Dr. Paul Lorentsen Honored with University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Teaching Award

At the Neighborhood Christian Clinic, teaching has always been part of the mission.

Every week, patients come through our doors looking for medical, dental, and behavioral health care. But something else also happens here. Future physicians have the opportunity to see what compassionate, whole-person care looks like in real life.

That mission was recently recognized when Paul Lorentsen, MD, Medical Director and Co-founder of the Neighborhood Christian Clinic, received the 2026 Office of the Dean Volunteer Faculty Award: Foundational Curriculum from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

The award recognizes Dr. Paul’s role in undergraduate medical education and celebrates the impact he continues to have on future physicians.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Paul has helped shape The Neighborhood Christian Clinic into a place where excellent medical care is offered with dignity, compassion, and the love of Christ. His work has always reached beyond the exam room. Through his leadership, students and residents have the opportunity to learn not only clinical skills, but also what it means to listen well, serve humbly, and see the whole person behind each medical need.

The Clinic is a unique learning environment because students encounter the realities many uninsured neighbors face every day: delayed care, language barriers, limited resources, fear, and uncertainty. They also witness hope. They see patients being welcomed, prayed for when desired, treated with respect, and cared for by a team committed to restoring health and restoring lives.

While this award bears Dr. Paul’s name, it also points to something larger: the Clinic’s calling to be a place of healing and formation.

We are grateful for Dr. Paul’s faithful leadership, his heart for patients, and his dedication to helping train the next generation of physicians.

Congratulations, Dr. Paul, and thank you for showing future doctors what compassionate care can look like.