a young internist fresh off her residency at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in 1991, the East Coast transplant decided to stay put and took a public health job working part-time at a small healthcare clinic run by Marin County, just so she could live and ride in the area and commute to her job via two wheels. But one day, Shore’s boss at the county clinic approached her about another small health clinic, housed in double-wide trailers behind Marin General (now MarinHealth), which needed additional help. This clinic only had one doctor and one physician’s assistant and was overwhelmed with patients. So, Shore hopped on her bike and the rest was history, as the saying goes.

It was the beginning of Shore’s 31-year involvement with Marin Community Clinics, and she’s now its longest-serving primary care doctor.

Marin Community Clinics had humble beginnings, first operating in 1972 in the basement of Fairfax Community Church and later at an Episcopal church in Mill Valley. In those early days, it was bootstrapped by a group of volunteer doctors and nurses offering free healthcare. Originally known as Medical Contact Services of Marin, the organization officially became Marin Community Clinics in 1987.

Today, the organization operates six medical clinics — in Novato, Larkspur, Greenbrae, and three in San Rafael, with the addition of its newest clinic on Second Street earlier this year. It offers dental and mental health services, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, optometry and other specialty services.

Nearly one out of every five Marin residents are Marin Community Clinics patients, making it the largest nonprofit community healthcare provider in the county — many are uninsured or qualify for services through Medi-Cal. A significant number require translation or interpreter services, which the clinics provide.

Beyond Basic Care

Marin Community Clinics’ healthcare hubs form the core of their operations; each patient is assigned a primary care physician who then brings in other specialists and partner organizations as required. Many specialists, like Dr. Patrick Bennett, the sole urologist on staff, has been working with the nonprofit for years. In Bennett’s case, he volunteered for the first 20 of his 25 years of service, but he now receives a monetary stipend. He sees patients one Friday per month, handling as many as 25 in-person and phone appointments during a shift.

“People should realize that Marin Community Clinics is the best healthcare value in Marin for primary care, bar none,” Bennett says. “It’s really a high value proposition

and professionally run, with best practices in place. Plus, it’s better for me to take care of an uninsured patient versus that person having to navigate [complex] systems like UCSF.”

When a patient needs additional help outside the scope of what’s offered by Marin Community Clinics, they are referred to one of its many partner organizations for tests, surgical procedures, diagnostics and a variety of other services.

For uninsured patients, there’s Operation Access, a San Francisco-based nonprofit that helps with services such as surgeries and other specialty medical care. In 2021, Operation Access’s medical volunteers and hospital partners provided 361 free surgical procedures and diagnostic services to patients from Marin Community Clinics, representing more than $4 million in free specialty healthcare. C

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Making Their Way Through a Pandemic

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Being a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the county came with the responsibility of playing a starring role in mitigating Covid-19, especially for those underserved communities where the disease hit particularly hard. “During the pandemic, I handled call center triage and K telemedicine from home,” recalls Dr. Kenneth Korr, a cardiologist who is the sole Spanishspeaking heart specialist on the team. While Korr is now back to consulting in the clinics one day a week, he still does telemedicine on his other scheduled day. “Being largely a working class, telemedicine works well for [the Latinx community], as they don’t have to take off work for appointments.”

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A Growth Trajectory

Plans for Marin Community Clinics include an expansion of dental services, more specialized care for older adults, and greater mental and behavioral health resources.

“I believe that the work we’re doing and the level of exceptional care we’re providing has challenged the very idea of the medically underserved in Marin County,” says Dr. Mitesh Popat, the organization’s CEO. “Our work isn’t finished — as the need for services has grown exponentially — but we’re fully committed to providing a solution and continuing to level the playing field for our patients and their families.”

Inspired choices for amazing gift giving

’Tis the season to be jolly and celebrate with friends and family — it’s also the chance to give them something unique. Find the right gift for that special person in your life. The following pages have gift suggestions for everyone, including spouses, moms and dads, pets, kids and coworkers. Make this holiday season your best ever!

