CARE YOU CAN COUNT ON
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Timothy McInerney, Esq., KM
SECRETARY
Louis M. Meunier, KM
TREASURER
John Hallett, KM
VP OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
L.J. Michael Lambert, KM
David Barca, KM – OOM Liaison
Elizabeth Bernard, Esq., DM
Anne Brussok, DM – Ex Officio
John Christian, Esq., KM – Ex Officio
Sara K. Cumbelich, DM
William J. Cumbelich, KM
Bridget McInerney Harris, Esq., DM
Marty Karpiel, MPA, FACHE, FHFMA, KM
Charlotte Kiesel, DM
Michael J. Matly, MD, KM
Bill O’Keefe, CPCU, KM
John Rengel, KM – Ex Officio
Mary M. Rudolph, NP, DM
Hon. Kevin V. Ryan, KM
William F. Sheridan, MD, KM
Thomas Wallace, MD, KM
Charles V. Wirth, KM
For more than 18 years, the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California has been a cornerstone of Oakland’s healthcare safety net - making sure our uninsured residents have somewhere to turn for quality medical care, right here in their own community. Equity is vital in healthcare, and the Clinic embodies that commitment - with more than 60,000 patient visits to date, showing up consistently for the people who need it most. That kind of dedication saves lives and strengthens our entire city. I’m grateful to the Clinic’s leadership, volunteers, and partners who give their time and talent in service of Oakland’s most vulnerable residents.”
– BARBARA LEE, MAYOR OF OAKLAND
60,000 PATIENT VISITS, AND GROWING A Message from Our President
ABOUT THE CLINIC Mission, Vision, and Legacy
CLINIC PODIATRY OUTREACH ‘Goodwill Motivates Goodwill’ — Dr. Renee Woo, DPM
FIVE YEARS OF PREVENTIVE CARE IN ACTION
Expanding Access to Breast Cancer Screenings for Women in Our Community
ARMANDO’S JOURNEY: FROM CRISIS TO CONTROL
By
Anne Brussok,
DM, Clinic Manager
18TH ANNUAL CHAMPIONS GALA
Honoring the Hofmann Family Foundation with the 2026 Silver Chalice Award
BUILDING FOR THE COMMON GOOD
Albert D. Seeno, Jr. Family Foundation
ADVANCING AWARENESS BEYOND THE CLINIC WALLS 2025 Community Event Highlights
THE HEART OF THE CLINIC Medical Assistants on the Front Lines of Care
60,000 PATIENT VISITS, AND GROWING
A Message from Our President
Each year brings new opportunities to serve and new ways to make a difference at the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our donors and the dedication of our healthcare partners, staff, and volunteers, we are proud to have reached a remarkable milestone of 60,000 patient visits since opening our doors in 2008. Each visit represents trust, hope, and a community coming together to provide compassionate, high-quality care completely free of charge.
A LOOK BACK
2025 was the Clinic’s busiest year yet, with nearly 6,000 patient visits – a reflection of both our expanded footprint and ongoing community outreach to make care more accessible and convenient. The launch of Thursday evening hours in March gave patients greater flexibility and reduced the need to miss work, while the addition of Saturday hours this year further strengthened Clinic access for working adults and families.
Through the Stanford Health eConsult program, our providers tapped into specialty expertise to ensure patients receive timely care. In addition to our core programs, we continued to provide diabetes nurse education, mental health support, and mobile mammography services. We also relaunched the Clinic’s Podiatry Outreach program to provide
podiatric services to vulnerable members of our community, addressing common foot conditions as well as more complex concerns including diabetic foot care. As part of the program, members of the Order of Malta collect and distribute shoes and socks to unhoused individuals and assist patients in preparing for their appointments.
Beyond the Clinic walls, public outreach became a major focus in 2025. Through media awareness campaigns and participation in local festivals and events, we expanded visibility of the Clinic’s services and reached new patients who may not have otherwise known help was available and nearby.
