Dr. Vipin Popat, Shepherd’s Hope volunteer doctor and chief of Internal Medicine with Physician Associates, was recognized as “Shepherd’s Hope Volunteer Doctor of the Year for 2006.” 

Dr. Popat has been a faithful volunteer at the Walker Shepherd’s Hope Health Center since September 2001 and his dedication to providing free medical care to the uninsured, low-income earned him the honor of being selected as “Volunteer Doctor of the Year.”

In a recent article in Central Florida Doctor magazine, Dr. Popat summed up his commitment and philosophy this way:  “There comes a time in your life when you want to pay back to society – do something that has nothing to do with money.  It’s nice to give back, with no strings attached.  It’s unconditional love.”

Before coming to the U.S., he practiced medicine in Africa so he has a real desire to reach out to the unfortunate.  He likens Spepherd’s Hope to a lighthouse in the dark – “a place to provide direction for those who long for help.”

According to Dr. Popat, “There’s nothing like seeing the gratitude in people’s eyes.  Money can’t buy it.”

Shepherd’s Hope is pleased to have Dr. Popat and hundreds of doctors and health care providers who willing share their time and skills to being hope and healing to the less fortunate in our community.