Our KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week has spent his entire career healing the sick, in Simi Valley. He's also teaching the next generation of doctors how to care for those who need a little extra help!
For over three decades, Dr. Jonathan Kurohara has been treating people of all ages at Adventist Health Family Practice - Alamo Hills. Even more incredible, is the fact that he has spent nearly the same amount of time volunteering as the Medical Director of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley.
"Yep! I came here straight out of my training program at UCLA," explains Dr. Kurohara. "And, this is probably where I'll spend all of my medical career, here in Simi Valley."
When his career first began, Dr. Kurohara says he just wanted to be a "country doctor." But as time changes, so does the city and so do the needs of the community. For instance, the free clinic provides medical and dental care, and even legal counseling to the under-served population.
Dr. Jonathan Kurohara KNX 1070 News Handout
At the clinic, Dr. Kurohara also teaches high school and college volunteers the marvels of medicine, and the power of human connection. Many are inspired to pursue a career in the medical field.
"The free clinic is often their first exposure to medicine," says the family physician. "I like it because it removes all of the other aspects of modern healthcare, like insurance and administration. It just boils down to a sense of medicine - one person helping another. It's really enlightening to introduce them to that world.”
This year, Dr. Kurohara was named the 2021 Physician of the Year for Adventist Health Simi Valley, an honor given to him by his fellow nurses, doctors and staff. They say he is kind, an expert in his field, and they admire his ability to connect with patients.
"It’s been a totally rewarding career for me. I just assumed when I [became] a doctor, I'd work in an office and see patients, and go to the hospital. But, going to the free clinic - it really opened up a whole new world, as far as giving back! I've met really some great people in the community, and that was unexpected, and a really enjoyable part of my career out here.
Dr. Jonathan Kurohara is our KNX Hero of the Week!
You can also find out what your Helpful SoCal Honda Dealers are up to... by heading to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SoCalHondaDealers
KNX Heroes is brought to you by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes! Go to https://crc.com/ for more information.
If you know someone who is inspirational, motivational, life-changing or life-saving, nominate them as a future KNX Hero at https://www.audacy.com/knxnews/nominate