HONORING OUR VOLUNTEERS
None of this progress would be possible without the Clinic’s incredible volunteers, who collectively have contributed more than 105,000 hours of service since 2008. Their expertise, compassion, and joy in sharing their skills with those in need are at the heart of every patient success. This year, we proudly recognized recipients of the Spirit of the Volunteer Award: Nancy Cecconi, RN, DM; Mary Rudolph, NP, DM; and Dr. Renee Woo, DPM. We also honored James Breeden, MD, who recently stepped down after 18 years of dedicated volunteer service, and Anthony Ravnik, MD, whose many years of commitment have also left a lasting impact on Clinic patients and staff.
LOOKING AHEAD
This year, our commitment to meeting patients on their schedule continues to guide our services and growth. Building on the success of our expanded weekday hours, we’ll continue to offer Saturday appointments to give working families greater flexibility in managing their healthcare needs. We are also exploring the possibility of a second Order of Malta Clinic location in the Bay Area, a step that would allow us to reach more patients, further reduce barriers to care, and extend the Order’s mission across the region. These initiatives reflect our larger vision of a community where every adult, regardless of insurance status, can receive the compassionate, highquality medical care and support they deserve.
To our donors, volunteers, partners, staff and friends, thank you. Your generosity and dedication to the Order of Malta Clinic made 2025 a year of remarkable impact and success, and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together.
With appreciation, Timothy L. McInerney, KM March 2026
Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California Board members. From left to right: John Christian, Esq, KM, L.J. Michael Lambert, KM, Bridget McInerney Harris, Esq, DM, Hon. Kevin V. Ryan, KM, Mary M. Rudolph, NP, DM, Sara K. Cumbelich, DM, Dr. Michael J. Matly, KM, Charlotte Kiesel, DM, William J. Cumbelich, KM, Timothy McInerney, Esq, KM, Anne Brussok, DM.
Spirit of the Volunteer awardees
Nancy Cecconi, RN, DM, Mary Rudolph, NP, DM, and Dr. Renee Woo, DPM.
ABOUT THE CLINIC
Mission, Vision, and Legacy
The Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California is a free nonprofit healthcare clinic located in Oakland, adjacent to The Cathedral of Christ the Light. Powered by a volunteer team of physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals, the Clinic provides comprehensive preventive and specialty medical care to more than 6,000 uninsured and underserved patients each year. As part of our commitment to providing care to those in need, all medical services and treatments are provided at absolutely no cost to patients.
In 2025, the Clinic continued to see a growing number of patients who are employed yet uninsured, reflecting a persistent gap in access to affordable healthcare. Many of these individuals live one medical emergency away from serious financial strain or housing insecurity. For them, the Clinic is a vital safety net, offering reliable care that helps protect both their health and stability.
Although based in Oakland, the Clinic’s reach extends far beyond city limits. Patients travel from more than 80 cities across Northern California, including communities throughout the Bay Area and in Sacramento, Santa Clara, and Sonoma counties. This growing geographic footprint underscores both the depth of regional need and the trust patients place in the Clinic as a dependable source of care.
OUR STORY
The Clinic was first envisioned in 2005 by the former Bishop of Oakland, Allen Vigneron, and the President of the Western Association of the Order of Malta, Richard Madden. Rising from the Order of Malta’s commitment to practice charity to the sick and the poor, both men saw the opportunity to positively impact the health and well-being of the uninsured and the vulnerable of the Greater Bay Area. In 2008, several devoted Knights and Dames of the Order, under the leadership of the first President of the Clinic, William McInerney, partnered with the Western Association and the Diocese of Oakland to create the very successful Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California.
2025 NEW PATIENT DEMOGRAPHICS
HISPANIC: 31% | ASIAN: 23%
AFRICAN AMERICAN: 20% | CAUCASIAN: 8%
OTHER: 18%
OUR MISSION
Uphold human dignity and care for people in need.
