Guided by Faith
Dr. Alexander first became involved in Good Samaritan in the 1970s when he worked as an Orderly in the hospital. He then attended medical school and completed his residency outside of Cincinnati, returning home in 1984 to practice internal medicine as a primary care physician. Since that time he has been part of Good Samaritan Hospital, actively involved in the teaching faculty at as well as the Medical and Dental Staff.
When asked why he has been at Good Samaritan all these years, Dr. Alexander says, "All of the characteristics that I think a hospital should have, Good Samaritan has. It is consistent with our Catholic identity and values." Dr. Alexander also emphasizes that he makes sure his patients are treated at Good Samaritan because of the care. "You're only as good as the people around you," he states, "and the people at Good Sam are good. Really good." Throughout the years, the Alexanders have made gifts to various areas of Good Samaritan such as medical education, the team member emergency fund, and The Good Samaritans' Gala. Most recently, the Alexanders made a $25,000 gift to the Good Samaritan Free Health Center. Dr. Alexander was the physician champion to help get the Free Health Center off the ground in 2011, and continues to volunteer to this day.
Both Dr. Marc and Barbara are passionate about the Free Health Center, stating that caring for the disadvantaged and uninsured is central to Good Samaritan's mission. "This is what we're about," Dr. Alexander says. "This is who we are here to serve." With the Free Health Center caring for uninsured patients during more than 8,000 visits this past fiscal year, the Alexander's gift and those like it make a significant impact on the people of our community.
For the Alexanders, giving back to Good Samaritan is essential. "We both have deep roots in Cincinnati," says Barbara. "We appreciate the hospital being here for us all our lives, and we hope it can continue to be there for our children and grandchildren in the future." Adds Dr. Alexander, "The central tenet of the Catholic faith is 'love one another.' We are just trying to do what God calls us to do: love one another." Through their gifts, and guided by faith, the Alexanders are living this calling.