In 2009, just two weeks after losing his beloved wife, Dr. Griggs walked into The Neighborhood Christian Clinic for the first time—not as a patient or guest, but as a volunteer physician ready to serve.
Sixteen years later, he’s still here.
After a long and fruitful career in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary/Critical Care, Dr. Griggs wasn’t ready to step away from patient care. What he was ready to leave behind was the growing burden of documentation and reimbursement that had slowly chipped away at the joy of medicine. The Clinic offered something different: the freedom to practice whole-person care without compromise.
“I found that I could provide excellent quality medical care to patients, and most welcomed our praying with them. I say ‘our’ because most of the interpreters have a vital Christian faith… They could explore the spiritual needs of the patients.”
Dr. Griggs came to the Clinic through CMDA, the Christian Medical & Dental Associations. As a committed Christian since his student days, he always sought opportunities to share his faith with patients—but he says it wasn’t always easy. The Clinic, however, became sacred ground: a place where sharing the Gospel is as natural as writing a prescription, and praying with a patient is part of the care plan.
“Meeting both the medical and spiritual needs of the poor is not only personally rewarding for me, but also gives me great joy in obeying Christ’s command to care for the poor.”
Over the years, Dr. Griggs has become a pillar of The Neighborhood Christian Clinic. His presence is marked by quiet wisdom, encouragement, and joy. He is beloved by patients and deeply respected by the Clinic family of staff, volunteers, and interpreters.
“The patients are a delight. They are warm, wonderful people who display their appreciation openly for the compassionate care provided by the clinic team. And it is a wonderful team… It is truly a family.”
Sixteen years is a long time. But the legacy Dr. Griggs is building here is eternal.
“While I am hopeful that I have contributed something to the mission of the clinic, I feel that I have gained far more than I have given.”
We thank God for Dr. Griggs—his service, his faith, and his example. May his story encourage us all to give what we have, right where we are, for the glory of Christ.