OUR MODEL
Our team is composed of more than 65 volunteer physicians, nurses and support staff, all committed to delivering highquality care to those who need it most. Our streamlined operations and proven model allow us to provide medical care at about $150 per patient visit, in contrast with a $2,700 visit to an emergency room physician in California.
OUR LEGACY
The Order of Malta’s story began nearly 1,000 years ago in 1048 A.D., when a group of hospitaller monks of the Order of St. John were asked to manage and staff a hospital in Jerusalem, caring for pilgrims and travelers of various faiths. That group of monks acted accordingly, and thereby founded the organization presently known as the Order of Malta, a lay religious order of the Catholic Church which ministers to the sick and the poor of many nations.
Today, we are honored to carry on the Order of Malta’s legacy of service by caring for the Bay Area’s uninsured and underrepresented communities. This includes undocumented families who are wary of seeking medical attention at physician offices or hospitals, as well as patients who do not visit a doctor regularly and/or have received little to no medical attention in recent years. For these individuals, our Clinic is their only source of safe medical care, in an environment of trust and compassion.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF CLINIC
18 YEARS OF SERVICE
While many faith-based clinics operate for an average of just 2.5 years, the Clinic has been serving patients for 18 years and counting.
MORE THAN PRIMARY CARE
Unlike many free clinics that focus primarily on primary care, the Clinic offers a wide range of specialty services, including cardiology, neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, urology, gynecology, rheumatology, and more.
TRULY FREE
No fees. No sliding scale. No billing a patient, ever. The Clinic does not charge for services or lab tests.
EXTENDED PATIENT VISITS
Patient visits can last up to one hour, giving providers the time to fully understand each patient’s health history. For patients who have gone years without care, the extra time is essential.
CLINIC PODIATRY OUTREACH
“Goodwill Motivates Goodwill”
— DR. RENEE WOO, DPM
One of the most impactful initiatives of 2025 has been the return of the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California’s podiatry outreach program, a street-level response to the often-overlooked foot health needs of people experiencing homelessness. Across the Bay Area, basic foot care services are scarce for unhoused individuals, yet foot pain and untreated wounds directly affect mobility, safety, overall health, and quality of life. This Clinic program, offered in partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Alameda County and managed by dedicated Clinic staff with the support of Order of Malta volunteers, provides onsite foot care, treatment, education, and supplies to unhoused and uninsured patients. St. Vincent de Paul staff identify those clients most in need, and two podiatrists along with five-or-seven Order of Malta volunteers and Clinic staff work together to see and treat up to 24 individuals each month.
A key member of this important outreach effort is boardcertified podiatrist Dr. Renee Woo, DPM. A graduate of the nationally recognized Samuel Merritt University’s College of Podiatric Medicine in Oakland, Dr. Woo learned of the Clinic’s previous work with St. Vincent de Paul and knew she could be of help. A Bay Area native and former University of Alabama water ski scholarship athlete, she and the Order of Malta volunteers and Clinic staff – including fellow volunteer podiatrist Dr. Michael Digiacomo – bring expertise, compassion, and an energetic, patient-centered approach to holistic foot and ankle health. As Dr. Woo explains, the podiatry outreach events at St. Vincent de Paul were shuttered during the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving a huge gap in delivering foot care to unhoused East Bay residents. Last year, Sara Cumbelich, DM and Clinic Manager Anne Brussok, DM connected with Dr. Woo to bring back these vital services and Dr. Woo enlisted podiatry students at her alma mater to assist and make sure patients
were receiving the best possible care. “I grew up in a home where giving back to others was always important, and I knew my medical training could help my neighbors in need while also leading by example and inspiring more students to get involved,” she says. “For me, goodwill always motivates goodwill.”
