When Dr. Carol Garvey was a medical student in New York City, she noticed something that deeply troubled her: the stark difference in care between patients who could afford treatment and those who could not. “It didn’t seem right to me that we should have a caste system when it comes to healthcare,” she recalls. “I see healthcare as a universal right.”
That conviction became a lifelong mission. In 1991, Carol met with Dr. William Flynt and Dr. Horace Bernton. Together, they shared a vision: to create a clinic that provided free, high-quality care to underserved populations. “It was extraordinarily lucky for me to meet both Dr. Flynt and Dr. Bernton,” Carol says. “They had the resources, knowledge, and energy to help pull this vision together. It really was a team effort.”
With Dr. Bernton’s encouragement, Carol and Dr. Mona Sarfaty of George Washington University’s family practice residency program submitted a proposal to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Their first grant application was denied—but persistence paid off. On their second attempt, they secured funding, officially launching what would become Primary Care Coalition (PCC). Soon after, PCC obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Recruiting physicians was the next challenge. PCC turned to the Montgomery County Medical Society, asking doctors to volunteer their time. The response was overwhelming. Many physicians generously offered their services, laying the foundation for PCC’s collaborative, community-driven approach.
Meeting Evolving Needs
PCC’s growth has always been driven by necessity. Early on, the team realized that diagnosing conditions wasn’t enough - patients needed access to specialists. Once again, the medical community stepped up, volunteering their expertise. At the same time, PCC identified another critical gap: medications. “There’s no point in prescribing treatment if patients can’t access it,” Carol explains. This insight led to the creation of PCC’s Community Pharmacy Program, now a lifeline for countless Montgomery County residents.
Even with the Affordable Care Act expanding coverage, gaps remain. “I wish we didn’t need PCC,” Carol admits. “That would mean everyone who wants and needs care has access to it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case—and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”
Looking ahead, Carol sees challenges on the horizon. “I still feel very strongly that people should receive culturally appropriate care,” she emphasizes. “Patients need to feel comfortable in a health care setting. That’s the only way to truly understand their issues and help them.”
Carol reflects on the journey with gratitude: “I was lucky that I met the right people at the right time—and that Montgomery County was willing to support us. Without that, I’m not sure any of this would have been possible.”
Today, PCC stands as a testament to what vision, collaboration, and community commitment can achieve. And while the work is far from over, the mission remains clear: ensuring that everyone—regardless of background or income—has access to the care they need.
That conviction became a lifelong mission. In 1991, Carol met with Dr. William Flynt and Dr. Horace Bernton. Together, they shared a vision: to create a clinic that provided free, high-quality care to underserved populations. “It was extraordinarily lucky for me to meet both Dr. Flynt and Dr. Bernton,” Carol says. “They had the resources, knowledge, and energy to help pull this vision together. It really was a team effort.”
With Dr. Bernton’s encouragement, Carol and Dr. Mona Sarfaty of George Washington University’s family practice residency program submitted a proposal to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Their first grant application was denied—but persistence paid off. On their second attempt, they secured funding, officially launching what would become Primary Care Coalition (PCC). Soon after, PCC obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Recruiting physicians was the next challenge. PCC turned to the Montgomery County Medical Society, asking doctors to volunteer their time. The response was overwhelming. Many physicians generously offered their services, laying the foundation for PCC’s collaborative, community-driven approach.
Meeting Evolving Needs
PCC’s growth has always been driven by necessity. Early on, the team realized that diagnosing conditions wasn’t enough - patients needed access to specialists. Once again, the medical community stepped up, volunteering their expertise. At the same time, PCC identified another critical gap: medications. “There’s no point in prescribing treatment if patients can’t access it,” Carol explains. This insight led to the creation of PCC’s Community Pharmacy Program, now a lifeline for countless Montgomery County residents.
Even with the Affordable Care Act expanding coverage, gaps remain. “I wish we didn’t need PCC,” Carol admits. “That would mean everyone who wants and needs care has access to it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case—and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”
Looking ahead, Carol sees challenges on the horizon. “I still feel very strongly that people should receive culturally appropriate care,” she emphasizes. “Patients need to feel comfortable in a health care setting. That’s the only way to truly understand their issues and help them.”
Carol reflects on the journey with gratitude: “I was lucky that I met the right people at the right time—and that Montgomery County was willing to support us. Without that, I’m not sure any of this would have been possible.”
Today, PCC stands as a testament to what vision, collaboration, and community commitment can achieve. And while the work is far from over, the mission remains clear: ensuring that everyone—regardless of background or income—has access to the care they need.
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