Dr. Ma’s unique journey reveals what it means to find a professional home with San Diego dentist jobs that align with deeply held values, showcasing how TrueCare’s commitment to its providers and patients makes it an exceptional place to work.

Dr. Alice Ma on Her Passion for People-First Care at TrueCare Dentist Jobs in San Diego

For Dr. Ma, her story begins with a fundamental question many health care providers ponder: what truly defines a supportive and impactful clinical environment for dental careers? The answer crystallized early in Dr. Ma’s career. It pointed towards a model of care that prioritizes deep community engagement and comprehensive patient support, a philosophy that ultimately led her to TrueCare San Marcos.

If you are looking for a more fulfilling new chapter in your career, learn what makes TrueCare an exceptional environment for dental jobs in Dr. Ma’s own words.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Chanelle Calhoun, MD

Why Do Dentists Choose Community Health Centers like TrueCare?

Dr. Ma’s commitment to patient-first care began early in her career. She spent 11 years as a Navy dentist, right out of dental school, where the focus was squarely on treating people, an aspect she loved about the work she did in the Navy. 

“I wanted to be a lawyer growing up, and for the longest time, that’s the only thing I wanted to be,” said Dr. Ma. “I was going to go to law school and be this awesome lawyer lady in DC. That didn’t work out, and it was always my mom’s hope for me to be a dentist – in her mind, it was a good vocation for a young female. That’s what led me to being a dentist today, and I’d like to hope my mom is proud of me,” she joked.

After leaving the military, she worked in private practice but found it to be, ultimately, unsatisfying. Her search for a workplace that prioritized patient well-being over profit led her to TrueCare. She was especially interested in the preventative aspect of dental care. 

“I found working at a private practice to be a little unsatisfying because of the financial drive for a lot of patient care,” Dr. Ma remembered. “I was super lucky to find TrueCare and go back to my roots of treating people and taking care of their dental needs without that financial cloud that kind of looms when you’re treatment planning. Here, patient care is truly paramount, and that’s what really makes this environment different,” she explained.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Kelsey Carrio, MD 

What Is Team Culture Like for Dentists at TrueCaRe?

For Dr. Ma, the heart of the TrueCare experience lies in its people. She says she genuinely appreciates her colleagues and the patients she serves, saying the people on both sides of the dentist chair are what she loves the most about coming to work.

“It’s the people that I work with and the people that I work for that make it super rewarding and enjoyable to come in every day,” Dr. Ma beamed. “There’s a fantastic staff here, and I think we’re all like-minded in the sense that we’re here really to help others and to be a service to others – everyone working with that common goal and motivator in mind is special. It makes you feel like you are part of something bigger, which is something I enjoyed about my time in the Navy,” she explained.  

She finds immense reward in the gratitude expressed by patients, even for the smallest gestures. This like-minded spirit extends to TrueCare’s unique team culture, including celebrated potlucks. Dr. Ma specifically recalled a “comfort food” themed potluck fondly. 

“We have a lot of potlucks – today’s potluck was comfort food. That was the theme,” said Dr. Ma. “It was awesome because everybody brought what their comfort food was, and we were able to share a little bit about our backgrounds and cultures, and this kind of stuff really helps build a rapport with the people you work with. Through food and through sharing stories, you learn a lot more about the people you stand shoulder-to-shoulder with every day because not everyone is comfortable with questions and prying,” she elaborated. 

Dr. Ma herself contributed Korean barbecue, her “ultimate comfort food,” sharing a piece of her personal comfort with her team. This strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose makes TrueCare a truly special place to work.

Related Article: Why TrueCare Oceanside Specialty Is a Great Place to Work: Join Our Dedicated Team

How Can Dentists Practice Authentically at TrueCare?

At TrueCare, the absence of a “financial drive” fundamentally changes how dentists practice, allowing for genuine, patient-centered care. Dr. Ma explained that, because the top priority of the entire team is taking care of people, this inherently encourages authenticity.

“Here, it’s not about a financial drive and instead is really, truly all about taking care of people,” shared Dr. Ma proudly. “This makes people bring their authentic selves to work in a way many people overlook because, in order to take care of people and elevate that patient experience, you have to share a little bit about yourself to come across as genuine. This is really important in a dental clinic setting where it can get uncomfortable because sincerely connecting with your patients puts them at ease in an amazing way,” she said. 

She believes that in a dental setting, being genuine is crucial for building trust, especially in community health, where connections to patients and the community are paramount. 

“You’re almost forced to be genuine because if a patient senses that you’re being anything but genuine, it erodes trust,” explained Dr. Ma. “I think that goes back to the beauty of what TrueCare stands for – we stand for really taking care of people, and if you’re taking care of people with any motive other than a sincere desire to help and provide the best possible care, it just doesn’t work. It forces you to be your whole authentic self,” she said. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Jeremy Lutz, Director of Enterprise Analytics

What Makes Working at TrueCare so Rewarding for Dental Providers?

Dr. Ma says that working at TrueCare is incredibly rewarding because, in a way, it inspires you to return to what made you fall in love with dentistry in the first place.

“I think the company and what it stands for, its mission, allows you to be genuine in a lot of important ways that lead to a fulfilling career,” said Dr. Ma. “One thing that’s really important about this people-first, patient care-oriented approach is that you have to be aligned with the mission of this organization, but it allows you to return to what made you start practicing dentistry in the first place. If you really started practicing dentistry because you want to help people, this is the place to do it. If I can be of service to just one person a day here, I know I’ve made a difference when I’m going home,” she added.

Dr. Ma also finds constant inspiration in the ongoing need for dental care within the community she serves. This fundamental need drives her every day.

“Being here, you realize there’s still that need that exists,” Dr. Ma explained. “You’re never finished. And so, in some sense, you always leave both motivated and accomplished at the same time at the end of the day. Also, you’re supported by a fantastic group of people who are here to take care of you as well as the mission, and that goes a long way,” she smiled. 

This profound sense of accomplishment comes directly from being of service to those who truly need it. However, she says the culture of support and colleagues she interacts with daily are the secret ingredients that make working at TrueCare incredibly rewarding and fun – a professional comfort food that is spiritually filling.

“What excites me about coming into work every day is honestly the camaraderie,” Dr. Ma said. “When I come in, it’s like being surrounded by friends, and I know I’ll be working alongside people I laugh with who actually care about you and remember the little details, whether it’s what you’re going to do this weekend or what you were watching on TV the night before. It doesn’t really even feel like work sometimes because we’re always joking and cutting it up, with each other and the patients – they really seem to enjoy it. It really seems to liven up the mood,” she laughed. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Magdalena Lopez, Medical Staff

What Career Growth Opportunities Are Available for Dentists at TrueCare?

Dr. Ma says that one of the best opportunities she has had to learn and grow her skills at TrueCare has been working with such a diverse population. 

“Because it’s such a diverse population, you’re really going to get a diverse group of treatment needs,” explained Dr. Ma. “Every day is a new challenge and learning opportunity. It could be as simple as a hygiene visit or as complicated as a patient who needs full mouth rehabilitation or who needs dentures. You get a healthy variety of needs and procedures, which means you get a lot of practice, and growing and learning are all about those opportunities. Every day, you hone your skills a little more here – it’s amazing,” she said.

She said that one important component of the work here is that, while there is a focus on innovation, there is an emphasis on the fundamentals – by really refining those fundamental skills, Dr. Ma says, you are elevating your entire skillset. 

“You’re not ever forced to do anything that is contrary to what you’ve been taught to do,” said Dr. Ma. “That’s really important – it seems like it should be a given, but it’s still important to emphasize. You use all the skills you’ve acquired in your training and education, and you can lean on your colleagues to help you learn or improve your skills. The team here has really diverse experience, and they’re an amazing resource,” she said.

Still, the professional development and growth opportunities and desire to continuously improve, she says, come from within, from truly enjoying the work you do.

“When you find a job or a setting that allows you to really enjoy what you do, it drives you to keep improving and carrying out that mission,” said Dr. Ma. “Sometimes, I feel guilty, almost spoiled, because I really have found the best of both worlds in terms of having work-life balance and camaraderie. It really is just a wonderful, fun group of people that I get to see every day, and I can’t ask for anything better. If that’s what you’re looking for, then TrueCare could be a perfect fit for you,” she said. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Phyllis Mason, Clinical Nurse Manager II

Do You Have Any Advice for Dentists Starting Out in Public Health Dentistry?

For any new dentist, particularly those unsure of their path, she highly recommends experiencing public health dentistry in the flesh. 

“The reality is that dentists coming out of dental school who want to work in public health dentistry already know that’s the direction they want to go, and it’s probably a small percentage,” said Dr. Ma. “For new dentists who are going to pursue a career in this niche, do your research, be prepared, and know what you’re getting into. It’s a very different beast than practicing dentistry in a clinical setting,” she explained. 

Dr. Ma says the best research you can do is to go out and get firsthand experience, which she says is even good advice for those preparing for an interview at TrueCare.

“I would say go to a public health facility because it really puts a fire under you to want to do something and make a difference,” said Dr. Ma. “That’s what it did for me, and I think that is a good way to gauge if this work aligns with your passion. I initially came into the industry without a really open mind, and I was pretty apathetic about the field. But when I got into a public health setting and saw the impact I could have on a single person’s life, that’s when everything changed. It really drives and motivates you to pursue dentistry and just, you know, help others because that’s what it’s all about,” she elaborated.

Ultimately, Dr. Ma says if this experience resonates with you, then TrueCare could be a perfect professional fit for your career. 

Related Article: What is the Interview Process at TrueCare?

Are You Inspired by Dr. Alice Ma’s Journey? Explore Dentist Jobs in San Diego at TrueCare Today!

Dr. Ma’s experience at TrueCare showcases the profound impact of a patient-first approach, a supportive team, authentic practice, and a deep sense of purpose. Her story is a testament to TrueCare’s unwavering commitment to both its team members and its profound mission of community and patient well-being. Whether you are a new or seasoned dentist, San Diego jobs at TrueCare locations can help you rediscover your purpose and passion. 

If you’re a high-quality, mission-driven dental professional looking for a workplace where you can truly make a difference, feel supported, and grow your career, we invite you to explore career opportunities at TrueCare today!