With Dr. Woo’s support, monthly outreach events at St. Vincent de Paul now bring free foot care directly to at-risk individuals, providing both medical attention and dignified care to those dealing with the toll of living on the streets. In any given month, the Clinic’s podiatry outreach team treat patients for a range of podiatric issues, from debridement of painful calluses to assessment and early treatment of chronic conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and circulatory disease. “I can’t stress enough how important it is for people to take foot care seriously,” says Dr. Woo. “My goal is to increase awareness so that more unhoused residents know about these services and can access the resources they need to stay on their feet.”
The podiatry outreach events at St. Vincent de Paul have become welcoming spaces where trust is built and long-term health conversations begin. Each patient also receives essential supplies like new socks and shoes to help maintain foot health between visits. “The Clinic collected hundreds of sturdy shoes for patients in 2025,” says Dr. Woo. “It’s a wonderful way for members to contribute and know that their donation is going directly to those in need.”
Thanks to the dedication and commitment of everyone involved, the monthly podiatry program continues to grow in reach and impact. With events scheduled through the end of the year, the initiative is making meaningful strides in delivering essential foot care to unhoused and medically vulnerable individuals –when and where it is needed most.
Since relaunching podiatry outreach with St. Vincent de Paul in 2024, members of the Order of Malta have volunteered more than 300 hours of service to support the program.
DONATING SHOES TO THOSE IN NEED
In 2025, nearly 500 pairs of shoes were donated to support the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California’s Podiatry Outreach program. We are deeply grateful to Saint Isidore, Our Lady of Mercy, Claremont Country Club, and Order of Malta members across the San Francisco and Oakland region for helping ensure patients receive much-needed shoes that support their health and well-being.
From left to right: Diana Del Rosario, MA, Renee Woo, DPM, Alizé Koolen, student volunteer.
FIVE YEARS OF PREVENTIVE CARE IN ACTION
Expanding Access to Lifesaving Breast Cancer Screenings
In October 2025, the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California marked an important milestone: the fifth year of the Mobile Mammography Clinic, a trusted partnership that has expanded access to lifesaving breast cancer screenings for uninsured women in the Bay Area.
Launched in 2020 in collaboration with Sutter Health’s Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, the program was first introduced at the Clinic during a time of unprecedented uncertainty. Five years later, it has grown into a reliable, monthy service that continues to remove barriers to early detection and preventive care for women who might otherwise go without.
To mark the milestone, Sutter’s 38-foot, state-of-the-art Mobile Mammography Vehicle returned to the Clinic’s downtown Oakland location, the same site where the program first launched in 2020. Equipped with advanced 3D tomosynthesis technology and, new this year, AI-assisted tools to enhance detection and reduce false positives, the mobile unit provided no-cost mammograms to pre-scheduled Clinic patients in a familiar and trusted setting.
“Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer,” notes Clinic Board member Mary Rudolph, NP, DM. “By bringing these screenings directly to our patients, we’re helping ensure that access to high-quality preventive care is not determined by insurance status or income.”
Since its inception, the Mobile Mammography Clinic has provided more than 450 mammograms to Clinic patients, including more than 100 screenings in 2025 alone. For many women served by the Clinic, this program represents their first mammogram in years, sometimes ever, and offers peace of mind, early intervention, and a clear pathway to follow-up care if needed.
Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. By bringing these screenings directly to our patients, we’re helping ensure that access to high-quality preventive care is not determined by insurance status or income.”
– MARY RUDOLPH, NP, DM
ARMANDO’S JOURNEY: FROM CRISIS TO CONTROL
By Anne Brussok, DM, Clinic Manager
The American Diabetes Association puts it bluntly: “DKA is no joke.” Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a severe, life-threatening complication of diabetes that occurs when the body, lacking enough insulin, breaks down fat for fuel, producing toxic levels of ketones in the bloodstream. At high levels, these ketones can literally poison the body.
