Board Member Spotlight: Martin Karpiel

For nearly five years, Martin Karpiel, FACHE has brought a lifetime of healthcare management experience, and a heart for service, to the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California. A Knight of Malta and longtime leader in emergency and urgent care, Martin has dedicated his career to improving access to healthcare for those in need.

Martin’s journey with the Clinic began with a vow: as a Knight, he promised to practice charity toward his neighbors, especially those in need. After decades of service in hospital administration, consulting, and urgent care leadership, he sought a way to share his “time, talents, and treasures” in service of others. The Clinic, he says, was the perfect fit.

Since joining the board, Martin has played a pivotal role on the Operations Committee and was one of the leads in the Clinic’s recent expansion. That project doubled the Clinic’s footprint and capacity, enabling thousands more patients to access free care each year.

With his urgent care background, Martin has helped the Clinic adapt to increasing demand and complex patient needs. Implementing an electronic medical record system, expanding clinic hours, and welcoming new board expertise are just some of the steps he highlights as recent accomplishments.

When asked what inspires him most, Martin doesn’t hesitate: the Clinic’s volunteers. “The dedication of our physicians and nursing volunteers is amazing. All that they give back to the community on a daily basis is humbling,” he says.

Looking ahead, Martin is excited about what the Clinic’s future holds. With the expanded space, he sees the opportunity to more than double patient volume while lowering the cost per patient, ensuring donors’ gifts are used as effectively as possible. And to those considering supporting or volunteering, he offers this encouragement: “Serving others is the highest form of generosity. Knowing that Jesus is reflected in the eyes of those we serve is incredibly rewarding.”

Martin’s leadership and commitment reflect the very spirit of the Order of Malta Clinic. A dedication to helping the most vulnerable among us with compassion, excellence, and dignity.