“Volunteering energizes me. It reminds me why I went into medicine and keeps me going in my regular job,” said Hans Bruntmyer, DO.
Dr. Bruntmyer began volunteering at Volunteers in Medicine in 2017 and has generously contributed time every week for the last five years providing medical care to uninsured patients.
VIM Director Ashley Woodward said he compassionately cares for patients, helps them understand their health condition, and equips each to improve their health.
“Dr. Bruntmyer listens to patients, provides skilled compassionate care and helps patients heal in their mind, body and spirit,” Ashley said.
As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Bruntmyer uses specialized skills in osteopathic manipulation treatment to help patients struggling with muscle pain and migraines.
“My patients are some of the hardest working people I know. I’m happy to be able to relieve a small amount of their suffering to help them do their jobs and provide for their families,” he said.
When asked about the impact Volunteers in Medicine has on patients, he commented about patients being respected and valued as people created in the image of Christ. He recalled one patient who struggled with intense and frequent migraine headaches that set him on a downward spiral and made him want to end his life. Through weekly visits and coordinated treatment, this patient made significant improvement, drastically reduced the frequency of headaches, and returned to the clinic with hope for the future.
During his time as an assistant professor at Incarnate Word’s School of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Bruntmyer also brought medical students to serve at VIM to expand their skills and extend the clinic’s capacity.
Dr. Bruntmyer encourages other medical providers to join the VIM volunteer team. He says that his volunteer time re-energizes him mentally, physically, and spiritually. The clinic’s staff make it easy to come in and focus solely on patient care.
“Try it,” he said, “You will spark your love of medicine again!”
For Dr. Bruntmyer’s faithful service to VIM patients, United Way of Comal County selected him as the 2022 Volunteer of the Year. From all of us at New Braunfels Christian Ministries, thank you for affirming every patient’s God-given value and improving the health of our community.