The post Dr. Alice Ma’s Passion for People-First in TrueCare Dentist Jobs in San Diego appeared first on TrueCare.

Her journey reveals what it means to find a professional home where both providers and patients are genuinely “held” within a community-centric mission. Learn what makes TrueCare a unique and fulfilling place to work, directly through CNM Belanger’s experience, focusing on our unwavering commitment to providers and patients alike.

CNM Tanya Belanger on Finding Purpose with Nurse Midwife Jobs in San Diego at TrueCare

CNM Belanger’s story begins with a fundamental question many healthcare providers ponder: what truly defines a supportive and impactful clinical environment for women’s health careers? 

For CNM Belanger, the answer crystallized early in her career. It pointed towards a model of care that prioritizes deep community engagement and comprehensive patient support, a philosophy that ultimately led her to TrueCare San Marcos.

If you are looking for a more fulfilling, new chapter in your career, learn what makes TrueCare an exceptional environment for women’s health jobs in CNM Belanger’s own words.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Jeremy Lutz, Director of Enterprise Analytics

Why Do Healthcare Providers Choose Community Health Centers like TrueCare for Careers in Women’s Health?

CNM Belanger’s commitment to comprehensive, community-centered care began with her education. She received her educational training in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Wisconsin. 

“I was exposed to all of the great support that FQHCs have, and I felt like in comparison to private practice clinics, FQHHCs did it better and had more comprehensive prenatal care,” said CNM Belanger. “When I went out into the workforce, I looked for companies that provided this support – that was something I was specifically seeking out in a job,” she said.

So, when she eventually relocated to California and began looking for registered midwife jobs, CNM Belanger deliberately sought an organization that offered similar robust support systems and a shared mission.

“I found TrueCare, and it’s just been a great fit for me because, like I said, I feel like we do it better and I can provide comprehensive support for my patients,” CNM Belanger shared, reflecting on her experience at TrueCare. “I just love being able to provide a more complete and compassionate patient experience,” she said. 

For medical professionals like CNM Belanger, TrueCare provides the comprehensive, mission-driven environment essential for impactful care.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Magdalena Lopez, Medical Assistant

What Is a Nurse Midwife’s Passion for Patient Care?

CNM Belanger’s path to becoming a Lead Nurse Midwife is deeply personal, rooted in family and a profound desire to connect with patients on a holistic level. 

Her mother was a registered nurse who worked in labor and delivery, and CNM Belanger grew up immersed in stories of birth, which inspired her to follow in her mother’s footsteps. A home birth experience with a midwife further cemented her calling. 

In other words, she was literally born into this profession, which we consider to be an excellent origin story, fitting for a superhero or Greek myth.

“I was born at home in a tub, so all of these things, hearing stories of labor and delivery and growing up and having my birth story really pushed me towards women’s health care and doing deliveries,” reflected CNM Belanger. “I guess that’s where my passion came from,” she added.

However, it was her experience at school that really helped her find her calling. 

“I didn’t know what my path would be exactly, and when I got into school, I realized my favorite part about working in health care was having one-on-one connections and providing a lot of emotional support,” explained CNM Belanger. “I did a Bachelor’s in Science and Psychology, so I think that moved my meter towards midwifery because that is a large part of what makes midwives different – focus on the whole woman and creating a genuine connection. It’s really fulfilling work for me,” she said. 

CNM Belanger also revealed that working in this role has helped her relationship with her mother and helped her discover her purpose.

“It’s really forged something special between my mother and I, which has been incredible,” CNM Belanger said, emphasizing the special bond she shares with her patients and, in a way, with her mother’s legacy. “I feel like it’s always been the right fit, and it feels like I’ve finally found the place where I can make a difference. It can be hard to find where you really make a difference because it’s unique for everybody. Everyone has the chance to have an impact on the world, and it’s a privilege to be able to do that every day at TrueCare,” she said.  

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Phyllis Mason: Clinical Nurse Manager II

How Does TrueCare’s Integrated Campus Support Healthcare Providers?

One of the many aspects CNM Belanger loves about working at TrueCare is the integrated nature of the San Marcos health center.

One of her favorite aspects of the San Marcos TrueCare Campus is that everything is consolidated into one area, creating a unique certified nurse midwife work environment. 

“Obviously, the centralized campus is great for us and makes things more convenient on the provider side, but it’s all about the patients at the end of the day,” explained CNM Belanger. “If I have a patient that needs extra help, whether it’s a visit to Quick Care or our pharmacy, everything is accessible – the campus is a true testament to holistic care,” she said. 

This central location offers a wide array of services under one roof, including Quick Care, Adult Medicine, Pediatrics, Chiropractic care, Acupuncture, and an on-site Pharmacy. This seamless integration significantly elevates provider care and efficiency.

Within the Women’s Health Center, the team dynamic is particularly strong. Obstetrics and Gynecology coordinators help process and place referrals for ultrasounds, other outside services, imaging, or testing. 

Our prenatal care coordinators help women understand the process of prenatal care, what to expect going forward, and provide education through each part of the trimesters, as well as what to expect afterwards. This centralized campus also benefits the TrueCare team.

“There’s always somebody looking out for you and someone you can reach out to, and that includes the providers,” CNM Belanger emphasized. “If you’re ever having issues, there are always resources and other providers you can talk to – it provides a really supportive environment, especially for new graduates, providers who are new to the system, or really anyone who might come on board working women’s health center jobs,” she said. 

This unparalleled integrated resource and strong team structure at TrueCare empower providers to deliver comprehensive care efficiently and effectively.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Chanelle Calhoun, MD

What is the Culture of Support Like at TrueCare?

When it comes to the culture of support at TrueCare, CNM Belanger gave a special shoutout to our former manager of the clinic, who she says embodies this value – especially when it comes to professional development. 

“I wanna give a shoutout to our former manager of the clinic” beamed CNM Belanger. “She is now overseeing Women’s Health and Pediatrics, and she has unified both of those departments – but she’s also helped me grow a lot individually as a leader and provider as a sounding board in helping develop projects. When I feel like I’m not sure where to go or what to do, she’s always there. That’s the kind of support TrueCare offers its team across the board, and it makes a huge difference,” she said. 

CNM Belanger says that this culture of support is reflected in the patient experience – because the TrueCare team extends that same care and compassion to one another.  

“Everyone, and I mean everyone, on the team has an extreme passion for doing the right thing for the patient all the time, no matter what they need to do,” CNM Belanger said, reinforcing TrueCare’s mission. “We’re never going to turn people away because they can’t pay. If there is concern about that at the moment, it doesn’t matter. We’re gonna take care of the people who need it the most at that moment, and I don’t think anyone here forgets that,” she said. 

This commitment to patient well-being reflects a truly compassionate mission where providers are deeply supported and innovation is embraced.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Kelsey Carrio, MD

Why Should You Consider a Career at TrueCare?

CNM Belanger’s experience at TrueCare provides a powerful glimpse into what it means to be a healthcare provider here. 

“If I could describe my experience as a provider here at TrueCare, I would say ‘held’ in terms of there’s always a follow-up,” said CNM Belanger. “Things don’t always go how you might expect, but there is always a resource and a follow-up and an intent to figure out how to make everything function at its peak and to move forward and make progress and improve systems and incorporate research as it comes in,” she said. 

Her story showcases the impact of comprehensive care, deep patient connection, integrated support, and a culture where providers feel genuinely supported. CNM Belanger says that this is, ultimately, a testament to TrueCare’s unwavering commitment to its team and its profound mission of patient well-being.

“The most rewarding part of my job is when I have women who come back pregnant-after-pregnancy,” said CNM Belanger with a smile. “We really have the opportunity to build a connection with patients over time, and seeing how they grow as women and families and mothers is incredible. Even when they are done having babies, they still come back, so we really become an extension of their family in that way,” she said. 

If you’re a high-quality, mission-driven medical professional seeking a workplace where you can truly make a difference, feel supported, and grow your career,  we invite you to explore career opportunities at TrueCare today!

“One thing that is really impressive and important about TrueCare is that everyone, from your medical assistants to your nursing staff and up to the CEOs and corporate team, is really compassionate and passionate, specifically when it comes to doing what’s right for the patient – no matter what,” offered CNM Belanger as advice to applicants, particularly those who might be preparing for an interview. “It makes the work really rewarding, and important to showcase that your views and values align with these. I cannot emphasize this enough. We’re going to take care of the people who need it the most at that moment and never turn people away, and people bring that attitude to work every day here,” she said proudly. 

Related Article: What is the Interview Process at TrueCare?

Are You Inspired by CNM Tanya Belanger’s Journey? Explore Certified Nurse Midwife Jobs in San Diego and Other Community Health Care Jobs at TrueCare Today!

CNM Belanger’s experience at TrueCare showcases the profound impact of comprehensive care, deep patient connection, integrated support, and a culture where providers feel genuinely “held.” Her story is a testament to TrueCare’s unwavering commitment to both its team members and its profound mission of patient well-being.

If you’re a high-quality, mission-driven medical professional looking for a workplace where you can truly make a difference, feel supported, and grow your career, we invite you to explore career opportunities at TrueCare today! 

The post Tanya Belanger on Finding Purpose with Nurse Midwife Jobs in San Diego at TrueCare appeared first on TrueCare.

In this spotlight, Dr. Vasquez shares how his upbringing shaped his professional path, why he returned to community health, and what makes San Diego dental careers at a non-profit organization like TrueCare both meaningful and fulfilling.

Dental Jobs in San Diego: Dr. David Vasquez’s Journey

Dr. Vasquez’s story is more than a résumé; it’s a return to purpose. His path winds through private practice, personal growth, and, ultimately, a decision to serve where he’s needed most. For him, community dentistry isn’t just a career; it’s a calling shaped by experience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the people behind each smile.

So, what drew him back to community dental care, and why does it continue to inspire his work every day? Find out below in his own words! 

What Inspired You to Work in Community Dental Care?

For Dr. David Vasquez, his high chair was practically a dental chair. His mother was a Medi-Cal dentist, and he got his first glimpse into the profession by working alongside her. 

