An Interview with Professional Volunteer: Dr. Wolman, MD

PTV would like to recognize the work of Dr. Naomi Wolman. For several years, she has been a dedicated pro bono psychiatrist for PTV.  She donates a full afternoon to PTV clients every other week out of Venice Family Clinic in addition to working full time as a psychiatrist for the homeless of LA County. Thank you Dr. Wollman for your service and dedication.

Please describe how and when you first got involved with PTV.
A colleague and friend of mine, Ken Chuang, was a volunteer psychiatrist for PTV. They needed another volunteer psychiatrist, so he told me about it and brought me there.  I don’t know how long ago that was now, maybe 4 or 5 years.

Could you briefly describe the services you provide to PTV clients?
I give them medication. I do work closely with the therapists, but I do my own evaluation based on their symptoms and I provide them with medication. Of course, when something happens with the patient, the therapist and I are in constant communication. We’re very limited on medication, because Venice Family Clinic is based on donations. I also work full time with the county, and we have much more to give patients. Ken took all of his patients to the county because there’s so much more available.

What insight have you gained working with PTV clients?
That’s a very complicated question. I have patients who are really my role models. They’re amazing people. I have one patient in particular who really inspires me. No matter what she’s gone through, she’s always been able to assess the situation and figure out how to deal with reality. These people have to go through a lot here, as immigrants. They have to go through cultural adjustment, they have low incomes, and they cannot rely on themselves.

Have they changed your perception?
Yes. I’ve learned a lot about human beings, cruelty, and politics. And, I’ve learned a lot about survival. I believe that their survival is mostly biological. Most of these people are highly functioning adults who have been tortured because of an ideological conflict. They didn’t have mental disorders and they wouldn’t have sought psychiatric care before. Despite all of our psychological and medical care, I think survival is mostly based on the biological basis of the person.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences with PTV and/or PTV staff?
…I sort of started to get hooked, trying to help these people. I hope it will be easier to accept them into society and for them to adjust.

To view PTV's newsletter: click here