Announcement of Affiliation with new Primary Care Physician—

Karen A. Thomas, MD

May 7, Washington- I am pleased to announce the affiliation of Karen A. Thomas, MD with Metropolitan Community Health Services, Inc.(MCHS). Dr. Thomas will be joining the Agape Community Health Clinic as a staff physician. Karen received her Bachelors degree in Biology in 1983 and graduated from East Carolina University Cum Laude. She went on to complete her Medical Degree from the East Carolina University School of Medicine in 1987. She completed a family practice residency at Anderson Memorial Hospital in Anderson, South Carolina in 1990 and was awarded the Outstanding Resident Award. She is board certified in Family Practice and has completed twelve years of practice experience. She has special interests and expertise in ambulatory care and women’s health. She has worked at Washington Family Medical Center in Washington, NC and was a partner at the Dominion Health Group in Chase City, Virginia. She and her family have relocated to Beaufort County, North Carolina from Virginia. Dr. Thomas will provide general family centered primary care. She will report to Dr. David L. Butcher, Medical Director.

The Agape Community Health Clinic provides primary medical care for residents of Beaufort and surrounding counties. The clinic is staffed by two physicians, a Physician’s Assistant and a Family Nurse Practitioner. Currently serving over 3,000 Medicaid, Medicare, insured and uninsured patients, Agape provides the regions only affordable sliding fee scale medical assistance program for people who do not have medical insurance. The clinic provides extended hours on Monday evenings. Agape Clinic was designated a federally funded community health center under Section 330 on April 1, 2003 and as such accepts all patients regardless of ability to pay.

Metropolitan Community Health Services is delighted about the new affiliation with Dr. Thomas. Beaufort County is fortunate to have such a fine physician returning to the area. We feel that our faith-based clinical opportunity is compatible with Dr. Thomas’ medical missionary aspirations and her desire to provide high quality medical care to the people of rural eastern North Carolina.

Dr. Karen Thomas is now accepting appointments for new patients. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Agape Community Health Clinic at 940-0602.

Lynn Bolden, General Manager

Metropolitan Community Health Services