25 years is a long time to be in a demanding, often high stress job. But for Dr. Carol Klein it's also been 25 years of joy and reward. Dr. Klein treats the uninsured and people with other barriers to health care at Carrboro Community Health Center.

Dr. Klein is the longest serving physician in the history of the 36 year old organization. The health center is federally-subsidized. However, the largest population is the uninsured. They're seen on a sliding scale based on their income. Most of these patients have little or no income, so they qualify for the lowest charge, which is a flat fee of $20.

Director of Clinical Services Ann Zellmer said, "our doctors aren't getting rich! To stay here for 25 years you have to be mission to the bone - committed to the belief that everyone deserves affordable, quality health care." Zellmer also said if you ask Dr. Klein's patients what's so special about her they would say, "she's so nice" and "such a good doctor."

Dr. Klein is doing extraordinary things in a constantly changing health care system. She's also a mentor and friend to patients and young professionals. Earlier this year The North Carolina Community Health Center Association named Dr. Klein Provider of the Year.