While most Americans recently reflected on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Bruce Gould rolled up his sleeves and reached out to the people of New Orleans.

Dr. Gould was asked to participate in a free health clinic held in New Orleans during Katrina’s anniversary. The clinic was sponsored by the National Association of Free Clinics which has organized free screenings across the country for people with little or no insurance. I had the privilege of joining Dr. Gould in February when a similar event was held in Hartford — and hundreds of people in our region sought help.

Accompanying him on the recent trip were third-year medical student James Wallace, and Dr. Juliet Appiah, a resident. For all three, it was an awe-inspiring experience. According to Dr. Gould, they saw patients with a wide range of medical issues from hypertension and heart disease to gall stones — all of whom were very appreciative of the care UConn provided.

Earlier this summer, Dr. Gould precepted the activities of second-year resident Marilyn Katz and fourth-year medical student Jessica Johnson who participated in a free clinic in Washington, D.C., which was also sponsored by the National Association of Free Clinics.

Please join me in commending Dr. Gould for his leadership, advocacy and compassion and for sharing his knowledge with our students, residents and fellows.