Celebrating A Legacy of Care

March 19, 2026

The San Diego Natural History Museum hosted a black-tie celebration honoring Dr. Suzanne Affalo for her 25 years of healthcare service to San Diego's underserved communities. The event featured a documentary screening showcasing her monthly health fairs at the Jackie Robinson YMCA and her clinic operations in Spring Valley. Despite retiring from Kaiser after two decades, Dr. Affalo continues providing care to patients who have followed her throughout her career, focusing on expanding preventive care access for those who cannot afford it.

Who is affected

Dr. Suzanne Affalo, M.D. (honoree)
Underserved San Diego community members who cannot afford healthcare
Dr. Affalo's patients, including those who followed her from Kaiser
Recipients of recognition awards who have supported Dr. Affalo's work
Attendees of the event from various segments of the San Diego community
Patients served at the Jackie Robinson YMCA health fairs
Patients at the IWC Clinic in Spring Valley

What action is being taken

Dr. Affalo is conducting monthly Health Fairs at the Jackie Robinson YMCA
Dr. Affalo is operating the IWC Clinic in Spring Valley on a daily basis
Dr. Affalo is providing healthcare to patients, including those who followed her from Kaiser

Why it matters

This work matters because it addresses a critical healthcare gap for San Diego residents who are in greatest need but least able to afford medical care. Dr. Affalo's efforts expand access to preventive care and strengthen community health infrastructure, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive essential healthcare services they might otherwise go without, which has broader implications for public health and community wellbeing.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint