In partnership with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) is pleased to name Kent Doherty, DO, as the 2024 Free Clinic Physician of the Year. A founding physician of Grace Clinics of Ohio, Dr. Doherty has dedicated his life to improving access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare for underserved populations.
“Dr. Doherty’s unwavering commitment to Grace Clinics’ mission and his selfless acts of kindness inspire everyone around him. His dedication to patient care is a testament to the power of community-driven healthcare,” reads the nomination for this award.
Dr. Doherty co-founded Grace Clinics in 2007 with his twin brother, Kevin, to bring medical missions to Ohio communities in need. Starting with a single clinic in Delaware, the organization has grown to five locations across Ohio (Columbus- Linden Neighborhood, Delaware, Hilliard, Marion and Wellston), serving nearly 2,000 patients annually. In addition to his 32-year career as a practicing pediatrician, Dr. Doherty dedicates 4-8 hours monthly to providing direct patient care at Grace Clinics and serves as an active board member.
His impact goes far beyond the clinic walls. In one instance, Dr. Doherty facilitated life-saving treatment for a young patient with a rare tumor and supported her family in participating in genetic research. On another occasion, he provided shelter for an unhoused patient to ensure he could begin his new job with dignity and hope.
Dr. Doherty is a graduate of the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his postgraduate training at Doctors Hospital and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He has practiced pediatric medicine for the last 30 years at Mid-Ohio Pediatrics in Westerville, a part of Central Ohio Primary Care.
Grace Clinics of Ohio provides medical and dental services, vision screenings, and specialty care, all rooted in a faith-based mission to serve the uninsured and underinsured. For more information about Grace Clinics of Ohio, visit graceclinicweb.org.
As part of Free Clinic Appreciation Month (FCAM), the Charitable Healthcare Network and the Ohio Department of Health recognize the accomplishments of Ohio's free clinics through annual Free Clinic Award presentations. FCAM was established in 2013 by the Ohio Legislature through H.B. 320 to honor and raise awareness about the vital role free clinics play in delivering essential healthcare to Ohio’s most vulnerable populations.
This year’s award recipients will be celebrated at the 2025 Charitable Healthcare Network Safety-Net Symposium, held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Columbus. This annual event brings together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and community partners to recognize the impact of free and charitable clinics in strengthening Ohio’s healthcare safety net, fostering equity, and delivering high-quality care to underserved populations.
More information about FCAM, CHN and the upcoming symposium can be found at charitablehealthcarenetwork.org.