“I come from generations of dentists in my family, and the first thing that got me into dentistry was working with my mom in a Medi-Cal office,” Dr. Vasquez said. “But I transitioned to a private clinic and just realized that my passion was serving communities that are too often underprivileged. It kind of brought me full circle back to my youth, and now I’m here at a community dental clinic with TrueCare, where I have the opportunity to change lives and make a difference in those communities,” he said. 

Those early experiences exposed him to both the technical skills of dentistry and the emotional weight of helping underserved patients.

“I developed a great deal of compassion for these people,” Dr. Vasquez said, reflecting on what resonated with him about doing this kind of work. “I just felt the gratitude that they had for dental treatment. There’s something special about it. When people are that thankful, they radiate it, and it almost becomes palpable. It just felt really good to help people,” he said. 

Though he spent time in private practice, the sense that something was missing eventually pulled him back to his roots. “I needed to provide care for the underserved. That brought me back to community dentistry,” he explains.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Jeremy Lutz, Director of Enterprise Analytics

Why Is Dental Care Important in Underserved Communities?

According to Dr. Vasquez, one of the biggest barriers to oral health in vulnerable populations is a lack of awareness. 

“Dental care is not often seen as a priority,” Dr. Vasquez noted. “It’s important to really teach people how crucial this care is to the quality of their life,” he said. 

That’s where patient education becomes just as important as treatment. Through outreach and education, he empowers patients with the knowledge to improve their health long after they leave the exam room. 

“When you work with these communities, you see where education plays a huge part in trying to improve your patients’ oral health,” Dr. Vasquez said. “I’ve seen firsthand how teaching patients what good oral hygiene is can affect their overall well-being,” he said. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Phyllis Mason, Clinical Nurse Manager II

What’s it Like to Work as a Dentist at TrueCare?

When Dr. Vasquez joined TrueCare full-time in 2023, he immediately recognized something special.

“There’s so much care in helping us grow,” Dr. Vasquez said. “You really feel like they’re as invested in your personal and professional development as you are,” he added.

He was also thrilled to be placed at the brand-new Vista Way Dental office, which is a modern community dental clinic equipped with advanced technology. 

“I feel so lucky to work here because, in our field, the tools you have the chance to work with can really impact how much you learn and develop,” Dr. Vasquez shared. “We’re offering state-of-the-art care, and all patients deserve that. They deserve the best, and we can only provide them with that if we have the best equipment,” he explained.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Magdalena Lopez, Medical Assistant

How Does TrueCare Foster a Supportive Dental Team Culture?

For Dr. Vasquez, what truly sets TrueCare apart is the sense of family among the staff.

“We’re not just coworkers; we’re team players,” Dr. Vasquez said. “If someone’s behind, we help each other out. One thing that’s really remarkable here is that you always have support, no matter what you need,” he said.

One story that sticks with him is the willingness of front office staff like Isabel to jump in and lend a hand. 

“It truly feels like a family here – that’s the kind of support everyone is willing to offer,” Dr. Vasquez shared. “If someone’s behind, no one hesitates to jump in to help. Isabel’s a great example of that. She always goes above and beyond and shows up early to make sure things are done because she knows we’re working toward the same goal and pursuing the same mission. That’s the kind of support we have here – support that’s strengthened by a common cause,” he explained.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Kelsey Carrio, MD

What Professional Resources and Benefits Do TrueCare Dentists Receive?

Another key difference Dr. Vasquez noticed was the emphasis on professional standards and education. 

“At TrueCare, we’re meticulous with record-keeping,” Dr. Vasquez said. “That wasn’t something I always saw in private practice – I’ve really learned that comprehensive records result in more comprehensive care,” he added. 

He’s also grateful for the comprehensive benefits package—resources that aren’t always available in the private sector.

“One of the things I’ve noticed working here is that they definitely offer a lot more benefits,” Dr. Vasquez said. “They offer paid time off, a stipend for professional development, they help with retirement – it makes you feel like you’re more than just an employee,” he said. 

From benefits to support from leadership, Dr. Vasquez believes that it all translates to a rare environment where everyone, from staff to patients, feels valued and heard. 

“I joined TrueCare last year, and it’s incredible how much they care and help us grow to provide great care to our patients – I mean, it’s in the name. They truly care,” Dr. Vasquez said. “There’s so much guidance, and you will have support in all aspects,” he said. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Chanelle Calhoun, MD

How Can Dentists Carry On a Legacy of Compassionate Care?

Ultimately, Dr. Vasquez’s drive and aspirations are informed by his experiences working with underserved populations from the outset. 

“When I started my journey as a dentist, the patients I helped first were Medi-Cal patients, and that’s where I think my passion lies,” Dr. Vasquez said. “I’m just really excited to continue my journey, and this is where my heart feels best,” he said. 

However, his journey is also a deeply personal one. After his mother passed away, he felt compelled to carry on her mission of caring for underserved patients. 

“My mom recently passed away, and I feel like I’m carrying the torch and continuing her legacy in helping people who need it. She always reminded me that patients aren’t just objects in a chair; they’re people,” Dr. Vasquez reflected. “Treating them with empathy and making them feel welcome is just as important as the clinical care,” he said. 

His commitment to human-centered public health dentistry is part of the reason he feels so connected to TrueCare’s mission. “This is where my heart feels the best,” Dr. Vasquez said. “That’s the best way to put it,” he said.

Related Article: Why TrueCare Oceanside Specialty Is a Great Place to Work: Join Our Dedicated Team

What Makes the Team Dynamic at TrueCare Vista Way Special? 

Every great team has someone who keeps it all together, and for Dr. Vasquez, that person is Areseli, the Vista Way clinic manager.

“She’s the glue,” Dr. Vasquez said with a smile. “She keeps things in check and balances efficiency with making work fun. That’s important in a workplace – it makes it feel less like work when you enjoy coming in every day,” he added. 

He said that the team also bonds over shared culture and traditions, especially potlucks. 

“We’ve got strong Filipino and Mexican influences,” Dr. Vasquez said. “Food is a big part of how we connect – food is a great way that our whole team bonds. If you like to eat good food and change lives, this is a great place to work,” he smiled. 

Related Article: TrueCare Oceanside: Committed to Serving Our Community with Compassionate Health Care

How Do TrueCare Dentists Bring Positivity and Joy to Patient Care?

If you ask Dr. Vasquez about his “superpower,” he’ll tell you it’s his energy. 

“I bring the positive vibes!” Dr. Vasquez laughed.

That spirit of joy is contagious. One of his favorite examples is Rosie, who sings to pediatric patients to help calm their nerves. 

“It’s those extra touches that make a difference,” Dr. Vasquez said.

How Do Community Dentists Make a Meaningful Impact?

From alleviating dental pain to watching patients smile with confidence again, Dr. Vasquez finds pride in every moment. 

“This isn’t just cosmetic work,” Dr. Vasquez said. “It’s real care. We’re helping people who need it most. Seeing a patient who is in pain and, by the end of their appointment, no longer feels that pain is extremely rewarding. Sometimes, it’s almost like you can literally watch that discomfort and pain melt off them,” he said. 

Why Should You Consider a Career in Community Dentistry?

For those considering a move into community health, Dr. Vasquez has simple advice: “Do it if you truly want to help people.”

And with TrueCare, he says, the rewards are both personal and professional. “You get great benefits, a supportive team, and the chance to make a real difference,” Dr. Vasquez said. 

Are You Inspired by Dr. David Vasquez’s Words and Journey? Apply for Dental Jobs in San Diego at TrueCare Ramona Today! 

Dr. David Vasquez’s path to TrueCare was paved by family, faith, and a fierce dedication to serving others. Today, he brings that legacy to life every day at Vista Way Dental, where compassion meets innovation and teamwork drives impact. Whether you are looking for a dental hygienist job, dental assistant position, or dentist role, we may have the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to instill your career with newfound purpose. 

Interested in joining a community where your work truly matters? Learn more about San Diego dental careers and care at TrueCare.

The post Dental Jobs in San Diego: Dr. David Vasquez’s Journey to TrueCare appeared first on TrueCare.

Meet the TrueCare Team: Joanna Kingdon, MD

Dr. Kingdon’s path to community healthcare is a testament to her passion for helping underserved populations and her dedication to making a meaningful impact. 

Her journey has been shaped by her commitment to understanding the complexities of immigration, social justice, and holistic care. Learn insights into her journey, what brought her to TrueCare, and the challenges and rewards she encounters. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Wanda Freeman, PMHNP

What Inspired Your Journey into Community Healthcare?

Dr. Kingdon says that her inspiration to start a career in community healthcare began in college, though her journey has been unorthodox, to say the least!

“I decided to major in Spanish and economics with a focus on economic development, specifically in Latin America,” said Dr. Kingdon. “I grew up in San Diego, and we had some education about the area, but I think I always grew up wanting to know more about the history on a more global scale as to why we had so many people that were Spanish-speaking living here and what drove them. That’s why I chose economic development and learned Spanish – to learn more about the history of colonialism and imperialism and how that has affected and continues to affect countries,” she said.

After school, Dr. Kingdon entered the economic field because, at the time, she believed that it aligned closely with her passion for activism and social justice. However, after working in the field, she learned it wasn’t what she imagined and quickly became disillusioned. 

“After graduating, I tried to go into the economic field because it became clear to me that I had a passion for helping people who fled countries where they did not have a good social situation or were in danger or just wanted to make a better life for themselves,” said Dr. Kingdon. “I tried to intern at organizations that helped in the economics field but quickly learned it didn’t really have the effect I wanted. I was missing the person-to-person connection of really being able to help those who had immigrated. That was when I decided to pivot and take my premedical prerequisites to apply to medical school, which has given me the opportunity to change lives I was seeking,” she said.

In medical school, she learned who she wanted to serve and how she could serve them.

“Medical school was really eye-opening,” said Dr. Kingdon. “I quickly learned that the direction my heart was pulling me in was more of a primary care setting. I wanted to work in a clinic where I could see a lot of patients who spoke Spanish and had recently immigrated or were refugees. That made me happy. What I really grew to love about community health is that I was able to provide an extra layer of understanding, compassion, and empathy to those communities,” she said. 

Ultimately, this experience helped Dr. Kingdon gain a crucial contextual understanding of how and why people immigrate, why they need resources in the communities we serve, and what kind of resources they need the most. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Phyllis Mason, Clinical Nurse Manager II

What Brought You to TrueCare?

