Health, Healing, & Hope with Our Dr. Steven Wilk, MD

Giving the Gift of Health, Healing, & Hope with Dr. Steven Wilk, MD, GFC’s Volunteer Medical Director

Investing in Public Health in Indianapolis Through Volunteering at Gennesaret Free Clinics

In our world at Gennesaret Free Clinics, as a completely free-of-charge health clinic network, we rely heavily on the impact of volunteers. There is no better example of the immense impact of volunteering on our mission than Dr. Steven Wilk, MD, our Volunteer Medical Director. Hear from Dr. Wilk, MD, in his own words in this article about how he has made a difference with his volunteering and how volunteering has made a difference to him in return.

In the Words of Dr. Steven Wilk, MD…

“After a recent morning volunteering in one of our Free Clinics, I could not help but feel the immense pleasure and privilege of helping some of the many people who utilize our clinics for Healthcare advice and treatment. As a retired Family Doctor, I have volunteered many times over the years providing care to uninsured and underinsured individuals, some homeless and some unemployed and some employed but struggling from paycheck to paycheck, and all seeking care in our complex and far too expensive Healthcare system.

During this recent clinic, I met two young women who needed physicals in order to continue their training to become CNA’s ( certified nursing assistants). One of them was with her 3 month old baby. Both these women were trying to gain the skills necessary to help make their lives and that of their families’ a little better. There were also two middle aged gentlemen, both bus drivers. One drove a school bus. In his native country he received a PhD and was a professor of Political Science. Fluent in 5 languages, he was happy to engage me in a discussion about AI and its impact on the world. The other gentleman drove a bus for the city, but could not afford the Health insurance offered at work and was hoping to get some of his care through our clinic. Another patient was a new employee at her job and did not yet qualify for her employer covered health insurance. She had an acute illness and wanted to be checked before returning to work.

Every one of these folks allowed me to expand my world and taught me something new. This is one of the great gifts of volunteering.

As we continue on this journey, I suspect the need for our volunteer services will only continue to grow. If you have an opportunity to give back , please take that opportunity. It is well worth it.”

About Dr. Steven Wilk, MD

Dr. Steven Wilk received his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1979. He then completed his family medicine residency at Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Wilk is board certified in family medicine and has been in practice since 1982. After 25 years of family medicine practice in the Chicago suburbs, Dr. Wilk relocated to Indianapolis. His practice involves the full range of family medicine, from caring for newborns to the elderly. While in Illinois, Dr. Wilk was active in the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians and has served as President and Chairman of the Board of the Illinois Academy. Dr. Wilk has also spent time training residents at the Hinsdale Family Practice Residency program. Dr. Wilk is married and has three children, including twins (a son and a daughter) as well as an older son.