In 2022, Armando was referred to the Order of Malta Clinic following a three-day hospital stay for DKA at Alta Bates Medical Center. Just five months earlier, he had fled Colombia to escape a dangerous and threatening situation. After arriving in the U.S., he went nearly four months without access to his diabetes and hypertension medications – an interruption that ultimately led to his hospitalization. At the time, Armando was uninsured, living and sleeping in his car, and working part-time –unfortunately, an all-too common situation for many Clinic patients. With no local family and limited resources, he was facing both a medical emergency
Even amid a serious health crisis and homelessness, Armando showed incredible fortitude, determination, and optimism. He spoke often of his hope that his son would soon join him in the Bay Area. He relied on a local gym for hygiene and a trusted friend to help refrigerate his insulin, and his part-time delivery work ensured access to food. These small but critical supports, combined with consistent Clinic medical care, made his stabilization possible.
Three years later, Armando’s progress has been remarkable. He is now in steady housing with family close by, and he has made meaningful improvements in his diet. He is actively engaged in his Clinic care, attending regular appointments with Dr. Diaz and his integrated medical team, including Diabetes Nurse Educators/RNs and Paul Reimers, OD. Today, Armando manages his diabetes exclusively with oral metformin while continuing treatment for hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
Armando is now applying for Medi-Cal insurance that hopefully will allow him to transition to a permanent primary care provider and ensure long-term coverage of his essential medications and glucose monitoring technology. This step marks a major transition for Armando, and for his Clinic team who have come to know and admire him. His healthcare journey from crisis to control illustrates the Clinic’s mission in action: providing free, compassionate and high-quality care that makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of patients and their families.
and profound instability. The Order of Malta Clinic became his primary source of care and community at a critical time.
At the Clinic, Armando found a family of medical experts and a sustainable path to long-term health. Dr. Javier Diaz initiated treatment with long- and short-acting insulin, ordered comprehensive lab work, and immediately connected Armando with one of the Clinic’s Diabetes Nurse Educators. Despite close follow-up, Armando’s blood glucose levels remained dangerously high, requiring frequent intervention and coordination from Armando’s multilingual care team.
To support tighter glucose control and reduce the risk of further hospitalization, the Clinic provided Armando with Freestyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring sensors. Made possible by a generous grant from John Muir Community Health, these high-tech sensors—costing more than $2,000 annually—are truly life-changing for patients like Armando, enabling them to better understand their glucose patterns and make informed decisions about insulin dosing and diet.
At the Clinic, Armando found a family of medical experts and a sustainable path to long-term health.
2025 FUNDING HIGHLIGHTS
The Order of Malta Clinic is funded entirely through private donations, grants, and fundraising events - a truly ‘free’ medical clinic. Patients are not billed for services, labs, or tests and the Clinic does not receive reimbursement from private insurance or government programs.
2025 FUNDRAISING BREAKDOWN FOR CLINIC OPERATIONS CLINIC OPERATING EXPENSES
OPERATING EXPENSES (in thousands)
17TH ANNUAL GALA | $1,400,000 GRANTS | $480,000 GIFTS | $42,000 ORDER OF MALTA WESTERN ASSOCIATION | $150,000
Philanthropic support from donors and foundations makes our work possible. It offsets operating costs and ensures we have the resources to expand access to care six days a week, including Saturdays, without compromising quality.”
– CLINIC BOARD MEMBER WILLIAM J. CUMBELICH, KM
GIVING REPORT
In-Kind Support
We thank our generous partners for providing discounted services, procedures, and support for many patients in need. Your support allows the Clinic to deliver life-changing care for free.
• Barnett Medical Services
• Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center
• Inview Imaging
• iRhythm Technologies
• Lions Eye Foundation of California-Nevada, Inc.
• Office Information Systems (OIS)
• Operation Access
• Quest Diagnostics
• Stanford eConsult Program
• Tebra
Partners in Service
Thanks to long-standing partnerships with some of the most renowned medical institutions and universities, the Clinic is able to source and retain talented volunteers and take advantage of the latest in medical advances through consultations and patient education materials.
