Freedom Clinic (formerly Freedom Community Health Center), originally located at 50th and Ave. L in Freedom Square Shopping Center, was the second clinic built by UMC Health System in June of 1993 to care for the many patients seeking routine medical care in UMC’s Emergency Department. Word spread quickly that patients would receive excellent medical services at Freedom with minimal wait times and quality medical care close to home was quickly seen as a win-win for the patients and UMC’s ED. Freedom Clinic had 11,439 patient visits in 2013 and is on track for 12, 209 patient visits in 2014. The Clinic continues to play a vital role in the success of PNS.
Freedom Clinic is a family and pediatric clinic treating patients of all ages – from newborn to adults. Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Robert Martinez and Pediatrician Johnny Vuelvas, MD, diagnose and treat many illnesses and injuries: from sore throats to flu, high blood pressure to diabetes, from aches and pains to lacerations and sprains. In addition to Mr. Martinez and Dr. Vuelvas, are clinic manager Susie Sodec, receptionists Loretta Lopez and Virginia Salazar, and nursing staff Lisa Barbee (Nursing Coordinator), Stacy Burnett, Rafael Morales and Paula Navarette.
Freedom has nine exam rooms and one procedure room with onsite laboratory services. Treatment is available for acute and chronic medical conditions, Health Steps screenings for Medicaid, school physicals, pediatric immunizations and laceration repair. Open 8am – 5pm Monday through Friday, patients may schedule an appointment, walk-in without an appointment, or for urgent health care needs, use PNS’s new online registration program, Wait From Home. Most commercial insurances, Medicare and Medicaid are accepted.
Robert Martinez attended TTUHSC’s newly established nursing program earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1984. Robert and about six others graduated from the program that year with him being the first male nurse to earn his BSN from TTUHSC’s program. In 1992, he received his Master of Science in nursing from TTUHSC School of Nursing, once again setting a first as the first graduate of the Family Nurse Practitioner tract where he continues to serve on the faculty of the TTUHSC School of Nursing.
Pediatrician Dr. Johnny Vuelvas attended college at the University of Texas at Austin and then went on to attend Medical School at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He served his residency in Pediatrics at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock.
Ms. Sodec states, “Our patients mean the world to us and our goal is to always provide the best care available to them.”
Freedom Clinic
5022 Avenue Q
806.762.3597
Se hablá Español.
