Dr. Stinar will be on sabbatical during May, June, and July.

Dear FCHC patients, 

I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a sabbatical during the months of May, June, and July. During this time, my very capable team of nurse practitioners, a physician assistant, and volunteer physicians will be available to take care of you.  

I will return in August, but I ask that you do not delay routine check-ups or any other medical needs for my return. I appreciate you giving my team the opportunity to shine with compassion and competence as we walk alongside you in your health journey. I will continue to pray for you and look forward to seeing the positive progress you have made in my absence. 

What is a sabbatical? It is an extended period of rest. Why does Dr. Stinar need a Sabbatical? Because I’m tired! 

As both the only physician at FCHC and the CEO, I am working two full time jobs. Thankfully, we have built up our team in a way that will allow me a needed respite, and I have a wonderful board of directors encouraging the sabbatical. 

This will not only be a time of rest, but also a time of intentional prayer and discernment over the ministry. I do not need to tell you that our healthcare system is broken. FCHC exists to care for the poor and marginalized in our community because there are too many that the broken system does not facilitate adequate care for. This is our mission. 

Even people who aren’t in poverty are poorly served by the for-profit, insurance-based healthcare system—each year it is more evident how deeply that system fails both patients and FCHC. 

Reimbursement depends on appointment volume: rewarding rushed visits over thoughtful, relationship-based care. Time spent answering MyChart messages or handling insurance approvals—often to prevent unnecessary visits—goes unpaid, even though it improves care. 

I will not only rest during the sabbatical but also dedicate time to intentional prayer and discernment over the ministry and how FCHC can continue to be true to our mission but also care for those who are not part of our charity program in a way that is sustainable. Over the years, the board of directors and myself have met with consultants to consider this dilemma. The Sabbatical will give me the chance to step back and prepare to lead the ministry through our next season. 

As we discern the future of FCHC, I value your input. While I rest, I’m asking for you to do some work! We will be sending out surveys to get your feedback on services and potential changes that will allow the ministry to continue to thrive and expand our missional impact. Please complete these surveys with thought and honesty. Your input will help us best care for you! 

Thank you for supporting me in my Sabbatical, trusting my team to continue to care for you. Thank you for the honor of helping you steward your body, mind, and spirit to be the best you. 

God Bless, 

Dr. Stinar