RI Programs Pay Tribute to Dr. Patricia Wold

This past September, after 16 years of distinguished service, Patricia Wold, M.D. concluded her work with Fellowship Health Resources. The team at Ocean State Outreach and the regional office staff celebrated Dr. Wold’s many years of service with a luncheon held in her honor at Chelo’s On The Bay, enjoying a beautiful late summer day. Dr. Wold worked tirelessly as a consulting psychiatrist, treating clients at Ocean State Outreach (OSO) and Fellowship House (FH). FH client Bob was happy to express his gratitude for Dr. Wold, "She was a nice lady and a hard worker. She helped me."

Her presence will be missed by staff and clients alike. Brad Lawrence, a clinician at OSO, states, “Dr. Wold was an inspiration to me for her tenacity and endurance and care for those with mental illness.” Another FHR RI staff member, Kevin Medeiros, Director of ACT services, maintains that Dr. Wold’s consistent compassion for the consumers, and her clinical leadership to the RI region will be forever appreciated. He describes Dr. Wold's dedication to the mission of FHR as unyielding. Her connection to individuals we serve, as well as the staff with whom she worked, is very much the foundation of FHR’s PRISMMODEL.

Throughout her years of service, Dr. Wold never wavered from her focus on the client as an individual. This is evident with consumers such as Trish, a client at OSO. Prior to seeking treatment at FHR, Trish battled with psychosis and mania. She described her life as unmanageable. “I had a house to run and a daughter to raise, but I was sick all the time. I was in and out of Butler Hospital six times in the year before meeting Dr. Wold. I destroyed my house and threw all my furniture out on the lawn.” These erratic behaviors occurred during a manic episode in which command hallucinations were common. Trish then began working with Ocean State Outreach and Dr. Wold, whom she described as sweet, warm, and unintimidating. Upon reflecting on their relationship, Trish emotionally recalled, “Dr. Wold saved my life.” Together, they worked on a medication regime and Trish said Dr. Wold was receptive and really listened to her. She credits Dr. Wold with “keeping me stable for the past 10 years.” It is clear to all who knew her that, while Dr. Wold’s presence is no longer a fixture at the Fellowship, her legacy will remain for many years to come. 
 
Pictured above:  Dr. Patricia Wold, Dr. Wold with OSO team members.