San Francisco Chronicle - June 4, 2005
Heather Maddan, Chronicle Staff Writer

How he started: After completing his medical residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Wlodarczyk moved to San Francisco, which he believed was committed to providing care for the underserved. His patients have predominately been the homeless, those with AIDS, those living with HIV and the uninsured. Wlodarczyk has worked at the Positive Health Program at San Francisco General Hospital since 1985, and he has seen the AIDS epidemic evolve. "In the early days, it was doing what we could to improve the person's life, since there was no way of preventing the disease," he recalls. "It was mainly end-of-life care. I went to funerals a lot."

And now: Every Wednesday, Wlodarczyk travels on the Community Clinic Consortium outreach services van on its route through Bayview-Hunters Point, where many homeless people live in industrial camps, cars and pickup trucks. He and his colleagues distribute hygiene supplies and snacks and encourage people to come to the clinic for medical care. "There are things to fight the HIV infection, but disenfranchised people have trouble remembering to take their medication and keep their appointments," said Wlodarczyk. "For those living on the streets, it is a challenge -- the job has gone from not having anything to having all these tools and winning people's trust to get them to use what is offered," he said.

His inspiration: Wlodarczyk says he's inspired by his patients' transformations. "People are very appreciative. They aren't going to give me flowers or boxes of nuts, but I've seen a lot of success. One of my homeless patients stopped using drugs, gained 100 pounds, got housing and looks fabulous," he said.

Who has made the biggest impact on him: "I appreciate the ongoing support of my family and friends. Though I have been busy and may not have been there all the time over the years, their continued support has always been there when I needed it," he said.

His vitals: Wlodarczyk is 56 and lives with his wife, Anne, in Bernal Heights. They have three daughters -- Susie, 21, Molly, 18, and Clare, 13.

In his own words: "I gain my own strength through the patients I take care of. It's a great personal privilege to be invited into the patients' lives, get to know them and receive their gratitude."

What others say about him:

Dorlee Chavez, a registered nurse who works with the San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium, describes Wlodarczyk as a doctor who truly cares for people. "We had a homeless patient who suffered brain damage as a result of being hit by a two-by-four. Dan helped him get neurological appointments and transportation to and from them. He also helped him reconnect with his family," she said.

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Each week, The Chronicle features a Bay Area resident who has won a Jefferson Award for making a difference in his or her community. The awards are administered by the American Institute for Public Service, a national foundation established in 1972 to honor community service. Bay Area residents profiled in The Chronicle will also be featured on CBS5-TV and KCBS-AM, which -- along with The Chronicle -- are Jefferson Award media partners.

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