In 2010, Dr. Ricardo Reyes, MD, kept a promise he made to a sick friend. That friend was Erwin M Vasquez, MD, who rarely asked for small favors. For example, when he recognized the lack of quality healthcare for the uninsured residents of Broward County, Vasquez began asking friends for donations and fellow physicians to donate their talents. As a result of his persistence and persuasion, the Light of the World Clinic was founded in 1989 and provided 12,000 patients with free healthcare in its first year.
Decades later, during a long illness, Vasquez requested that Dr. Reyes agree to assume the role of medical director after Vasquez’s passing. He knew he had incredibly big shoes to fill but Reyes accepted and stepped into the role after Vasquez passed away on September 2, 2010.
“A lot has happened over the last 15 years, passage of the Affordable Care Act, the opioid epidemic, advances in cancer treatments, the rise in telemedicine, COVID, and more,” said Reyes. “However, the Clinic’s goal has remained the same: to provide quality healthcare to qualified children, adults and the elderly with chronic illnesses who are uninsured. I am confident that Dr. Vasquez would be very proud of our progress.”
A pivotal moment for the Clinic came in 2015, when it relocated to its current location at 5333 N. Dixie Hwy #201 in Oakland Park, Florida. The larger facility enabled the Clinic to increase the number of medical volunteers, serve a greater number of patients, and restructure its operations for improved efficiency and patient care delivery. The Clinic also implemented an electronic health records (EHR) system, enabling secure maintenance of patient information, better tracking of demographics and services, early identification of health trends, and enhanced program monitoring and reporting.
“As Dr. Vasquez predicted, Dr. Reyes embraced this calling with compassion and commitment,” says Clinic President and CEO Sandra Lazano Barry. “Dr. Reyes is more than a physician—he is a tireless advocate for our patients. He goes above and beyond to ensure that those in need receive care, even when services extend beyond the walls of our clinic. He is constantly networking with fellow doctors to spread awareness of our mission and to recruit specialists who volunteer their time and expertise to serve our community. To our staff and board of directors, Dr. Reyes is a steady source of encouragement, wisdom, laughter, and support. His kindness and leadership have helped shape the clinic’s heart and mission.”
In its 36-year history, the clinic has treated more than 265,000 patients. By providing medical services to individuals, their families and seniors who are generally without insurance or financial resources to obtain proper health care, the clinic strives to eliminate healthcare disparities in our community. In 2024, it is estimated the Clinic saved Broward County more than $3 million in reduced hospital admissions and emergency room visits, donated licensed and non-licensed volunteers hours, and donated services, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
The Clinic relies on small grants and donations to keep its doors open 5 days a week. In 2024, 91.3% of all tax-deductible donations went directly to the Clinic’s programs and services, resulting in the Clinic earning the Candid Gold Seal of Transparency and a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. To make your tax-deductible donation, please visit https://www.lightoftheworldclinic.org/donate/.
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