While Dr. Kingdon’s passion for helping those in need has been her professional fuel, what brought her to TrueCare was, in part, a personal need. 

“I wanted to be closer to family after being gone for 15 years, and I’m from the area,” said Dr. Kingdon. “My partner is also a physician, and he and I decided that there were just more opportunities here. That’s a huge part of why I came back,” she said.

However, what really drew her to TrueCare is that the organization aligned with her personal philosophy, values, and mission.

“I knew I wanted to be working in an organization that was a federally qualified health center (FQFC), so I wanted to mainly work with Spanish speaking patients,” said Dr Kingdon. “I’m fully trained as an interpreter, so that’s a skill I bring. I wanted to work somewhere where I would see more of those patients, and it became very clear to me that there were only a handful of FQFCs in San Diego. Ultimately, TrueCare’s mission and origin story resonated profoundly with me, so I was really eager to interview here,” she explained. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Magdalena Lopez, Medical Assistant

What Are Some of the Biggest Challenges You See in Community Health, Especially in San Diego Pediatrics?

One of the biggest challenges that Dr. Kingdon has noticed in local Community Health is a lack of access to mental health resources. She says being able to work in a health center that provides those resources is incredibly fulfilling.

“A lot of barriers are definitely mental health counselor availability,” said Dr. Kingdon. “But I was so impressed when I started here, and they said, ‘Do you want to just do a warm handoff to one of our counselors or therapists?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I didn’t even know that’s a thing!’ It felt like finally finding my place in the world,” she explained.

She believes this aspect of working at TrueCare is rewarding and sets our nonprofit organization apart in many ways. 

“It’s incredible because in other places I’ve worked, it’s definitely not a resource that they offer,” said Dr. Kingdon. “The other incredible thing is that a lot of our children that have a language barrier or some kind of developmental concern always receive the resources and support they need – whether it’s the phone number for a regional center or access to providers who specialize in their unique needs,” she added. 

She says that what has been amazing to see is how the team she works with is greater than the sum of its parts in how it enables TrueCare to provide comprehensive, holistic health care to those who need it the most. 

“A lot of this stuff is really important, especially when you consider historical context,” said Dr. Kingdon. “Providing these resources and bilingual services can truly alter the trajectory of a child’s life because, historically, children used to be treated differently or as lower intelligence just because they didn’t speak a language, which is unacceptable and doesn’t happen anymore. It’s great to have extra help, delineate what is truly a developmental concern, and address it. The impact you can make here is unbelievable,” she said. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Kelsey Carrio, MD

How Does TrueCare Support Its Staff?

What Dr. Kingdon says she likes the most about working with our team is that the support everyone offers empowers providers to give integrated care, whether it’s collaborating and talking with other providers or the warm handoffs that make patients feel taken care of.

“Even just having our panel coordinators to help if I ever don’t know what’s going on with an insurance issue or scheduling an ultrasound, for example, is truly special,” said Dr. Kingdon. “Everyone is always willing to help and stays on top of things. Every team member is good at their jobs, and they know that everyone else is great at what they do, so there is a really special kind of trust and unity that comes with that,” she said. 

She says that leadership also makes sure that the team feels supported.

“It’s really nice to have such frequent one-on-ones with our clinic supervisor,” said Dr. Kingdon. “I don’t think that a lot of health centers have the time for those frequent check-ins. And it’s not even about constant feedback – in this day and age, there’s so much feedback all the time. It’s just so they can check in and see how it’s going and if you need help with anything. That kind of thing. They want to give you the support you need. We also get administrative time, like a full four hours, which is paid,” she explained. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Chanelle Calhoun, MD

What’s the Onboarding and Orientation Process at TrueCare

Because Dr. Kingdon is a relatively new face and started in 2024, the onboarding and orientation process stands out.

“I really enjoyed the orientation because in medicine, especially when you’ve gone through medical school and a residency and are thrown into so many different hospitals all the time, your orientation usually entails getting a piece of paper that says to show up at the blue elevator or something,” said Dr. Kingdon. “Then, it’s like you blink your eyes and you’re starting a whirlwind, but you don’t know what’s going on. It can feel like an out-of-body experience. To have a set orientation was a really refreshing change of pace that gives you the opportunity to acclimate and actually meet everyone. This is really important because it makes you more comfortable knowing that, if you need something from any department, you have met them and can ask for help,” she said. 

In addition to the orientation process, Dr. Kingdon said she really enjoyed the entire onboarding process and that it truly positioned her for success. 

“The onboarding was really great because it ensured that your electronic medical record (EMR) was fully set up,” said Dr. Kingdon. “The first thing in the first 10 minutes we did is they had us write down all our usernames and passwords that we would want to use. That was really nice because, whenever you start a new job, you have to create so many new accounts and it was just very organized. It’s super helpful because it means you don’t have to figure that out while you’re seeing patients. Then, there were a few days where I had 15-minute meetings with different sub-specialists or people from different departments, like pharmacists or chiropractors. It was great to meet everyone. It’s very structured and intentional, and I have really appreciated that organization. Organization is a lifeline in what can be a chaotic work environment,” she said. 

Dr. Kingdon says that she loved the onboarding process at TrueCare because we really make an effort to ease you into the workflow by slowly ramping up the patient load. 

“That slow ramp-up is incredible,” beamed Dr. Kingdon. “It was especially helpful for me because I was just coming back to starting a new job and just had a baby. I had a three-month-old at home, and they made it really easy to get back into the swing of things. They have been exceptionally understanding and supportive of that situation,” she said. 

Related Article: What Is the Interview Process at TrueCare?

What’s the Work-Life Balance Like at TrueCare?

As a new mother, Dr. Kingdon says that work-life balance and flexibility are incredibly important to her, and it’s one of her favorite things about working at TrueCare!

“The work-life balance is great,” said Dr. Kingdon. “You can really tell they value your well-being here. There’s a strong understanding that taking care of yourself helps you show up better for your patients. It feels sustainable, supportive, and like a place where you can truly thrive—both personally and professionally,” she added.

Dr. Kingdon says that she is just one of many providers who have been enjoying the flexibility and work-life balance! 

“It’s just really great to know that your employer cares about you as a person and not just an employee,” Dr. Kingdon said. 

What’s it Like Working with the TrueCare Team?

Dr. Kingdon said that she has also thoroughly enjoyed the environment and team dynamics at play at TrueCare!

“Every medical assistant, every nurse, and every panel coordinator is really open and warm, and they’re open to any questions you have,” said Dr. Kingdon. “Obviously, when you start a new job, you will always have a lot of questions, and the entire team is super supportive and receptive. You never feel like you’re inconveniencing anyone. The same goes for providers, even if you just want to pick their brain,” she added. 

Just as importantly, Dr. Kingdon says she values being a source of information for her colleagues – it makes her feel recognized for her talents! Ultimately, she believes this creates a collaborative and dynamic work environment that makes work more interesting. 

“Of course, with that kind of thing, it’s a two-way street – they know they can come and ask me a question, no matter what it is,” said Dr. Kingdon. “We all collaborate quite a bit and see each other’s patients every so often. That’s really nice because we have the chance to provide extra insight,” she said.

However, the team dynamic isn’t just about work – they also celebrate each other, which Dr. Kingdon says goes a long way in creating a positive and warm environment.

“There are always a lot of events here. Just yesterday, we celebrated Doctor Day, so all the non-physician staff decorated the kitchen and brought in food and got us gifts, which was really nice, and we do the same for the non-physician staff when there are special occasions,” she said. 

At the end of the day, the team’s shared values and commitment to the TrueCare mission play a huge role in the culture.

“Everyone is so passionate about making sure they are doing what’s best for the patients and their parents, and it’s really clear to me that we have a unified goal,” said Dr. Kingdon. “It sounds simple, but our mission is just to be there for patients. If they can’t make an appointment because mom has work, for example, we make time so that they can come back at their convenience. Everyone has a very ‘yes and’ attitude,” she added. 

What Impact Have You Seen Your Work Have On the Community?

Ultimately, for Dr. Kingdon, what she truly loves the most about her work at TrueCare is being able to see the impact she has on the community.

“Something that has really affected me is seeing so many kids who recently immigrated or been here under refugee status because it’s obvious they had a lot of social trauma back home and the parents initially are always really hesitant to bring it up,” said Dr. Kingdon. “These are pretty sensitive topics, and children usually don’t want to talk about them. The truth is the parents don’t want to either,” she said. 

By providing a warm and safe space and compassionate care, she says it’s incredible to see them open up, start moving on from past trauma, and accept the help they need.

“Parents will sometimes get really emotional and even cry when they’re telling me about these things,” said Dr. Kingdon. “It’s a big reason why they had to leave wherever they’re from, whether it’s violence or sexual assault or some other traumatic event. It’s really nice to provide reassurance and make them feel heard, seen, comfortable, and welcome. What people don’t realize sometimes is that, for immigrants or refugees, simply providing a safe, secure space where they feel like they belong can be life-changing. That’s what we try to do with all of our patients,” she said.

She says her background makes it easier for her to connect with patients.

“Being able to speak Spanish really helps, and when everything comes together, it’s a really powerful feeling and sense of accomplishment,” said Dr. Kingdon. “A lot of these kids are young, like six or eight or ten, and sometimes, it’s really hard for parents to tell me what they experienced. Sometimes, they don’t even know how to have that conversation. But as soon as they do, you can see this immense relief, and then we can come in and provide support for their physical, mental, and emotional needs,” she said. 

Dr. Kingdon also appreciates that TrueCare takes a quality-over-quantity approach to health care because it helps her help the community.

“We see four patients an hour, more or less, which can be a lot compared to some places, but I think that’s a really manageable amount,” said Dr. Kingdon. “We’re not trying to cram in more patients per hour, so you can really provide good, thorough care, which benefits you as a provider because you don’t have to see a huge volume of patients and write an overwhelming amount of notes, and it benefits patients and their families,” she said.

Related Article: How Should I Prepare for an Interview at TrueCare?

Are You Inspired By the Words of Joanna Kingdon, MD? Apply Today to Make a Meaningful Difference in Your Community.

