Dr. Erik Garcia is a compassionate and dedicated physician with UMass Memorial Medical Center who has been providing healthcare to the homeless population in Worcester for several decades. He serves as a mentor to students at UMass Chan Medical School and an inspiration to his colleagues.

“I have been witness to act after act after act of humanism and compassion sitting next to Erik in our office or standing next to him at a makeshift clinic at one of our food pantries while listening to him give thoughtful advice to a patient, or down on his knees, examining someone’s foot wound on our mobile care unit… Dr. Garcia embodies compassion and humanism like no one I have seen in my three decades of providing care,” said one colleague.

Dr. Garcia’s long-standing commitment to serving the homeless in Worcester spans more than 30 years. He is actively involved in various committees for local women’s shelters and addiction services, demonstrating his deep engagement with the community’s needs. His versatility is evident in his ability to adapt and fill in wherever the city and its people require assistance.

One of Dr. Garcia’s notable attributes is his innovative approach to care delivery. He provides medical services in unconventional settings, including food pantries, mobile care units, and encampments, ensuring that healthcare reaches those who might otherwise be overlooked. 

“Most of the patients I care for have suffered trauma and hardship and mistreatment throughout their lives – occasionally at the hands of the medical community,” he says. “As such, building a trusting relationship, through respect, open communication and the appropriate sharing of self is the key to compassionate care. This engagement takes time and consistency and it takes a non-judgmental and warm approach (and a bit of humor) and the recognition that sometimes, accompaniment may be the best we can achieve together.”

Dr. Garcia’s inclusive approach is a cornerstone of his practice. He treats patients from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and gender identities with equal respect and high-quality care. As a problem-solver, he ensures that his patients receive necessary medications, even in challenging circumstances. 

“He goes above and beyond what the rest of us do, and we feel we are all doing a lot,” said one colleague.

His extensive network of connections with various healthcare and social service providers allows him to facilitate quick and efficient patient care. “He has every detox center, case worker, women’s shelter, and others on his cell phone,” said a colleague. “He can make a call and get someone admitted to the right place on the same day when others don’t know where to start. He saves lives daily.”

Dr. Garcia is also known as a team player, supporting and uplifting his colleagues, including nurses, medical assistants, and peer recovery coaches. “He honors them with praise, sometimes with flowers, and with kind words. He knows the power of positive reaffirmations to keep the team going,” said a colleague.

In his role as an educator, Dr. Garcia frequently involves students in his work, modeling compassionate care practices and shaping the next generation of healthcare providers. His exceptional service has been recognized through numerous awards, including humanism awards from students, UMass Chan’s highest award, and acknowledgment from the local medical society.

Colleagues at the Medical Center describe Dr. Garcia as someone who embodies true compassion and humanism in healthcare. He is known for his creativity in problem-solving and deep understanding of his patients’ circumstances. His dedication and approach to care make him a standout figure in the medical community and a beacon of hope for the vulnerable populations he serves.