Expert care giver

-- Story by Mary A. Castillo; photo by Don Leach

He is

Treating the aches and pains of low-income patients.

Setting down roots

Thirty years ago when Corey Jorgenson arrived at El Toro Airbase

as a Naval doctor attached to the Marines, he not only found a home

but also a place where he could give something of himself to the

disadvantaged.

“I learned of the Laguna Beach Community Clinic through other

doctors,” he said. “It’s a natural part of me to help those who can’t

get help elsewhere.”

Once Jorgensen was licensed to practice in California, he

volunteered his services at the clinic -- then on the corner of Ocean

and Forest avenues. He never left. Although he’s now officially

retired from private practice, Jorgensen continues to serve patients

two days a week, specializing in family and HIV medicine.

“The staff are so dedicated and motivated that it’s easy to be a

team player in this environment,” he said.

Dedicated to HIV patients

One of his most enduring contributions to the clinic was the

HIV/AIDS Early Intervention program that he began in 1991.

Patients who come to Jorgensen are usually referred through the

anonymous HIV testing program. He starts with a head-to-toe

assessment and later sits down with each person to create an

individualized treatment program that includes preventive and

therapeutic care that helps suppress the virus and improve the immune

system. Moreover, anytime a patient experiences a sore throat or a

simple abrasion, they come to Jorgensen or his colleague, Dr. Chau

Ngo for treatment.

Although most of his patients have already dealt with the initial

shock of receiving the news, Jorgensen has also played a key role in

helping assuage some patient’s fears about HIV and AIDS.

“I help them realize it’s not a death sentence,” he said. “The

next step is to get a full health assessment.”

Meeting the needs of patients

One of the greatest challenges Jorgensen has seen is when a

patient must go outside the community clinic for highly specialized

care. Although here in Laguna the clinic has a cadre of specialists

who can care for patients on site, there are occasions when doctors

and staff have to figure out how to get that patient the care they

need as well as get that service paid for.

Low-income patients sometimes don’t have the transportation to get

to a community clinic in Orange County and often end up in hospital

emergency rooms with hefty medical bills.

But because of the generosity and support from the Laguna

community, the clinic has been able to expand its services to

patients. Although Jorgensen won’t wax on about his achievements, his

patients and colleagues trumpet him and his work.

“Dr. Jorgensen has been a cornerstone of the clinic’s foundation,”

said Ericka Waidley, executive director of the clinic. “Every patient

who meets him comes away loving him and talking about his caring and

support of them and their families.

Recently the clinic’s board of the directors designated him as

medical director emeritus.

But Jorgensen gives credit to the community.

“Most of our funds come from local residents and businesses who

endorse the mission of our clinic with dollars,” he said. “We’re

always here.”