The Kendig Family Medicine Fund
A Family Commitment to Family Medicine
Newton E. Kendig II, MD '84, Establishes Legacy Fund to Serve the Underserved
The sixth of seven relatives to study medicine at Jefferson, Newton E. Kendig II, MD ’84 strengthened his family’s ties to the university by establishing the Kendig Family Medicine Fund. This fund, housed in our Department of Family and Community Medicine, was created for the purpose of aiding students, residents, and fellows focused on initiatives and programs to care for underserved patient populations
We are so grateful for the generosity and philanthropy of the Kendig family.
Message from the Chair
Anna Flattau, MD, MSc, MS
Philanthropy in Jefferson’s Department of Family and Community Medicine is more than just a financial contribution; it’s about fostering a culture of care that extends beyond the clinic and into the very fabric of our communities. By supporting initiatives that address health disparities, enhance access to care, and promote wellness, we ensure that our work remains rooted in the values of compassion, equity, and service. It's through philanthropy that we amplify our impact and create a legacy of health for generations to come.
Testimonials
Gamal Fitzpatrick, MD
I completed my residency in Internal Medicine at Brookdale University Medical Center in New York City, having earned my medical degree from Trinity School of Medicine in 2016. During my residency, I developed a keen interest in treating patients with Alcohol and Tobacco Use Disorders, which motivated me to pursue a fellowship in Addiction Medicine.
Currently, as an Addiction Medicine fellow in Philadelphia, I am dedicated to delivering exceptional care to underserved communities while researching strategies to enhance treatment retention among vulnerable populations. My work is deeply inspired by Dr. Lara Weinstein and the exemplary efforts at Jefferson, where I have been actively involved in both patient care and educational initiatives.
Throughout my fellowship, I was honored with a teaching award and inducted into the Stephen Klein Clinical Educators Honor Roll for 2023-2024, in recognition of my dedication to teaching. I have also received commendatory feedback from students.
At Jefferson Addiction Service, which earned the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Service last year, I serve as the education lead and course director for the elective clerkship rotation, where I develop curricula for residents and students. I chose Jefferson for its distinguished 200-year history, top regional ranking, and welcoming environment, and I have greatly valued the opportunity to collaborate with a committed team and supportive staff.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue my career within the Jefferson healthcare system, with a focus on advancing education in addiction and substance use disorders. I aim to develop a comprehensive rotation for students to foster the growth of the next generation of physicians
"I am profoundly grateful for the support from the Kendig fund to the Addiction Medicine fellowship at Jefferson Health. Their support has been instrumental to our mission of improving access to care and improving the quality of care for patients with Substance Use Disorders in Philadelphia. "
Dr. Shane´ J. Gill, LPC
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
The Kendig Family’s generous support has been instrumental in advancing my research on racial equity for the African Diaspora. Their funds have enabled critical work, including compensating participants in a study examining culture’s impact on behavioral health assessment for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
It is important to underscore the urgency of this research. Jefferson’s unique position in behavioral health for people of color, particularly in light of the geographic location of the institution (Philadelphia and the surrounding communities) and the challenges faced by the patient population, creates a pressing need for this study and my current research. The perils faced by this population underscore the necessity of our work and the immediate impact it can have.
As an Afro-Caribbean woman, I am deeply committed to using my education to improve health outcomes and promote equity for this population. Jefferson’s emphasis on behavioral health and equity in primary care aligns perfectly with my mission.
Looking ahead, additional funding may be warranted to further this vital work. Investment in primary care practices that integrate behavioral health services is not just beneficial, but essential. It is through such endeavors that we can continue to make strides toward achieving racial equity in healthcare.
Dr. Sara Beachy
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
“I am profoundly grateful for the support from the Kendig funds, which empowers us to pursue these critical research endeavors. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on patient care and system efficiency”.
As part of my current role, I am fortunate to work on two distinct projects were aided by the Kendig funds:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Primary Care: As part of our dedicated team, consisting of six psychologists across four US entities, we are committed to adapting DBT for primary care contexts. We recognize the challenges associated with outpatient therapy referrals, and thus, we’re conducting a feasibility study. Through insightful interviews with family medicine physicians and patients, we’re gathering valuable perspectives on the DBT program. Our ultimate aim is to create a manual specifically tailored for primary care settings, providing essential support for behavioral health consultants.
Substance Use and Trauma-Informed Care: In collaboration with the Bridge Program team, we’re delving into the intersection of substance use and trauma-informed practices. By embracing trauma-informed approaches, we seek to center the perspectives of the most vulnerable individuals to understand how to provide more comprehensive and holistic care to people who have endured structural violence. Furthermore, we’ll analyze the relationship between these hospital experiences and 30-day readmissions, with the Bridge Program serving as a crucial moderator.
Events
Community Partnership Symposium
On June 5th, 2024, the Department of Family & Community Medicine hosted its first ever CCommunity Partnership Symposium. This engaging facilitated panel discussion focused on ways health systems can foster robust partnerships with the community. Our panel participants represented the following community organizations:
- SEAMACC - Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition
Thoai Nguyen
CEO - NNCC - National Nurse Led Care Consortium
Lizz Tooher
Sr. Director, Child Health & Education - Maternity Care Coalition
Karen Pollack
EVP of Programs & Operations - Face to Face
Mary Kay Meeks-Hank
Executive Director
This symposium was made possible in part by the Kendig Family Medicine Fund, which supports the Department of Family and Community Medicine's commitment to underserved patient populations.