• Cleveland Clinic
• John Muir Health
• Mayo Clinic
• Samuel Merritt University
• Stanford Medicine
• Sutter Health Alta Bates Medical Center
• University of California, San Francisco
• University of Cincinnati
• University of San Francisco
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
KALMANOVITZ FOUNDATION
The Kalmanovitz Foundation generously pledged $1 million over five years to cover the costs for nursing staff, as the Clinic grows in size and services offered.
ALBERT D. SEENO, JR. FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Seeno family graciously donated $500,000 to support the Clinic’s operational expenses.
HOFMANN FAMILY FOUNDATION
To support the Clinic’s operational expenses, the Hofmann Family Foundation generously donated $200,000 at the 2025 Gala.
L.J.MICHAEL LAMBERT, KM
Mike Lambert magnanimously gave $155,000 to support the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California. His daily contributions to the operations, development, communications, and finance committees of the Clinic are without match.
ORDER OF MALTA WESTERN ASSOCIATION
The Order of Malta Western Association generously donated $150,000 to support the Clinic’s ongoing operational costs.
THE CONCO COMPANIES, GONSALVES FAMILY FOUNDATION
To support Clinic operations, Conco and the Gonsalves family kindly donated $125,000 at the 2025 Gala.
ROBERT STEWART ODELL AND HELEN PFEIFFER ODELL FUND
The Odell Foundation pledged $50,000 to support the Clinic’s ongoing operational needs and costs.
JOHN MUIR HEALTH
John Muir pledged $40,000 to support the Clinic’s efforts to combat diabetes and mental health issues and to support our burgeoning podiatry outreach efforts.
18TH ANNUAL CHAMPIONS GALA
Honoring the Hofmann Family Foundation with the 2026 Silver Chalice Award
The Champions Gala is more than a celebration. It is a reflection of the partnerships and philanthropy that make the Clinic’s mission possible. Be sure to mark your calendars for this year’s Silver Chalice Awards Dinner on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, hosted at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.
This year, the Clinic is proud to present the Silver Chalice Award to the Hofmann Family Foundation, recognizing the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to high-quality care for uninsured adults. Through years of dedicated support, the Hofmann Family Foundation has played a meaningful role in strengthening the Clinic’s ability to serve patients across the Bay Area and beyond.
Guests will enjoy an elegant evening of cocktails, dinner, and exciting auction opportunities, all in support of the Clinic’s mission and the patients we serve. The Champions Gala remains our largest annual fundraiser, and every contribution helps ensure the Clinic can continue to meet growing demand and our goal of reaching 12,000 patient visits per year.
We look forward to celebrating alongside you.
For tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities, visit orderofmaltaclinic.com/gala.
BUILDING FOR THE COMMON GOOD
Albert D. Seeno, Jr. Family Foundation
Albert D. Seeno, Jr. believes success is measured not only by what is built, but by who is served. Guided by their deep Catholic devotion and a lifelong commitment to giving back, Albert and his wife Sandy have established a tradition of faith-based philanthropy that has quietly and consistently strengthened communities throughout Northern California.
For more than 18 years, the Albert D. Seeno, Jr. Family Foundation has been one of the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California’s most steadfast supporters. Albert’s involvement began simply – invited by friends to attend the Clinic’s annual Champions Gala, the family made a donation that first year, then returned the next, and the next. Over time, the Order’s mission resonated more deeply. As a member of the Oakland Diocese, Albert saw the Clinic as a natural extension of the values he has lived all his life. “I can’t give all over the world,” he says, “but I can make a difference in my local area.”
Faith in Action
That conviction was reinforced a few years ago when Albert took a closer look at the Clinic’s operations. He reviewed the financials and was struck by the fact that the vast majority of donations went directly to patient care, not overhead. “That totally impressed me,” he recalls. It was this transparency and discipline that prompted the Seeno family’s lead gift to the Clinic’s expansion campaign, providing critical momentum at a pivotal moment.
