LifeStyles of Maryland has appointed Richard E. Cook, Jr., MD, MPH, MBA, as the organization’s first volunteer Medical Director, establishing a new source of physician leadership and medical guidance to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness and other significant social and economic vulnerabilities.
In this role, Dr. Cook will volunteer his time and expertise as a clinical resource to LifeStyles leadership and staff on health-related policies, procedures, community health initiatives, grants and appropriate medical referrals. He may also assist the organization in identifying pathways to care for individuals with significant or complex medical needs, particularly those who are uninsured, medically underserved, experiencing homelessness or otherwise at risk of falling through gaps in the healthcare system.
“Dr. Cook understands that the best way to connect people with healthcare is to show them what’s available and then help them navigate barriers and find the right resources so they can receive care with dignity,” said Sandy Washington, Chief Executive Officer of LifeStyles of Maryland. “His medical expertise, longstanding relationship with LifeStyles and genuine commitment to the people we serve make him the perfect person for this role.”
Dr. Cook has worked alongside LifeStyles for nearly a decade and has seen firsthand the organization’s commitment to serving people facing some of the community’s most difficult circumstances.
“What has always impressed me most about LifeStyles is its willingness to roll up its sleeves and do the difficult work that too often no one else steps forward to do,” said Dr. Cook. “That is precisely why I am honored to join their efforts and offer my medical services. I am equally prepared to roll up my sleeves and help ensure that members of our homeless community receive not only appropriate healthcare, but are treated with the dignity, humanity, compassion, and equity that every person deserves.”
The Medical Director position is primarily an administrative and advisory role. It’s intended to help facilitate access to appropriate healthcare. It does not establish an ongoing physician-patient relationship or replace emergency, primary or specialty medical care.
Dr. Cook is affiliated with Cook & Siu, LLC, and is board certified in internal medicine. He holds Doctor of Medicine, Master of Public Health and Master of Business Administration degrees.
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