Dr. Bishara: Bringing Compassion and Cultural Connection to Clearwater Free Clinic

For Dr. Mariane Bishara, volunteering at the Clearwater Free Clinic (CFC) is more than just a way to give back—it’s a deeply personal mission rooted in compassion, connection, and community. 

Dr. Bishara first heard about the Clearwater Free Clinic many years ago when the Clinic was located on Fort Harrison. A family friend and volunteer ophthalmologist was volunteering at the time, planting the first seed of interest. Years later, one of her colleagues, Dr. Brooke Guthrie, who volunteers at the Clinic encouraged her to visit. "I decided I wanted to come and have a look," Dr. Bishara recalls. That first visit left a lasting impression. She was welcomed warmly by Kiersten, our volunteer coordinator, and even ran into an old acquaintance, Bob Quinn, whose wife once taught her daughter. "I felt very much at home," she says. 

Cultural Connection and Compassion

Originally from Egypt, Dr. Bishara moved to Clearwater in 1998 after completing her residency at Loyola in Chicago. What was supposed to be a one-year position with the VA turned into a 25-year career in the area she now calls home. Today, she balances her work at the VA with volunteer commitments at the Clearwater Free Clinic, a pregnancy center, and serving as a Guardian ad Litem. But the CFC holds a special place in her heart. 

“It’s honestly the most rewarding part of my career,” Dr. Bishara says. "When you give back, there's just nothing like it. Seeing your regular patients is great, but it’s different here. It’s not about a paycheck—it’s about helping people because it’s the right thing to do.” 

As an Arabic-speaking physician, Dr. Bishara often connects with refugee and immigrant patients who share her heritage. Recently, she was able to reach out to a patient from Egypt who wasn’t responding to the Clinic’s calls. The staff sensed something might be wrong and asked Dr. Bishara to intervene. Though the patient was still reluctant to engage, Dr. Bishara was struck by the team’s dedication. “They go above and beyond. It’s not just about the patient’s health—it’s their overall well-being. That kind of care is rare.” 

Defining What Healthcare Should Be

Making the trek from Treasure Island to volunteer isn’t always easy, but for Dr. Bishara, it’s worth it. “I wanted to be somewhere I felt comfortable,” she says. “Other friends and colleagues spoke so highly of the Clinic. It just felt like a good fit.” 

When she leaves the Clinic after a shift, Dr. Bishara describes a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to match. Whether she’s helping someone afford a medication, providing reassurance, or offering culturally sensitive care, she knows she’s making a difference. “This is what healthcare is supposed to be. No strings attached—just doing what’s right for the patient.” 

After decades in medicine, Dr. Bishara finds renewed purpose at the Clearwater Free Clinic. “There’s a goodness in humanity we’re able to tap into here. We all come together for one guiding mission: doing what’s right for the patient.” 

Thank you, Dr. Bishara, for your unwavering compassion and commitment. Volunteers like you are the heart of Clearwater Free Clinic!