Dr. Rutherford is a retired orthopedic doctor. But upon observation, it seemed as though I have a different perspective of what it means to be retired. As he walked in and out of patient rooms with a medical student, he appeared to be as active as any medical staff member. And it was apparent – he truly loves what he does.
Dr. Rutherford has been volunteering at CHAS for the last ten plus years. He can be found one day a month at the Denny Murphy Clinic, in Downtown Spokane. He sees between 8-12 patients each day, depending on the presence of a student. “I love CHAS patients; they might not receive care otherwise, so I am happy to help.” Rutherford said.
In addition to volunteering at CHAS, Dr. Rutherford also volunteers at Dirne Community Health Center, Spokane Guilds’ School, and Project Access (a network of providers who perform services to patients who could not otherwise afford them). Once a year, he travels to New York for six weeks to volunteer his services. Additionally, he spends time training interns, as well as offering continuing education classes for current providers.
When asked why he volunteers, he simply states because it provides something for him that cannot be explained, and that someone needs to help people who otherwise would not be able to get the services they need.
From the time spent with Dr. Rutherford, it is clear that he truly loves what he does, and loves that he can do it around a schedule that is now working for him and his family.
We’d like to take a moment to thank you Dr. Rutherford for all you provide to CHAS and the community at large. Your contributions have benefited so many and your commitment to helping others in need is truly admirable!