At TrueCare, our mission goes beyond just providing health care — we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members while fostering a collaborative, supportive, and compassionate environment for our team. Dr. Kingdon exemplifies the values that define our organization, bringing her passion for serving immigrant and refugee families, as well as her dedication to holistic, empathetic care, to every patient she encounters. If you are inspired by the opportunity to make a profound impact and want to be part of a team that values community, personal growth, and professional fulfillment, we’d love to have you join us.

Visit our Careers Page and apply today to start a rewarding journey where your work truly makes a difference.

The post Meet the TrueCare Providers: Joanna Kingdon, MD appeared first on TrueCare.

To give you an inside look at what it’s like to be part of the TrueCare family, we’re excited to highlight the inspiring Dr. Rachel Lum Ho, one of our dedicated pediatric providers. Keep reading as she shares her experience with our mission-driven team.

Meet the TrueCare Team: Rachel Lum Ho, MD

Dr. Lum Ho works in pediatric care at TrueCare’s San Marcos location, and she has been with our team since 2022. Since she joined the team, she has appreciated the feeling of being part of a greater cause. Learn more about her experience below! 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Team: Jeremy Lutz, Director of Enterprise Analytics

What Attracted You to Work at TrueCare?

Dr. Lum Ho has had an interesting career, having done training and education across the country. Ultimately, this path led her to our nonprofit organization. 

“If you look at my background, you’ll see I’ve done my training and education all around the country,” said Dr. Lum Ho. “I was in California for college, and then I worked in the nonprofit health care space for Lucille Packard Foundation after college doing kids’ health communication and data. Then, I went to Boston and did a Master’s in Public Health, focused on maternal child health care, and after that, I attended medical school and did my residency in pediatrics in Seattle, Washington,” she explained.

After she finished medical school, Lum Ho traded the gloomy Seattle overcast for Southern California sunshine, where she wanted to shine compassion on communities that are too often underserved. When she discovered TrueCare, she says it felt like kismet. 

“I came to San Diego when I started my practice after my residency,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “I kind of always have wanted to work in the community health space and at a community health center. Most of my education and work experience prior to this has been focused on trying to serve underserved communities and addressing health disparities they might experience. So, initially, when I moved to San Diego, I actually worked at a larger kind of private group practice in pediatrics for about two years or so. But when I had the opportunity to work at TrueCare, I was excited to be in that community health setting and work with that patient population. That’s what attracted me to it initially,” she added. 

However, the TrueCare team was also a huge factor in her decision to work with us, because she recognized that our team would empower her to do the meaningful work she always dreamed of doing when she first became a provider. 

“I think the biggest thing that attracted me to TrueCare was the people and the multi-disciplinary nature of the team,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “I feel that in order to really care for underserved populations or address health disparities, you can’t do it as just a clinician. So it was really attractive to me that the pediatrics department, for example, that I would be joining had a dietician and two multilingual health educators and integrated behavioral health services with therapists. If you’re caring for this population, you need those resources to address the social determinants of health in a holistic way, and so that’s what attracted me to TrueCare. Everything is under one umbrella, and I could tell that I would be supported in the mission by the whole organization rather than just me on my own trying to navigate these really complicated systems,” she elaborated. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Wanda Freeman PMHNP/FNP-BC

What Made You Want to Work in Community Health?

Dr. Lum Ho has always wanted to work in community health, and she says that finding an organization like TrueCare has helped her live out this dream. Ultimately, however, this passion for serving those who are often underserved stems from where she comes from.

“I grew up in Maui, Hawaii, which is a more rural setting than somewhere like Honolulu or the other kind of major cities in Hawaii,” she explained. “I’m native Hawaiian, so growing up, I was raised with very strong Hawaiian values in terms of caring for your community and social justice. I saw a lot of health disparities around me in the native Hawaiian population in my own family. My younger brother had some health issues as a child, and because of that, my family had to fly to Honolulu frequently for all his appointments because there wasn’t access to that care where we lived. That sparked my initial interest in medicine, and I have always had a mission-driven approach to providing accessible health care to people who need and deserve it,” she said. 

As a result of her background and the disparities she saw first-hand, Dr. Lum Ho has always approached her passion for medicine through the lens of activism. 

“As I went through my training and education, I made an effort to tailor my experience because that was the driving factor initially,” Dr. Lum Ho said. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Phyllis Mason, Clinical Nurse Manager II

What Does Collaboration Look Like at TrueCare?

One aspect of working at TrueCare that Dr. Lum Ho loves is the collaborative culture we have cultivated at our health centers. 

“The collaborative aspect really plays out in my day-to-day clinical work with patients,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “For example, just during a routine visit yesterday, I saw multiple newborn babies who were having their first checkup since leaving the hospital. Part of that visit includes a visit with myself as the clinician and a visit with our lactation consultant, which is super important because that’s one of the major issues we have to address early on in a newborn’s life. The fact that they have access to that and each baby is paired with both of us during that initial visit is really important, and then the coordinator even walked over from her office to make sure that the family was signed up for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program resources to help the mom get access to a breast pump that she was asking about,” she said.

Dr. Lum Ho believes that this is a shining example of the importance of everyone collaborating and working together to provide holistic care that truly elevates the health of the entire community.

“It’s really extraordinary to have all these touch points, so it’s pretty fulfilling to provide that,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “If it were just me in my own private practice or without those things, then I think that family would have been much less supported in taking care of their newborn. That’s the kind of difference we’re making – we get to have a positive impact on their lives at every stage. It’s pretty incredible,” she said. 

She said this collaborative environment would not be nearly as effective if it wasn’t for the team dynamic. She feels the TrueCare team truly understands how to support each other. In that sense, it is truly a case of a rising tide lifting all ships. 

“It’s really great and collaborative, and what sets our team apart is that as providers, we all recognize our different areas of expertise,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “That’s at every level. So, at the provider level, I work with the other doctors within my department, and it’s amazing to have access to each provider’s area of expertise. For example, Dr. Posatada is one of our longtime pediatricians in my department, and she has a lot of expertise in things like ADHD and autism. We have other providers who have expertise in developmental screening in adolescent medicine and gynecologic issues. Everyone brings their own expertise to the table, and it’s amazing to have access to that. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I think this shows that it also takes a village to tend to their health,” she added. 

“Then, going down to the other multi-disciplinary people, it’s really great to collaborate with the lactation consultant, for example, because I’m not an expert in breastfeeding, but she can get insight from the patient or parent that I couldn’t have gotten myself,” Dr. Lum Ho explained. “In other situations, I might have to work with our health educator because I have a hard time controlling a kid’s asthma, and we need to see what the barriers are that are preventing them from using the inhaler. It just really helps that we can kind of tap into each other’s expertise to try to get the best care possible for patients,” she said. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Magdalena Lopez, Medical Assistant

How Does TrueCare Address Burnout?

Dr. Lum Ho believes that the way that the team supports each other is one of the biggest salves for burnout at our nonprofit organization.

“It really helps because everything isn’t on you when it comes to delivering health care, which is way different compared to other environments I’ve worked in,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “It helps me feel a lot less burnt out because I don’t have all that pressure solely on me to try and solve all these really complicated problems,” she said. 

She says that it helps provide a more comprehensive level of care.

“For example, if I’m working with a really depressed teenager who needs therapy, I can feel secure knowing they’ll actually get the care they need, which is different from other practice settings where I might have no idea when, or even if, they’d be seen,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “In other settings, they might not get therapy for nine months, or they might never have someone follow up with them. Here, I can do a warm handoff to one of our integrated behavioral health therapists, knowing they’re going to be assessed that same day and will have a safety plan in place. This is part of what makes our work so meaningful – you actually feel like you’re making an impact,” she said. 

Ultimately, the burden of providing effective health care is another huge relief, which Dr. Lum Ho believes also staves off burnout.

“Really, it just takes a lot of the burden off your shoulders and leads to more satisfaction in that you can feel more comfortable in your role knowing that the patient is getting more support than you as an individual can offer,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “The mission and doing things you’re passionate about is really important to minimizing burnout. Being part of an organization that has values that align with your own, especially in the current political climate with things going on socially, and knowing you’re kind of on the same page as the organization in terms of values is also a huge help in that area,” she said. 

She believes that the feeling of being in a place where you feel appreciated and like you’re on the same page as the team makes all the difference.

“It really is the antidote to burnout in some ways,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “You may not always agree on the implementation of how we’re addressing certain things or even how we are addressing them, but it helps to be in a place where you feel like you’re on the same team, you’re heard and valued, and everyone has the same mission and values in mind. Just as our own little department, we’re pretty good about celebrating the little things. There’s always a pot going on or a birthday celebration. We really celebrate each other’s achievements and milestones, like new babies, and it’s really great to have a fun environment that makes you feel appreciated,” she said.

Dr. Lum Ho emphasized that the fun-loving nature of our team really helps to manage some of the heavier moments that are unavoidable in the field.

“We do a lot to have fun – we decorate the office and maybe go a little over-the-top for holidays, but we’re pediatrics. So we tend to be a little bit more goofy! It’s basically in the job description. This fun-loving nature of the team really helps relieve the stress and pressure that can come with this job,” Dr. Lum Ho added. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Kelsey Carrio, MD

How Does TrueCare Get Involved in the Community?

One of Dr. Lum Ho’s favorite aspects of working at TrueCare is that we are truly part of the community. She believes you cannot serve your community adequately if you do not create real connections and understand their needs on a deeper level. 

“We’re really a part of the community, and that’s a great point of pride for me,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “TrueCare has community events, public education initiatives, health fairs, breast milk drives, and things like that. We just started a Walk with the Doc program, too. Knowing we’re not just this building on the hill that’s trying to administer medical care and are active in the community we serve is inspiring for the whole team,” she added. 

Dr. Lum Ho says these events are some highlights of working at TrueCare, and they enable her to recontextualize her relationship with the patients and community she serves. 

“I remember doing this careers in science and medicine type of event at the University of San Marcos that I went to and set up a table at with some other members of the TrueCare team,” Dr. Lum Ho remembered. “We were able to educate them on nutrition. They also had a big health fair in our parking lot one time that I went to. At these events, we bring little games or activities to learn about kids’ health stuff with little samples of things to hand out. It’s really a lot of fun, and you get to see the living proof of why our work matters,” she said. 

She says that these are important opportunities to humanize herself and the TrueCare team for the community and establish themselves as neighbors – not just providers. 

