Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Christina Koo

For Dr. Christina Koo, volunteering at Clearwater Free Clinic is more than just an opportunity to practice medicine—it’s a chance to give back to a community that truly needs her expertise. Dr. Koo, originally from Fort Worth, Texas, discovered the Clinic while completing her residency at Largo Medical Center. In her second year, she was offered the opportunity to conduct her continuity clinic at Clearwater Free Clinic, and it was an experience that deeply resonated with her. 

“I loved it so much that when I began my rheumatology fellowship, I knew I wanted to come back,” she recalls. Knowing that the Clinic needed rheumatology specialists, she proposed the idea to her program director, who encouraged her to continue volunteering. Now, Dr. Koo visits regularly to provide much-needed rheumatology care to underserved patients. 

One of the aspects Dr. Koo values most about her time at the Clinic is the unique patient population she serves. “The people who come here are the true working class, those without insurance who still need care for serious autoimmune diseases,” she explains. She recognizes the struggles these individuals face, especially when it comes to accessing specialty care. By identifying and managing conditions like arthritis early, Dr. Koo can prevent them from progressing and disrupting her patients' lives. “These are the people who need to use their hands, their feet, their joints—treating them early makes all the difference,” she says. 

Dr. Koo’s personal connection to rheumatology adds a heartfelt layer to her work. With both her mother and grandfather affected by rheumatoid arthritis, she understands firsthand the challenges these diseases bring. “I know what it’s like for families dealing with these conditions,” she shares. Her goal is to relieve suffering as swiftly as possible, and Clearwater Free Clinic offers her a space to provide care to those who might otherwise go without. 

Reflecting on her volunteer experience, Dr. Koo is grateful for the community of patients and staff who make Clearwater Free Clinic feel like home. “The patients here are incredibly appreciative; they’re engaged in their own care, and that makes it so rewarding,” she says. 

Though Dr. Koo plans to return to Texas after her fellowship, her dedication to helping those in need is a legacy she will leave with Clearwater Free Clinic. For now, she continues to bring her compassion, expertise, and personal mission to relieve suffering to the Clearwater community, offering specialized care that would otherwise be out of reach for many.