As the tantalizing aroma of crackling BBQ grilling filled the air, Susan Rudolph, a Lake County native, suddenly felt a sizzling wave of discomfort in her chest, leading to a 911 call.
“My heart was racing so fast, and I felt faint. I couldn’t catch my breath,” Rudolph exclaimed, clutching her chest as she recalled the frightening moment.
At 62 years old, Rudolph had never dealt with chronic medical conditions or taken routine medications. But when her symptoms persisted, she found herself making a few trips to the emergency department. Everything changed when she learned about the AdventHealth Waterman Community Clinic.
Nestled in Eustis, Fla., AdventHealth’s clinic provides free health care services to uninsured adults who qualify in North Lake County. With the support of clinical volunteers, the clinic treats approximately 60 patients weekly.
After a divorce, Rudolph, once a working professional and later a stay-at-home mom, found herself without medical insurance. With no insurance and a heart condition, she couldn’t find a cardiologist. Yet, through the clinic she was able to be seen by cardiologist Dr. Miguel Bryce, who specializes in treating abnormal heart rhythms.
Bryce discovered she had supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a condition causing rapid heartbeats. This means the heart can race from 160 to 240 beats per minute in short bursts.
“We were able to cure her,” Bryce said. “After performing a procedure to correct this condition at AdventHealth Waterman, Susan doesn’t need any medication, and her heart is back to normal.”
Grateful for the care she received, Rudolph credits the clinic with saving her life.
“If it were not for this clinic and Dr. Bryce, I probably wouldn’t be alive right now,” Rudolph said.
Bryce added, “This clinic changes lives, and I’m proud to be part of it. I give not only my time but also my resources because I care deeply, and everyone deserves access to quality medical care.”
The clinic is supported through public and private funds providing care for the medically uninsured people in North Lake County.
“This is why we do what we do. We want to give a hand-up to those in need,” said Edlyn Fernandez, manager of the AdventHealth Waterman Community Clinic. “Our community’s uninsured rate and poverty rate in North Lake County is higher than the state and US levels. Our clinic helps provide a primary care home for those in need and avoids unnecessary use of the ER. We address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs for our patients.”
For more information about the AdventHealth Waterman Community Clinic click here or call Call352-589-2501.
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