Healing Angel Award
The Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative (ALHI) is proud to announce that the recipient of its 2011 Healing Angel Award will be Dr. Patrick S. Coleman.
Dr. Coleman was the first doctor to volunteer his services in 2009, when the Health Initiative offered our first LGBT Community Health Fair. At that fair, and at each one since, Patrick has pioneered the way, leading other Piedmont Healthcare MD volunteers to administer screenings, consult with clients and make referrals. Through these fairs, a growing number of under and un-insured LGBT community members have attained access to flu vaccinations, a wide variety of health screenings and clinical breast exams, as well as referrals to Health Initiative low cost clinic partners for follow up treatment and services.
Patrick Coleman has a prestigious career that is dedicated both to the healing arts and his community. His medical journey began by earning his medical degree and board certification in internal medicine from the Medical College of Virginia. Having completed his internship and residency at Emory University School of Medicine, he shortly thereafter joined the Piedmont Healthcare team in 1994. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, Medical Association of Georgia and the American College of Physicians. In addition, Dr. Coleman is an active member of the Piedmont Physicians Group governance board, Chair of the Piedmont Physicians Group Council and a member Piedmont Physicians Electronic Health Record User Group.
Dr. Coleman believes in a patient- and family-centered approach to medicine. He believes care revolves around the patient and is committed to patient well-being and satisfaction. Interested in general internal medicine, he takes a special interest in treatment of diabetes, HIV, hypertension, and high blood cholesterol. As a member of the LGBT community, he also advocates for providing culturally competent care and reducing disparities.
Stepping above and beyond the role of volunteer, Patrick and his Atlantic Station practice are demonstrating their commitment to our community by opening their offices on October 22, 2011 for the Health Initiative’s first off-site Community Health Fair. Hosting a health fair in a Gay-led medical practice greatly expands both the sense of security and support that clients can expect and the level of clinical screenings offered. We are grateful for his support.
Dr. Coleman is also working with Piedmont to address health disparities and insure that the LGBT community receives appropriate care throughout the Healthcare system. Recently Dr. Coleman and his colleague Dr. Randy Martin discussed these challenges and how to overcome them on a segment of Health WatchMD – http://healthwatchmd.com/2011/05/health-issues-facing-the-glbt-community/. A key part of the discussion was Piedmont’s philosophy to reducing disparities; hence the doctors discussed Piedmont’s focus on patient- and family-centered care, which involves the patient and individuals that they designate as family -spouses, partners, loved ones, friends – in an effort to improve the quality and outcomes of healthcare.
Please join the Health Initiative in thanking Dr. Coleman as we honor him as this year’s Healing Angel at the Annual Fall Garden Party Fundraiser, on Sunday, September 18th from 4-8p at Einstein’s in midtown Atlanta.