“It’s just really fun to be out and see our patients in a different context, like seeing some families that I might take care of in the clinic just out and about and seeing kids play little games with their family is always really fun. It’s important in my field because you want kids to associate you with good memories, and going to the doctor can be intimidating or downright scary for some children,” Dr. Lum Ho explained. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Channel Calhoun, MD

What Kind of Professional Development and Mentorship Opportunities Exist at TrueCare?

Dr. Lum Ho also values the opportunity to continue growing and developing her skillset, which she attributes to our leadership team.

“One of the great things about our department is we have leadership that really encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and piloting new programs,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “I think sometimes, in other settings, there’s resistance to change or hesitancy to alter the status quo. But it’s the opposite of that here. In San Marco Pediatrics, our team is constantly looking at ways to improve things or add things to our services, which feeds into our individual professional growth,” she explained. 

She says that this openness to change makes them more innovative and enables the health center to better serve our community. 

“Some initiatives I’ve been a part of specifically are a recent pilot program within our department for weight management for teenagers and adolescents with obesity because we now have injectables that help with weight management and obesity specifically,” Dr. Lum Ho said. ”They’re approved for kids 12 and up, so it’s pretty new and cutting edge. I know a lot of primary care pediatrics are not doing much of that right now, but we’re still being intentional. We’re not just prescribing these medications – we need a whole intervention around it. So our pilot program is intended to find good candidates and maybe even create a workflow where they first have an intake with a registered dietitian, have an intake with our nurse to talk about injections and side effect monitoring and have them attend a group class run by our dietitian and nurse. Then, they’d meet with one of our behavioral health providers to ensure we’re not missing an eating disorder or anxiety,” she said.

Dr. Lum Ho says that new initiatives and programs are new opportunities for growth. 

“They’ve been very intentional about empowering us as clinicians to be able to come up with a new workflow, figure out how it implements within our team, present to the rest of the division, and potentially implement it across the organization,” Dr. Lum Ho said. “I never question whether or not they trust or believe in me. It’s really exciting and gratifying to be able to think creatively and improve processes, and being able to create those things and present those things adds a layer of professional development. Really, when you are working with cutting-edge technology or using innovative approaches, it’s impossible not to develop professionally, and we do a lot of that here to serve our community,” she added. 

What Are Three Things You Would Say to Someone Who Was in Your Shoes Before You Joined TrueCare?

Dr. Lum Ho had some excellent wisdom to offer those of you who are considering joining the TrueCare team and applying for a job! In fact, she had three pieces of advice. The first revolves around patients and families.

“If you want to work with this population, TrueCare is truly an amazing place to do it,” said Dr. Lum Ho.  “We have an amazing community of patients and families that we work with, and their medical and social situations can sometimes be complex. But that makes it more rewarding,” she said.

The second piece of advice? Join our team if you want to work with a diverse team. 

“We also have a really varied team that is still on the same page in terms of our mission,” explained Dr. Lum Ho. “That’s pretty rare, so that’s definitely a highlight. We are very warm and welcoming, so it doesn’t matter what walk of life you’re from. What matters is what you believe in,” she said. 

On that note, the third piece of advice is to understand the values that TrueCare stands for!

“It’s really important to understand the core values of our nonprofit organization and ensure they align with yours,” said Dr. Lum Ho. “If they do, and you’re passionate about decreasing health disparities and joining a team that is passionate about providing excellent care for people who may not always have access to excellent care, it will be endlessly fulfilling. You’re truly changing lives,” she said. 

Related Article: How Should I Prepare for an Interview at TrueCare?

Are You Inspired By the Words of Rachel Lum Ho, MD? Apply Today to Make a Meaningful Difference in Your Community.

At TrueCare, our mission goes beyond providing health care — we are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the community while fostering a supportive, collaborative, and compassionate environment for our team. Dr. Rachel Lum Ho exemplifies the core values of our organization, bringing her passion for serving underserved populations and commitment to holistic care to every patient she meets. If you’re driven by a desire to make a real difference and want to be part of a team that prioritizes community, personal growth, and professional fulfillment, we would love to have you join us.

Visit our Careers Page and apply today to become part of a workplace where your work truly matters.

The post Meet the TrueCare Providers: Rachel Lum Ho, MD appeared first on TrueCare.

So, without further ado, meet Nurse Freeman and discover what it’s like to work at a place where every day presents new opportunities to change lives for the better.

Meet the TrueCare Team: Wanda Freeman, PMHNP

Nurse Freeman started at TrueCare as part of our San Diego health center and is a shining example of the kind of person who fits our mission-driven organization. Learn about how our organization supports and accommodates our team through the lens of Nurse Freeman’s story. 

What Inspired You to Pursue a Career in Medicine and Specifically Community Health Care?

For Nurse Freeman, this is more than a profession – community health care is a calling that she continues to seek out, which is why she is such a great fit for the TrueCare team. 

“I find this work really fulfilling,” Nurse Freeman said. “I actually worked at a community health care clinic in Michigan, and when I relocated to California, I specifically sought out other clinics that worked for the community. I love helping people in need, and I think that’s a really important trait for people who want to work at TrueCare,” she said. 

Still, her passion for serving her community was not something she was born with – it was something that was instilled in her from a young age.

“I think people sometimes assume that you have to be born with a heart of gold to get into this kind of work, but it’s like anything – you develop this passion,” Nurse Freeman explained. 

Why Are You Working at TrueCare? 

Because of Nurse Freeman’s commitment to helping her community, she is a natural fit with our nonprofit organization. This passion and her professional experience led her here. 

“I started out in family practice, but so many people came to me and started talking and talking and talking,” Nurse Freeman said. “Most of them were upset, depressed, and sad. I decided to go back to help those people out, and I learned that you can’t really treat a person with high blood pressure or diabetes, for example, by simply treating the physical condition because their depression is contributing to that. I quickly realized that you can’t treat a whole person unless you help them with underlying issues, like depression or anxiety, so they need a well-rounded and compassionate provider who can help with it all. That’s the opportunity I discovered that brought me to TrueCare,” she said. 

Nurse Freeman said that being a well-rounded professional is really important in our nonprofit organization.

“While you don’t necessarily have to do it all, you do have to be a really well-rounded provider at TrueCare,” Nurse Freeman said. “That’s why I work in both a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner,” she elaborated. 

While she has been with our nonprofit organization for over a decade, she says she is happy where she is and feels like she has found her home with our organization.

“I really don’t have a desire to leave,” Nurse Freeman stated. 

What Drew You to the Role at TrueCare?

Part of what has continued to fan the flames of her passion at TrueCare is what drew her to the role in the first place – working for a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving its community with accessible health care. 

“I just love the work I do, and helping families is really fulfilling,” Nurse Freeman said. “It gives me purpose and makes every day exciting. Sometimes, it feels like there’s nowhere else I want to be, which is really important because you work with people who rely on you. Having that commitment is vital because you really build these great relationships with patients and, in some ways, become an extension of their family,” she said. 

While she loves the families she works with, she also loves being a part of the TrueCare family and really values the connections she’s made.

“People here are super welcoming, and it’s a very warm environment,” Nurse Freeman said. “Even people who used to work in behavioral health and went on to some other area in TrueCare, I still message them, and we still talk to each other even though we’re in different locations and departments. It’s still a family to me. Even if I left TrueCare – which I have no intention of doing – I know that I would still keep in touch. It’s a really great support system that we have here, so it’s important to fit that vibe, too,” she said.

How Do You Avoid Burnout and Take Care of Yourself as a TrueCare Provider?

Still, her role can be demanding, so she knows how important self-care is to avoid burnout, which is something she advocates. But she also says the work we do helps. 

“When you take care of yourself, you take better care of your patients, and they feel better,” Nurse Freeman said. “It’s all connected. So self-care is important. But the feeling of making a difference really helps, too. Yesterday, I had one patient tell me they were extremely happy because they actually feel better, and that’s when I feel better. That’s why I do this – to help people. And when they feel good, I feel good. That makes work feel less like work, and it never really feels like you’re working too much,” she said.

Still, when things don’t go as planned or she starts feeling burned out, she says the support from her team helps lift up her spirits.

“If I have a bad day, which I don’t really ever recall, I just call somebody and tell them what happened,” Nurse Freeman said. “Having someone to talk with about this stuff can really make all the difference, and the TrueCare family is always available to lend a friendly ear or a helping hand. But I don’t really vent too much. I’m just really passionate about facilitating health care, so I love what I do,” she explained. 

What Sets TrueCare Apart from Other Community Health Care?

Nurse Freeman understands that there are other clinics with similar goals and a similar mission, but she truly thinks TrueCare is a special place for employees who are not only top quality but also have a passion for helping others. 

“What really sets TrueCare apart from the rest is the sense of purpose it gives you,” said Nurse Freeman. “I didn’t really know TrueCare when I started. I just knew they were a community-focused organization. And when I went in and interviewed, the person who interviewed me – I think it was Dr. Diaz – was wonderful. Everybody I interviewed with and spoke to was really passionate, and I could feel their compassion. If I compare that with when I interviewed with the government, I just didn’t feel that same compassion. So it’s really the people and environment that drew me in,” she said. 

What Was the Interview Process Like at TrueCare?

Clearly, Nurse Freeman enjoyed the interview process and had some invaluable insights to share.

“I went through two interviews,” Nurse Freeman said. “The first person I interviewed with was really nice and sweet, and then I met with the medical director, who was also nice and sweet. They actually showed me around, almost like I was visiting someone’s house for the first time. I spoke to some of the providers, and everybody was really welcoming there. Even the patients were nice and happy when I spoke to them, which says a lot about a clinic, so I knew this was the place I wanted to be,” she said.

Related Article: What Is the Interview Process at TrueCare?

What Does Making a Difference Mean to You?

Ultimately, Nurse Freeman is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, and she believes this is only possible through holistic treatment, which TrueCare’s model positions her to provide in a unique way.

“In our intake, we kind of blend physical and mental health to provide holistic treatment, which is unique and really elevates the experience and results,” Nurse Freeman said. “Making a difference is changing someone’s life for the better, and that requires treating the person as a whole, physically, mentally, and spiritually, as well as accommodating their lifestyle because we have a really diverse pool of patients,” she explained. 

