After 30 years as a successful physician, Dr. Pauline Olsen could have spent her golden years just about anywhere. But since retiring nearly every week she is in the impoverished north end of Hartford.
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After 30 years as a successful physician, Dr. Pauline Olsen could have spent her golden years just about anywhere. But since retiring in 2006 at age 69, she has spent a good portion of nearly every week in an unlikely place: the impoverished north end of Hartford.
As the co-founder of the mobile van program through the Malta House of Care, a Catholic-based organization, Olsen, 79, volunteers an average of five hours a day, four days a week providing free medical care to uninsured residents of Hartford. Since its founding, the program — which costs nearly $1 million a year to operate — has attracted more than 34,000 patient visits.
“I'm inspired by the need,” Olsen said. “I wanted to do works of mercy taking care of the poor and sick.” She estimates nearly 4,000 people annually use the organization's mobile van — provided by St. Francis Hospital — for their primary care.
“We treat people who need to be educated about preventative medicine and how to navigate the healthcare system,” Olsen explained, noting many clients have chronic medical problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.
And the return on investment from the mobile program has been more than just good for her patients' health, Olsen said. It's been good for the healthcare system too.
“We see between $3 to $7 in savings for every $1 we put into the program,” she said. That's in large part because the uninsured patients who rely on the mobile van aren't using area emergency rooms for primary care.
“She's been a life saver for people who have no means of regular check-ups,” said Pat McLaughlin, a Malta House of Care volunteer whose involvement was inspired by Olsen. “Dr. Olsen is relentless in recruiting others to help. She's inspiring; you want to help her.”
Bobbi Bartucca, executive director of the Malta House of Care Foundation, agrees. The organization relies on more than 50 volunteers for the mobile van program, but Olsen holds a special place. “She's the heart and soul of our organization,” said Bartucca. “Helping those in need permeates every fiber of her being.”
Growing up poor in Ireland, Olsen said, helped her see the needs in Hartford through a different lens. “These are people working hard to make a better life for themselves,” she said. “Many are working two or three part-time, low-wage menial jobs and are often separated from their families.” The financial strain of a lost job or the medical expenses of chronic diseases can be devastating, she explained.
For Olsen, compassion is at the center of her service.
“People need a secure and non-threatening environment to help take care of their illnesses,” said Olsen. Bartucca said Oslen is key to that environment. “When Dr. Olsen takes a patient's hand you can see the complete trust and concern she has,” Bartucca said. “It's an amazing thing to watch.”
And while Oslen says fundraising continues to be the biggest concern, the mobile van program recently expanded to East Hartford where 20 percent of their client base originates. “With the mobile van, we can go to the neediest areas,” Olsen said. “We can go to the people.”
Pushing age 80, Olsen shows no signs of slowing down. “I am fortunate to be in good health and am able to do this work,” Olsen said. “I plan to continue as long as I'm mentally and physically able.”
In fact, three years ago — in looking at the food insecurity among her patients — Olsen started a food pantry in Hartford's north end. She volunteers there most Friday evenings, stocking shelves and assisting low-income clients with their selections on Saturday mornings.
For many who know her, Olsen continues to inspire. “Her selflessness is a model of what everyone should aspire to,” Bartucca said.
For Olsen, giving is in her genes. “The Hartford area has been very good to me,” she said. “I am happy to give back; I feel [what I've done] is a small amount.”
Profiles of all the 2015 Healthcare Heroes
Dr. Fernando Ferrer, CT Children's Medical Center
Heather Gates, president and CEO, Community Health Resources
Dr. Pauline Olsen, co-founder Malta House of Care
Dr. Jack Ross, Hartford HealthCare
Rebecca Santiago, RN, Nurse Navigator
Ruth Satterberg, Occupational Therapist
Elaine Scheinblum, RN, onclology nurse
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