CommunityHealth shines the Volunteer Spotlight on Dr. Laurence Gott during February.
With over 1,372 hours served since July of 2011, Dr. Gott has volunteered every single week at the clinic for over ten years as a specialty provider in urology.
For his devoted service and critical care, Dr. Gott was awarded 2023 Volunteer Specialist of the Year for the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Dr. Gott talked with CommunityHealth to share more about his career as a culturally competent care provider who more than values but embodies Quality Health Care For All…
In a few sentences, tell us more about yourself and your background.
“I was born and raised in Chicago. I studied at Notre Dame, went to medical school at University of Illinois, and completed general surgery residency at University of Illinois. I was an air force general surgeon and completed specialty training in urology surgery at Indiana University where I was faculty in the department of urology. I founded Compherensive Urologic Care practice in the northwest suburbs.”
What is your favorite memory of a patient at CommunityHealth?
“One young man would see me regularly for severe diabetes and urologic issues. His wife and their 3 little boys would accompany him into the exam room. They were a wonderful family. His wife really helped and encouraged him to follow all of his medical advice. But the little boys were terrific! They were, of course, bouncy boys – but they were the best behaved little guys ever – with a fine Mom and Dad. I always looked forward to seeing them in the clinic.”
What is your favorite overall memory from CommunityHealth?
“I will never forget the contribution CommunityHealth made to Chicago and its community during the pandemic. To me, CommunityHealth was a critical part of the overall Chicago response to the pandemic. This clinic stayed open through the worst of times. If I recall, at the height of the pandemic, the COVID positive test rate at CommunityHealth approached 50%… yet Community Health hung in there. CommunityHealth adapted rapidly, finding PPE for the staff, offering COVID screenings (even on the sidewalk). Pandemic or not, the CommunityHealth patients still needed health care – and they got it.”
How and why did you begin volunteering at CommunityHealth?
“I volunteered because I hoped to use my urologic training after I had retired. I evaluated many clinics in the Chicago area but I fell in love with CommunityHealth at my first visit.”
What has kept you volunteering all of this time?
“Hey, it never gets old. The patients are great. The staff is terrific. And we’re all doing something worthwhile.“
What has been your biggest takeaway from your time with CommunityHealth?
“I never cease to marvel at the CommunityHealth staff and how professional, talented, caring and committed they all are.“
How do you like to spend your free time?
“My wife and I have 9 grandchildren. That keeps us busy.“
What is your favorite book?
“I love the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy series.”
What is your favorite song?
“One of my favorite songs is ‘Car Wheels on a Gravel Road’ by Lucinda Williams.“
CommunityHealth is More Than A Free Clinic thanks to passionate volunteers like Dr. Gott.
As we train the next generation of health care providers, CommunityHealth welcomes you to apply to volunteer at the largest volunteer-based free clinic in the nation, serving over 20 specialties in our patients’ native languages.