Melinda Stewart is a licensed nurse practitioner who spent her 43-year career working at the VA hospital. She worked primarily in adult medicine with a specialty in HIV care.
When CrossOver was founded in 1983, Melinda (back row, third from left) was supportive from the start. In the mid-90s, she began volunteering one evening per week, and when she retired from the VA in 2015, she decided to give one day each week to CrossOver patients. She has worked with our primary care as well as HIV clients.
Recently, as Melinda approached her 70th birthday, she decided to retire from clinical service at CrossOver. She is finding other ways to give back in the community and to keep up her Spanish, which is one of her passions. She also loves to work in her garden and to travel, especially in Central and South America.
Over her years at CrossOver, Melinda gave nearly 900 volunteer hours. The patients made it worthwhile, she says. “They had needs that, if taken care of, could improve their lives significantly.” And in return, she says, “the patients really gave me their thanks, their kindness, their love in their own way.”
“ Melinda has been a faithful clinician and team member for so many years, ” says Dr. Mike Murchie, CrossOver medical director. “ Our staff and those we are blessed to serve are so appreciative of her care.”
Eleanor Sanchez, Richmond Clinic manager, is also thankful for Melinda and her dedication. “ We already miss her! ” she says.
CrossOver volunteers are the hands and feet of compassionate healthcare. We depend on volunteers of many kinds, including medical providers, translators, administrative support personnel, and more. To find out more about volunteering at CrossOver, visit our volunteer page here.