Nurse Freeman said that hearing patients tell her that they’re receiving a level of treatment they have never received makes the job worth it. She says it feels amazing to restore her patients’ agency and create a partnership with them. 

“Patients come to us and feel heard and like we’re in this together, which is new for a lot of them, and they tell us that,” Nurse Freeman said. “It really puts how important this work is in perspective. I ask patients why they transferred, and their answer is almost always that they didn’t feel like their old provider was listening. I say, ‘Just tell me what you need, and I’ll work with you. We’re in this together.’ It’s amazing the power of just listening, which is something we really value at TrueCare. We’re a partner for our patients; we’re not just a provider. I think that’s what sets us apart,” she added. 

What Kind of Mentorship and Growth Opportunities Are There at TrueCare?

Just as importantly, Nurse Freeman says that there are ample opportunities at our nonprofit organization to develop and grow professionally.

“Everyone here is very supportive,” Nurse Freeman said. “I remember there was a time when I felt like we were running through patients too fast and there were no breaks in the schedule. We had patients every 15 minutes. Everyone was already feeling the strain because it was during COVID, and people were depressed because they couldn’t leave the house. When I said that we needed to change the schedule to make things more comfortable here, they did. There wasn’t any resistance. So they actually listen, which is rare for any workplace, not just a clinic,” she said. 

One of the best aspects of working at TrueCare, Nurse Freeman says, is that you don’t just learn from leadership – everyone helps each other learn and grow.

“We just had someone join our team, and I told her to hang in there because things get better,” Nurse Freeman said. “That’s really important because it doesn’t matter what the job is, whether you’re working retail or working in a clinic, there’s always a learning curve, and we really go above and beyond to facilitate and ease that process to ensure that every employee has an optimal learning experience. I used to train employees, and I told this new hire that every Wednesday, I could help her learn for an hour. She really appreciated that I made the time, and it’s really helped a lot. Everyone benefits when everyone is knowledgeable and skilled,” she said. 

Still, she has one piece of advice to ensure new hires are learning: “Take your time, listen, and tell people what you need to tell them. Everyone, including higher-ups, listen.”

She says this is really important because they truly care about employees and want them to enjoy the work they do and stay on the team. 

“I want everyone to know that TrueCare is a great place to work,” Nurse Freeman said. “We have a high standard, but if you’re a good employee and a good person, that means you’re going to treat our patients right. And we don’t want you to leave. We want you to stay,” she added.

Nurse Freeman’s belief in the TrueCare team being a family is more than a buzzword. For her, TrueCare is truly a family affair.

“My daughter-in-law worked at TrueCare for a while, and it was really great to see her experience what it’s like working here,” Nurse Freeman said. “She was a nurse and worked in labor and delivery. She worked upstairs, and then she went back to psych, so she was doing her training in behavioral health. Now, she’s a nurse practitioner. It’s in the family,” she said. 

Are You Inspired By the Words of Wanda Freeman, PMHNP? Apply Today to Make a Meaningful Difference in Your Community.

At TrueCare, we believe in providing holistic care that goes beyond just treating the symptoms, and Nurse Freeman exemplifies that commitment every day. With over a decade of dedication to our mission, Nurse Freeman’s story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—treating everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion. If Nurse Freeman’s passion for community health care resonates with you, and you’re looking for a place where you can truly make a difference in the lives of others, TrueCare could be the perfect fit. Join our team and become part of a nonprofit organization where both professional growth and community impact come together in a truly fulfilling way. Visit our Careers Page, apply today, and take the next step in your journey to making a meaningful, lasting difference.

The post Meet the TrueCare Providers: Wanda Freeman, PMHNP appeared first on TrueCare.

At TrueCare, we love celebrating our team, and today, we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Carrio to learn more about her journey and her experience working at TrueCare. Keep reading to hear about the meaningful work she’s doing and how she’s making a real difference in the community.

Meet the TrueCare Team: Kelsey Carrio, MD

Dr. Carrio has a genuine passion for serving her community. She loves making patients feel comfortable and goes above and beyond to ensure that our care is compassionate – a vital component of our culture. 

“One of my biggest motivations when I come to work is to make every day a new day to succeed,” she said, “and I’m always motivated to provide health equity to patients. We meet people where they are, speak their language, provide compassionate care, and actually listen and respect each patients’ voice.”

What Inspired You to Pursue a Career in Community Medicine?

When we sat down to speak with Dr. Carrio, her passion for community medicine was palpable, and it was immediately clear how important her community is for her. 

“Community medicine is a huge passion of mine, and I’ve worked with this community for several years now,” she said. “What I love about it is it’s really impactful to take care of those that need access to quality health care the most but don’t have it. It’s fulfilling to provide that access,” she added.

This commitment to her community can, in many ways, be tied to her background.

“The underserved and Hispanic population truly speaks to my heart,” she said, “and living in this community myself, I see my patients outside of the clinic, whether it’s at the grocery store or the post office, and I love seeing them love the care we provide. Seeing their health in their day-to-day lives reinforces how important the work we do is – that’s why I got into this field. When you are an active member of the community like we are at TrueCare, you gain a deeper appreciation of the work you do and why it matters. The evidence of why our mission is so important is the healthy, smiling faces all around you.”  

What’s it Like Being a Lead Clinician at TrueCare? 

Dr. Carrio thoroughly enjoys the work she does at TrueCare, citing the encouragement she has received from leadership and her colleagues. One of the primary reasons she enjoys her position is the opportunity to continuously grow in her career. 

“Being a lead clinician at TrueCare has really shaped my career,” she explained, “because I’ve had the chance to listen to my peers and learn from them to make great changes and improve health care outcomes for our patients.”  

Dr. Carrio is a shining example of this opportunity for professional development. After just about three and a half years working with us, she is now the Associate Clinical Director of Adult Medicine and beamed with excitement as she described her experience. 

“Working at TrueCare has really given me an opportunity to grow,” she said, “because our leadership has been phenomenal in supporting growth and development, and they’re always looking for people to move up the ladder – which could mean you!” 

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Working at TrueCare?

Ultimately, however, what Dr. Carrio finds the most fulfilling about working with our organization is the care we provide for communities that are too often underserved.

“My favorite thing about working here is definitely the passion the entire team has for supporting the community,” she said. “We’re a mission-driven organization, so it’s really important to have everyone aligned in their values. It feels like we’re all a part of something really special every day we come to work. That’s pretty rare,” she added. 

She says that the mobile units we deploy to help those who lack access to adequate health care is one of the most fulfilling parts of her role at TrueCare.

“One of our great assets here at TrueCare is the ability to use mobile units to access the community in places that are hard to reach,” she said. “We believe health care should be accessible to anyone who needs it, and providing that support is incredibly meaningful,” she added. 

How Does TrueCare Motivate Their Team?

One aspect of her role that she likes the most is the opportunity to motivate and inspire the team. 

“Everyone at TrueCare is always trying to motivate each other to do great work – that’s really important, especially in a field that can be hectic,” she said. “The thing that is said on a daily basis to motivate the team is, ‘Remember our mission, take care of patients to the best of our ability, and do it with a smile.’ It really helps to have these little reminders, no matter what role you are in,” she said. 

Are You Inspired By the Words of Kelsey Carrio, MD? Apply Today to Make a Meaningful Difference in Your Community.

Dr. Kelsey Carrio is the perfect example of what makes TrueCare so special. She is dedicated to serving the community with compassion, commitment, and a deep belief in making health care accessible for everyone. Her passion for community medicine and ongoing growth within the organization is a reflection of the supportive, empowering environment we foster here at TrueCare. If Dr. Carrio’s story inspires you and you’re ready to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to have you on our team. 

At TrueCare, we’re committed to caring for both our patients and our staff, creating an environment where you can grow personally and professionally while uplifting the community. Apply today to be part of something truly special.

The post Meet the TrueCare Providers: Kelsey Carrio, MD appeared first on TrueCare.

To give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be part of the TrueCare team, we would like to shine a spotlight on the wonderful Dr. Calhoun, one of our dedicated providers, to hear about her experience and what makes TrueCare so special.

Meet the TrueCare Team: Chanelle Calhoun, MD

Dr. Calhoun works in pediatric care at TrueCare’s Mission Mesa Pediatrics location. She has worked with TrueCare for nearly 30 years. We are thrilled to share Dr. Calhoun’s story and experience working at our location to provide some insights into what it’s like to work at a mission-driven organization. 

What Inspired You to Pursue a Career in Medicine and Specifically Community Health Care Pediatrics?

When you meet Dr. Calhoun, she radiates warmth and passion for her work and community, which is no surprise considering her career path in community health and pediatrics. 

“My dad said I wanted to be a nurse when I was young,” she said. “While I don’t recall that, I do recall being in high school, taking anatomy and physiology, and naturally being good at it. My teachers noticed and encouraged me to aspire to bigger things. In my family, no one had graduated from college, so it was very special, and they were really proud when I eventually went to UC Irvine,” she explained. 

Her experience with family members and in school inspired her to serve her community with her talents. 

“I was involved in a lot of different groups for people who want to do medicine, and that’s where I learned more about the unique needs communities have,” she explained. “I also learned a lot from witnessing my family have illnesses and chronic problems. That’s when I decided to pursue a degree in medicine and activism. I was involved in different organizations that served and did activities marching for Divestment in South Africa. I’ve always been very cause and mission-driven, which is why TrueCare was a great fit for me professionally and personally,” she said.

During this process, Dr. Calhoun learned about meaningful career opportunities through the lens of public health, so she pursued her public health degree.

“I got that right after college at Yale, and that’s when everything got tied together for me,” she said, “because it solidified my interest and helped me find my career calling for impacting and uplifting communities from the public health level at a larger scale.”

After she finished her Master’s degree in 1986, Dr. Calhoun started an internship at CDC in Atlanta, which she considers the most exciting and enlightening experience thus far in her long career. 

“I got to meet a lot of very important people in health care on a national level who mentored me, and I learned about different activities at the organization,” she said. “For example, I’m sure you’ve heard about some of the horrible medical injustices in the United States, like the syphilis research project. I learned from people who were alive to witness it, and they taught me the long-term effects of that. I was able to connect with a lot of other African-American scientists from all areas of public health, and that helped me narrow down my focus to public health and chronic disease prevention,” she added. 

