By: Allison Macerollo, MD, of Worthington, OH
As a family physician working at The Ohio State University (OSU), before I go into work each day I ask myself this question, “What difference can I make in the lives of others?” In my job, I interact with patients who are struggling to become healthy, recovering from illnesses or diseases, as well as seeking to learn more information about their care. But as I begin to self-reflect, I also ask myself, “What differences am I making within my own community?”
Recently, I started tracking my hours to determine how much time I was devoting to community service. Perhaps, this stems from having a high school student of my own, who is required to fulfill community service hours, or the fact that I feel it’s my obligation to give back to my community. This year, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians is challenging members to commit to 70 hours of community service, in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Academy. The timing was perfect for me, so I accepted the challenge!
As this month comes to an end, I can say that I have exceeded the 70 hours goal and I will continue to volunteer throughout the year. As family physicians, it’s important for our communities and patients to not only see us as experts pertaining to their medical care, but also as servant leaders in our communities. There are multiple ways that you can volunteer. My community service hours have varied in type and responsibilities. From volunteering at high school sporting events to hosting foreign exchange students within my home, there are so many opportunities to get involved.
This year, the most meaningful community service I have done was travel to El Progreso, Honduras. I spent an entire week with the OSU College of Medicine student group, PODEMOS. This group provides medical care to underserved communities that often suffer from high rates of poverty, malnutrition, and poor access to health care. I traveled with two family medicine physicians, a pediatric nurse practitioner, two resident physicians, a physical therapist, and a team of medical and pharmacy students.
This group took several suitcases packed with tools and medical supplies that aided several villages outside the city of El Progresso. It was hot, cramped, and a less than ideal medical environment, but the group actively saw patients who required care related to diabetes and hypertension. All the patients were appreciative, had unusual conditions, and were eager to learn more about staying healthy. For those of us who have travelled to third world countries, you return home with a sense of gratitude for all that we have here in the United States. It was also great getting to know the medical and pharmacy students who are passionate about changing the world.
From this experience, I will continue to provide service to my community. In most capacities, I will be serving as a family physician, but in other circumstances just as a regular citizen. With each experience, I’m given more hope and feel more confident in the compassion that people have to help others in need. I know my service has made a difference in the lives of others, and I challenge each of you to ask yourself, “What difference can you make?”
For more information about the Academy’s community service initiative, visit our website. And, watch future editions of the Weekly Family Medicine Update to see where members and the OAFP staff volunteer next!