While the goal of doubling the Clinic’s size felt ambitious, Albert and Sandy’s early gift helped turn vision into action. Their support inspired confidence among other major partners, including the Gellert Foundation, the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation, and the Wiliam G. Irwin Charitable Foundation who followed with substantial commitments of their own. What began as a shared dream became a viable plan to increase the Clinic’s size and capacity so that more patients could access the quality healthcare they need and deserve.
In recognition of their impact, Albert and Sandy were honored with the Silver Chalice Award in 2025. Guests at the 17th Annual Champions Gala will remember Albert’s acceptance remarks, delivered with characteristic humility, when he spoke about stewardship and his confidence that every Clinic donation supports the sick and the poor. “The Clinic closes a critical gap for people who otherwise would not receive the help they find there,” Albert says. “What drew me in is the Clinic’s personalized, wholeperson approach. No one is ever turned away; if you have a need, you are welcomed.”
Generosity Guided by Purpose
Raised in Pittsburg, California, Albert comes from a generational line of builders who understood the dignity that comes with stability, shelter, and opportunity. Albert D. Seeno Construction Co. has built more than 40,000 houses across the East Bay and Nevada and, as a thriving business, has effectively served as a pathway to a better life for tens of thousands of families.
“Community involvement matters,” Albert says. “The Order of Malta Clinic strengthens the community by improving health outcomes and restoring hope. I have seen firsthand what happens when faith, professionalism, and volunteerism come together,” he adds. “The Clinic’s cadre of volunteer physicians, specialists, and nurses is extraordinary, and the board’s leadership makes the mission possible.”
Albert and Sandy’s commitment to community impact is further reflected in the multi-year project to build a 100,000-squarefoot World Wildlife and Heritage Museum in Concord. Opening later this year, the museum represents a one-of-a-kind educational resource reflecting Albert’s lifelong passion for wildlife history, conservation, and giving back to the surrounding community and region.
“Albert Jr. and Sandy, along with their daughter Jackie, have become lifelong friends,” says Clinic Board Member Sara Cumbelich, DM. “Year in and year out, we are able to serve more because of their generosity. The Seeno family understands what it means to give individuals and families a true leg up. They helped turn the dream of expanding the Clinic into a reality.”
The Order of Malta Clinic reflects the values I believe in. Mercy, respect for human dignity, and service without conditions.”
– ALBERT D. SEENO, JR.
From left to right: Albert D. Seeno, Jr., Sandy Seeno, Jacqueline Seeno.
ADVANCING AWARENESS BEYOND THE CLINIC WALLS
2025 Community Event Highlights
In 2025, the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California took an important step beyond its walls. For the first time, the Clinic actively participated in multiple community events across the Bay Area, meeting people where they live, gather, and worship to share information about available services and expand awareness of care options for uninsured adults.
These outreach efforts reflect a broader commitment to access, recognizing that for many individuals, knowing where to turn for care is the first barrier to overcome. By showing up in trusted community spaces, the Clinic strengthened connections, reached new audiences, and ensured more people know that reliable medical care is available close to home.
OAKLAND DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE HONORING OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Thousands gathered for the annual Diocesan Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with the procession passing directly in front of the Clinic. Volunteer ambassadors were onsite throughout the day, engaging with participants and sharing information about the Clinic’s free medical services.
ALLEN TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH HEALTH AND EDUCATION FAIR
The Clinic joined community members at the annual health and education fair hosted by Allen Temple Baptist Church, a longstanding anchor in East Oakland. Clinic volunteers shared information about available services, answered questions, and connected attendees with resources focused on preventive care and ongoing health support.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
The Clinic participated in Oakland’s vibrant Día de los Muertos Festival hosted by the Unity Council, joining thousands of attendees in a celebration of life, culture, and community. Staff and volunteers connected with neighbors from across the East Bay, shared information about Clinic services, and reinforced the Clinic’s commitment to serving Oakland’s diverse communities.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FAIR
At the OMI Senior Center Health and Educational Resource Fair hosted by Catholic Charities San Francisco, the Clinic met with seniors and caregivers to share information on preventive care, screenings, and chronic condition management.
