News From AmeriCares Free Clinics

Practicing Old Fashioned Medicine…

Being the Medical Director of AmeriCares Free Clinic of Norwalk is not Dr. Jack Falsone’s first experience volunteering in a clinic setting. Early in his career he volunteered at the Winchester Chest Clinic at Yale New Haven Hospital. This was after completing his education at two NY schools and a lucky call to service with the United States Air Force during the Korean War stationed in Alaska. Upon returning to the east coast, married, and with a child, he connected with 2 college classmates who encouraged him to come to practice at Norwalk Hospital. He retired his full time role as assistant chief of pulmonary medicine but continues to consult in the department.

Dr. Falsone’s relationship with AFC NW started in 1994 when SNET donated equipment to the Norwalk clinic for a 3-year pilot study of telemedicine; the ability to see and talk to a patient in one location and to be seen by a doctor in a separate location, all of this over the telephone lines. Dr. Falsone recruited specialist friends from Norwalk Hospital to consult with the patients in the clinic. He recalls seeing a patient at the clinic, recognized a rash that needed attention and with the appropriate equipment, a dermatologist was able to review the rash and provide the appropriate medical advice.

When answering why he enjoys volunteering at the clinic there’s a twinkle in his eye and a broad reflective smile comes across his face.” Practicing at the free clinic is old-fashioned medicine… the way it used to be. You can deliver medicine based on what the patient needs, not on what is allowed,” says Dr. Falsone.

Dr. Falsone enjoys the continuing education opportunities he gets by remaining active as a volunteer, consulting part time at NH, and continues to attend weekly educational lectures. He serves on the Advisory Council of the Norwalk clinic and regularly recruits fellow physicians to volunteer. “This is a great chance to give back to the community in a rewarding environment where the patients are grateful and thankful for what is being done for them. The lack of paperwork and third party interference is attractive too!”