After this experience, Dr. Calhoun worked in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for a year and then returned to California to start medical school, where she fell in love with pediatrics – which was a great fit because she loves kids.

“What I love about this field is that you have a chance to change people’s lives in an incredible way.  With kids, you can help them build healthier habits, which has an immeasurable impact on virtually every aspect of their life, from now until they’re older,” she explained.

How Do You Handle the Mental Strain of Working with Kids Who Are Sick? 

While Dr. Calhoun loved the idea of working with kids, in theory, she had a very legitimate reservation about diving into pediatrics. She loves kids, but she didn’t know if she could handle taking on a patient who died.

“The mere thought of that was devastating to me, but after talking to other people, especially people who worked in oncology, about working with kids who are sick, they helped me realize that while it can be a heavy burden on your mind and heart, you can still help some of them get well and recover, and you can give them hope,” she said. “This blew my mind and made me realize why this work is so important,” she added.

After finishing medical school at the University of Southern California (USC), Dr. Calhoun did her residency at Children’s Los Angeles, joined the National Health Service Corp, and then came straight to TrueCare. She has been with us since we had our Cassidy Street office.

“That office was a cute little office that was two blocks from the beach, and I love the beach. I had my son at that point, and I thought it would be a fun area for us, so I started there,” she said. “But I was really shocked by the amount of social injustice and different adversities the patients in a community health center face. It’s much different than the controlled environments you see patients in when you’re doing your residency because you’re not dealing with the social aspects and not worried about whether or not they can make their appointments, for example,” she elaborated. 

As a result, she learned a lot about social action and different ways to support her patients.

“I didn’t plan on staying longer than three years, but as we grew and I got to know my patients and their needs, I realized I had the opportunity to help and make a difference in their lives and their families’ lives. While I’ve been here, I’ve done so many things in the community, and what’s kept me bound to TrueCare is support from leadership and my feeling that the mission, vision, and core values aligned with my desire to help others,” she said. 

Why You Should Work at TrueCare: According to Dr. Chanelle Calhoun.

Ultimately, it’s this desire to serve that made TrueCare feel at home for Dr. Calhoun because our service extends far beyond the health center. If you want to do work that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of your community, TrueCare is the workplace for you. 

“One of my favorite things that we used to do before COVID was our annual holiday party for kids. It grew to over a thousand kids, and we gave them presents, had a Santa Claus, and gave out snacks and things like that. Dr. Curley, one of the other pediatricians, would usually be Santa. To have that time with families who I’ve seen through generations come and smile and give me a present was very heartwarming and all the evidence I needed of where I fit in the community. It solidified my purpose,” she said. 

TrueCare continues to be a nonprofit organization that Dr. Calhoun is proud to work for because of the mission and team that helps us achieve it. 

“I’m proud when I think of how much we do for our community – we sponsor so many food donations and work with other companies to get food and services, and we work in different areas with our mobile units to support patients experiencing homeless areas to support patients in need who can’t get to us. We even arrange transportation. This is what makes working here special – you are uplifting communities that are too often underserved,” she said.

However, she says that one of the most unique and fulfilling aspects of her job is serving a family for generations and watching them grow.

“One of my favorite aspects of this work is being able to take care of generations of patients,” she said. “For example, when I first came down and was working at the Cassidy Street office, I had a patient who was about 18. She ended up having her daughter and brought her to me, so I called her my grandpatient. Then her daughter grew up and now has her own kids, so I call them my great grandpatient, and I can’t tell you how much joy that brings me. It’s a true testament to the care that TrueCare has allowed me to provide and the security and the comfort that patients feel that makes them trust and come to us for several generations. We become a part of their family,” she said.

How Does TrueCare Support Its Employees in Bolstering Community and Professional Growth?

Dr. Calhoun and her team go to great lengths to not only support providers but also to ensure that they are happy in their roles – she even started an initiative to bolster support.

“About 10 years ago, myself and a couple of other providers felt a need for our company to be more aware of burnout and wellness and other activities that help lift up providers and support them, so we created this group called the professional engagement team that revolves around mentoring new hires, providing education, arranging for Continued Medical Education, promoting wellness, and supporting providers to prevent burnout,” she said. 

This process entailed developing a web page, writing and publishing articles, and creating an annual retreat. Because the team has different specialties, Dr. Calhoun worked to decide what wellness means for everyone – not just for the providers. 

“We want you to be as professionally and personally fulfilled as possible because when you’re at your best, you give your patients your best,” she said.

This program grew as they incorporated individual activities like walking contests to promote wellness. Since then, it has blossomed, and the team has rolled wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusions into one. 

“Marie ‘Mimi’ Matteo, CNM, has been a key figure in this initiative,” she explained. “Her TrueBelonging Wellness Within Committee helps support the well-being of team members and creates excitement around leading a healthy lifestyle. If you feel well at work, you feel a sense of belonging. She does a lot to support everyone’s wellness, even through things that are going on with grants and money potentially going away. She posts things on our website and sends notices to our workers that we’re going to get through this, and our goals and mission have not changed. The company has reached out to staff to let them know not to worry and that we’re not going anywhere – we reassure our team because we are invested in you when you work here,” she said.

She beams with joy, knowing that she and her team are there to take care of their people and cater to their needs and health. 

“It’s funny – I mentioned that we serve several generations of families, and it’s gotten to the point that we get new hires who were our patients,” she said with a smile, “and now we’ve got three or four people working on our team who used to be my patients. I was their pediatrician. It’s really amazing to invest in patients, see what they are interested in, and support them beyond being just a provider to them. When I do physicals, even starting from Kindergarten, I say, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ And I continue to ask that and, sometimes, when they say they want to be in health care, I say, ‘OK, make sure you do this, make sure you do that, and then maybe volunteer with us.’”

We support each and every one of our team members with the same dedication and care with which we serve our patients as we work together to uplift our communities. 

What’s the Culture and Team Dynamic Like at TrueCare?

Still, Dr. Calhoun is well aware that working in pediatrics is fast-paced and requires a lot of patience and understanding of children.

“I’m not involved with the hiring process anymore because I was promoted to the Director of Pediatrics, but one of my questions I would ask interviewees would be, ‘Do you like children?’” she explained. “Some people don’t think about or realize what they’re getting into, so you definitely have to have compassion and grace – that’s a big part of our culture at TrueCare–love, grace, excitement, and compassion,” she added. 

Because our patients come from so many different walks of life, some can be difficult or have complicated situations, so it is important that our staff shows them grace no matter what. Dr. Calhoun is thrilled at the retention and longevity she has seen.

“Our team is really special because they all understand the importance of what we do and the impact we make, and they want to do it with integrity and love, so that’s a key part of the culture and team dynamic,” she said. 

We have different locations, so you can also expect to collaborate with a larger network of teammates – we support each other, build each other up, and sometimes have friendly competitions that are really fun for everyone. 

“There’s never a boring day here, that’s for sure,” she said, “and we think that’s a good thing.”

Are You Inspired By the Words of Chanelle Calhoun, MD? Apply Today to Make a Meaningful Difference in Your Community.

At TrueCare, our mission is more than just health care. We strive to make a real, lasting impact on the community while creating a supportive, collaborative, and caring environment for our team. Dr. Chanelle Calhoun perfectly represents the heart of our organization, serving others with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to improving lives. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to join a team that values community, personal growth, and professional fulfillment, we’d love to have you on board.

Visit our Careers Page and apply today, and become part of a workplace where your contributions truly make a difference.

The post Meet the TrueCare Providers: Chanelle Calhoun, MD appeared first on TrueCare.

Meet Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Deborshi Dasgupta! He provides podiatry services at our Older Adult Health Center in San Marcos.

Go behind the scrubs and read more fun facts about HIM below!

Dr. Dasgupta front row at a concert.

What is your go-to music genre?

My go to Music Genre: EDM (Electronic Dance Music)! Since returning to the San Diego area, I have had the chance to see so many artists such as Nora En Pure, Vandelux, Elderbrook, Mild Minds and Jojo Lorenzo. SD is hands down one of the best places for an EDM lover like me.

Favorite comfort food?

My favorite comfort food is an In-N-Out Cheeseburger with French Fries. I discovered that if you squeeze Lemon Juice and pour some peppers on In-N-Out fries, it’s sensational!

Dr. Dasgupta with a coworker in San Francisco.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Why?

If I could travel anywhere in the world, it would be Lisbon, Portugal. The city was such a treat for the senses in every way. Colorful, energetic, and full of history and stunning architecture. The coastline is a plus also!

Do you have a go-to karaoke song?

My go to karaoke song is a surprising one! It’s “One Last Kiss” by P!nk.

TrueCare offers a wide range of affordable, quality services from primary care and pediatrics to dental, behavioral health, women’s health, and specialty care! If you are looking for a provider in San Diego or Riverside County, TrueCare is your patient-centered medical home! Our providers are compassionate and truly care for your well-being.

The post Meet Our Providers: Deborshi Dasgupta, DPM appeared first on TrueCare.

Meet Dr. Maria Chavez Santos! She provides primary care services at our Carlsbad location.

Dr. Santos finished the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon!

Go behind the scrubs and read more fun facts about her below!
 
 

If you were a fruit, what would you be? And if you were a vegetable, which one?

I would be a coconut because it reminds me of summer, which is my favorite season! As a vegetable, I would be kale. I just love kale, especially dino kale!
 
 

Dr. Santos with her family in Italy.

Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?

The Amalfi Coast! I went with my family in the summer of 2023, and it was the most memorable trip I have been on.
 
 

What are the 3 best apps on your phone?

Instagram, Spotify, and Google Maps.
 
 

Dr. Santos with one of her beloved dogs.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I am a night owl by nature, but I have made myself a morning person so I can wake up early to exercise.
 

Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.

I danced ballet and flamenco for several years growing up, and was learning how to play violin in the last few years.

TrueCare offers a wide range of affordable, quality services from primary care and pediatrics to dental, behavioral health, women’s health, and specialty care! If you are looking for a provider in San Diego or Riverside County, TrueCare is your patient-centered medical home! Our providers are compassionate and truly care for your well-being.

The post Meet Our Providers: Maria Chavez Santos, MD appeared first on TrueCare.