After 13 years as Medical Director of Good News Clinics in Gainesville, Dr. Jim Butts has retired from the non-profit agency.
"Dr. Butts has provided a magnificent example of servant leadership, and of putting patients first in medicine," said Liz Coates, Executive Director of Good News Clinics. "He has volunteered his time tirelessly, and the legacy of all he has done for the Clinics will continue for many, many years."
During Butts' tenure as Medical Director of the Clinics, he managed the clinical team through incredible growth, with the number of people served at the Clinics increasing from 7-10% each year. His leadership in aligning partnerships with the Clinics has helped remove barriers to care for thousands of Hall county patients in need of specialty services. In addition to his volunteer service at Good News Clinics, Dr. Butts worked at Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic in internal medicine, hematology and oncology and served on the Board of Directors for Emory University’s School of Medicine and Alliant Health Group. He served in a supervisory role to any medical students that interned at Good News Clinics as well.
Butts was responsible for establishing a Hepatitis C treatment clinic, saving thousands of dollars for the community and patients alike. Good News Clinics patients qualify for the manufacturer’s Patient Assistance Programs, so all the treatments, which typically cost many thousands of dollars, have been provided at no charge, thanks to the partnerships secured by Butts.
"While testimonies from patients have been described as life-changing or being given a new chance at life, another benefit of patients being cured of Hep C is future medical cost savings to the patient and community. Studies show that $30,000 of healthcare spending is saved each year for each Hep C patient successfully treated," said Good News Clinics pharmacist Alan Edwards.
Of the patients who have completed the Hepatitis C therapy, there is a 100% cure rate.
With Butts' retirement, the Clinics have welcomed co-directors Dr. Mark Henson and Dr. Heidi Nicholson, who join Good News Clinics as directors of internal medicine. Dr. Ed Lynch will continue as director of women’s health and pharmacy.
Follow this link to find out more about the work of Good News Clinics.
