A patient-focused party: South Houston Internal Medicine hosts drive-thru Christmas bash on Friday

PERRY, Ga. — For 23 years, Dr. Joseph Lomboy and the South Houston Internal Medicine team have been taking care of the community; in the spirit of the holidays, the office brought back a staple event this year that gives back to the community in more ways than one.

On Friday, Dec. 8, the office held its annual Drive-Thru Christmas Party at the building parking lot on Keith Drive. At the event, patients could drive through the parking lot, where they received a free meal and holiday cheer. Office employees dressed in theme with the holidays, and a DJ provided festive music, setting the backdrop for a festive celebration.

South Houston Internal Medicine’s Office Manager JP Ocubillo said when the event first started, the party took place inside the building. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the area, the team transitioned to a drive-thru style.

This year, the team merged both ideas, providing the drive-thru experience with a tent and tables outside for those who wanted to stay longer at the event. Ocobillo mentioned they’re transitioning back to the event’s original plan.

“Hopefully we can get back to where we’ll have them come inside and have them hang out more,” Ocobillo said.

Ocobillo mentioned the event is an opportunity to spread cheer to patients who may be dealing with health issues, loneliness or the loss of a loved one.

“We’re trying to bring that joyous Christmas spirit for our patients. I know there’s a lot of our patients who either have lost loved ones throughout the year or they just don’t have any family in the area they can celebrate with, so we give them the opportunity to come by,” Ocobillo said.

The medical office also partners with Toys for Tots, encouraging those who attend the celebration to bring an unwrapped toy donation. Ocobillo said so far, the office has collected 17 boxes, and the amount is growing yearly, with patients asking when they’ll start taking up donations each year.

Ocobillo said the initial idea for the party was an extension of Dr. Lomboy’s spirit of community outreach and a family-like feel at the office.

“Typically going to the doctor is not the most enjoyable time. It’s not something you look forward to, but we do have patients that say that they love coming over and it’s their social time,” Ocobillo said.

Overall, the office plans this event year after year to show gratitude to their patients, and they do not plan to stop anytime soon.

“It’s really to thank our patients and just to let them know that we’re always thinking of them. It’s truly something that Dr. Lomboy and Mrs. Lomboy, when it comes to care for patients, they’re very sincere about doing it,” Ocobillo said. “It’s really just to kind of, provide that environment for our patients and show them that we love them. The best part being in healthcare, the most rewarding part of healthcare is to be able to give care to our patients.”

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