1. Healing is Intrinsic for Health Center Volunteer
2. Hands On San Diego
3. Learning through Service at St. Vincent’s
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4. Recipe Books Read Like Novels to Long-time Indio Volunteer
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5. Volunteers Help Thrifty Shoppers
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Healing is Intrinsic for Health Center Volunteer
By Martha Lepore

Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat discusses symptoms with Village patient.

   Combine the energy of Oprah, the expertise of Dr. Joyce Brothers and the artistic soul of Toni Morrison and you gain insight into Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat.
An OB/GYN who volunteers monthly at St. Vincent de Paul Village Health Center, Jean-Murat brings many assets to Village patients.

   " Dr. Jean-Murat’s ability to relate to clients as a woman and as a Spanish-speaking doctor really helps the delivery of her medical services," says Center Medical Director Dr. Margaret McCahill. "In addition to being able to work without a translator, she has a dynamic way of communicating with clients that inspires them to get more serious about taking care of themselves."

   A woman of varied interests, Jean-Murat has contributed her skills to the Village since 1997.

   " She is one of our most reliable volunteers and does all the minor female surgeries that can be done in our clinic," notes Teresa Simms, program manager for the health center. "She has written several books and founded a wellness center for mid-life women in San Diego."

   Born in Haiti and the oldest of six children, Dr. Jean-Murat finds time to return home and raise money for her volunteer work in the city of La Vallee de Jacmel. She had considered retiring there.

   "In the mid-90s with all the rat race of insurance and billings in private practice, I thought about retiring, which would mean ending my work at St. Vincent’s," she recalls. "When I mentioned this to Consuela, one of my Village patients, she said, ‘But, doctora, what will happen to us poor ladies?’

   " Her words pulled a string of my heart," she continues. "Patients have a way of making me feel I have to come back. I’m a healer, I want to heal, so I’ve continued my practice in the states, fundraising for Haiti and volunteering at St. Vincent’s."