Bitte Kai Rand is a long featured line at Excellence. BKR is innovative and able to embrace the many facets of a woman’s life. Creative design, natural fabrics and original use of color celebrates your individual Excellence. 415.927.9009, 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur

From the surreal to the bizarre, Daniel Merriam’s Bubble Street Gallery showcases original artworks, limited edition prints, books, puzzles, jewelry and more. If it’s magically sublime, it’s at home in the fantastical brainchild of artist Daniel Merriam. Treat yourself and loved ones to unique gifts from this one-of-a-kind salon, located on Sausalito’s waterfront at 565 Bridgeway Blvd. 415.339.0506, bubblestreetgallery.com Award-Winning Vodka and Gin Distilled and Bottled in Marin County. Alamere Spirits takes a traditional approach to distilling spirits. Using a French alembic copper still and incorporating local produce into their handcrafted innovative spirits, Alamere produces gold medal winning gin and vodka that are the perfect holiday gift. hello@alamerespirits.com, alamerespirits.com

Floramye offers thoughtful products and services for thoughtful people. Mind > Body > Beauty that is natural and effective. From their own unique CBD line to oneof-a-kind fine vintage jewelry, they will help you select (and wrap) the perfect gift for your loved ones. Gift cards are also available. Larkspur, floramye.com, @floramye

Johann Paul Fine Jewelry has something special for everyone on your list. Featuring classic and contemporary jewelry, specializing in bridal, couture creations and fashion pieces, we welcome you back to our updated space located in the vibrant Bon Air shopping center. Follow us @johannpaulfinejewelry to keep up with all our holiday specials! 415.461.1866, Greenbrae, johannpaulfinejewelry.com

The Ultimate Gift for Beautiful Skin. All natural, pure ingredients for the skin. A spectacular gift set that provides the experience of a spa treatment in the comfort of your home. Holistic skin care for those who care about what they put on their face and their body. KiViOrganics.com/ultimateholiday-gift

Get a head-start on MERRY: Unheated neon violet sapphire and diamond 18K ring. For those that take gifting very seriously. Rare colored gemstone jewelry by women for women. 650.504.0646, Mill Valley, californiagirljewelry.com, @californiagirljewelry

Flourish, the artisan boutique of hand-crafted succulent, floral and orchid arrangements. Choose from our in-store selection or we can custom design for you. An array of contemporary gifts from home decor, candles, vases and more. Come in and visit us and experience our beautiful, nature-inspired vibe. 415.300.5730, Tiburon, flourishsucculents.com North Bay Candleworks Locally-made and handcrafted right here in Marin. Our candles make the best gift for everyone on your list (and yourself!) Plus our minis make the perfect stocking stuffers. Choose from over 25+ scents or select from our Marin and San Francisco Landmark lines. Order just in time for the holidays! 615.540.9331, San Rafael, northbaycandleworks.com

Wendy Gold Studios Give them the World this Holiday with our customizable Push Pin Maps and Travel Globes, Marin County collage map art vignettes, Marin ornaments and more. Order online or visit our gallery for personalized service and help with choosing the perfect gift for any travel lover. 415.491.9619, San Anselmo, wendygold.com

La Belle Fifi has a little something for everyone this holiday season. Beautiful cashmere accessories for everyone on your list along with fragrances, jewelry and unique accessories from across the globe. This will be our last year, so stop in to see all the specials and markdowns from your favorite swim and resort brands. Larkspur, fiona@labellefifi.com, @labellefificalifornia Cast brings wonderment to fine jewelry with chic, unexpected and timeless pieces. With an emphasis on craft and deep storytelling, it’s a place to discover pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Come visit our first boutique in Marin, and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. 888.969.4795, The Village at Corte Madera, castjewelry.com

Golden bronze finishes with burlap impressions give the design accessories in the Ruth Livingston Studio Metal Linen series a uniquely refined look, ideal for both gift giving and decor. Shop online or in-store to discover more from Ruth Livingston, including: Interior Design • Custom Furniture • Unique Globally Sourced Gifts and Accessories 415.435.5264, Tiburon, ruthlivingston.com International Orange (io) Spa + Shop, located at Marin Country Mart, offers facials and massages with steam rooms, saunas, and a relaxing lounge. Shop our body care, skincare, and lifestyle products - perfect wellness gifts for holiday giving. Gift Certificates are also available. 415.563.5000, Larkspur, internationalorange.com