THE HEART OF THE CLINIC
Medical Assistants on the Front Lines of Care
Behind every patient visit at the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California is a dedicated team working quietly and efficiently to ensure all runs smoothly. Medical assistants are often the first point of contact for patients, welcoming them, listening to their concerns, and preparing providers to deliver thoughtful, timely care. They are the bridge between patient and provider, and their work sets the tone for every visit.
Through language support, coordination, and careful attention to detail, medical assistants help ensure that every patient feels seen, heard, and respected. The following conversations offer a closer look at the vital role they play and the impact they make, every day.
MEET YONG WEN
Medical Assistant Volunteer
What does your role at the Clinic look like during a typical shift?
During Thursday evening and Saturday morning clinics, I help prepare for each patient by reviewing their prior visit notes and confirming that any ordered tests have been completed. Once patients arrive, I perform intake, making sure everything is done efficiently but thoughtfully so providers can stay on schedule. After visits, I help with follow-up tasks, such as completing forms for diagnostic imaging.
What inspired you to volunteer at the Order of Malta Clinic?
I originally reached out hoping to shadow a physician assistant, but the Clinic’s mission really resonated with me. I grew up in Oakland, and volunteering here felt like a meaningful way to give back while also expanding my medical knowledge. I was especially struck by how modern and well-equipped the facility is. It reflects the high quality of care patients receive.
How do you see the role of medical assistants in patient care?
Medical assistants are truly a bridge between patients and providers. We’re often the first people patients meet, so it’s important they feel comfortable and heard from the start. A strong intake helps create a safe, supportive environment and allows providers to focus on delivering the best possible care.
What moments make this work especially meaningful to you?
Seeing a patient smile after their visit gives me a real sense of accomplishment. Knowing that they felt cared for, and that their visit made a difference, reminds me why this work matters.
From left to right: Yong Wen, Ramandeep Kaur.
MEET RAMANDEEP KAUR
Medical Assistant and Medical Scribe Volunteer
Can you tell us about your role at the Clinic?
I primarily volunteer as a medical scribe, helping document patient visits and ensuring accurate follow-up instructions. I also assist as a medical assistant by greeting patients, taking vital signs, and supporting intake. I began volunteering during extended evening hours and later added Saturday shifts to help expand access for patients who can’t come during the workday.
What stood out to you when you first started volunteering?
I was drawn to the Clinic because of its commitment to providing free care to underserved communities. What stood out immediately was the culturally sensitive environment and the gratitude of patients, many of whom hadn’t seen a physician in years. Every patient is treated with dignity and respect.
How do medical assistants support both patients and providers?
Patients often arrive feeling anxious or uncertain, and medical assistants are the first people they talk to. Building trust, especially with non-English-speaking patients, requires careful listening, empathy, and sometimes nonverbal communication. On the provider side, I help ensure previous notes, labs, and follow-ups are ready so visits run smoothly and providers can focus fully on patient care.
How has volunteering at the Clinic shaped your future goals?
My experience has reinforced my commitment to serving underserved populations. I’ve applied to medical school and hope to become a physician working in safety-net settings. The Clinic has shown me how important it is to treat the whole person, listening, educating, and addressing needs beyond just medical concerns.
HELP US HELP MORE
The Clinic’s work is made possible because of the generosity of donors and volunteers like you. We appreciate all that you do for our community and the vulnerable patients we serve.
To support our work, visit the link below. Many employers also offer matching gift programs, which can double the impact of your contribution.
orderofmaltaclinic.com
The Clinic is a primary hospitaller work of the Order of Malta. The Grand Master has asked all Knights and Dames throughout the world to share in its support.
orderofmaltaclinic.com