Matching Family PJs at Village Child! Village Child is your one stop shop for the most festive holiday pajama sets for the whole family. Made of buttery soft bamboo, these whimsical sets will leave everyone feeling the magic that only this special time of year brings. Make those chilly mornings a little bit more cozy with our broad selection of prints and styles. 415.493.6924, Novato, shopvillagechild.com

Socks for Everyone! Featuring Gumball Poodle, Solmate Socks, Stance, Socksmith, Hot Sox, Funatic and more! Sox for all feet and ages. You’re sure to find the perfect stocking stuffer at SOXalito! 415.332.3336, 771 Bridgeway, Sausalito, soxalito.com

Stephan-Hill Jewelry Designers – “California Collection” These iconic pendants in 14k gold with diamond accents remind us of the places and landmarks that are so special and dear to us. Mt. Tamalpais, California Poppy & Golden Gate Bridge to name a few. Why not collect them all? 415.459.5808, San Rafael, stephanhill.com

The Trading Post at the Marin Country Mart is an unexpected riff on your local post office: Yes, it’s a USPS Contract Postal Unit, but mail is just the beginning. You’ll also find a thoughtful edit of locally and internationally sourced necessities and gifts. It’s how the Marin Country Mart does a neighborhood essential, with a generous dose of razzle dazzle. 415.448.5043, Larkspur, Marin Country Mart

Gallery Sausalito represents a curated collection of 2D and 3D works by 9 contemporary artists. Prices range from $45. to $45,000. Looking for that special gift? Several of our artists work on commission. Come by the gallery for an immersive, art experience and take home a new treasure! 415.887.9238, Sausalito, gallerysausalito.com

Perfect Holiday Gifts The Perfect Provenance is an award-winning, luxury lifestyle store based in Tiburon, California. Founded by Lisa Lori in Greenwich, CT in 2016, we invite you to visit us at 30 Main Street in Tiburon or online. We travel the world in search of unique items that inspire and thrill us. Barbara 18k Diamond Earrings $1,950. 415.797.6054, Tiburon, theperfectprovenance.com, @theperfectprovenance

The Marine Mammal Center Adopt-a-Seal® is a perfect gift for the animal lover in your life. Each symbolic adoption includes a photo and certificate, or add a plush! An eco-friendly gift that gives back to this Marin-based nonprofit. 415.289.7339, Marin Headlands, MarineMammalCenter.org/AdoptMe The Gift of Smarter Networking. Mobilo is the perfect gift for savvy professionals this Holiday season. Bring physical and digital networking together with a Mobilo smart business card. Share contact info, gather leads, and connect with apps and CRM tools. With just one card, the opportunities are endless. Mobilo cards come in multiple material options, like plastic, wood and metal. They can be endlessly customizable and designed to perfection with your logo and brand. Modern networking is just one tap away. Network smarter, with Mobilo. mobilocard.com

Holiday spirit abounds at West End Nursery. Find the perfect ornamanents and unique decorations for your friends, family, and especially yourself. Get inspired! 415.454.4175, San Rafael, westendnursery.com Sofia Jewelry offers you a one stop shop for all the jewelry lovers in your life. From stacking rings to colored gemstones to silver jewelry, come in and find the perfect gift to celebrate the season. Follow us @ sofiajewelry for all things holiday sparkle! 415.388.8776, Mill Valley, sofiajewelry.com

The Caviar Co. believes there’s a caviar for every day of the week. Indulge your wildest caviar dreams with our “12 Days of Caviar” special and expand your palate with an expertly curated holiday set featuring 12 caviar and roes, perfectly paired recipes, and accoutrements. This is a swoon-worthy gift! 415.889.5168, Tiburon, thecaviarco.com, @thecaviarco