Nicholas Comninellis

nicholascomninellis — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:36:20 +0000

Over this last week I’ve been writing my 2010 INMED theme address - one that I’ll make to about 15 universities and residency programs throughout the Midwest this spring. “Serving The Forgotten” is not only the theme for the 2010 INMED Exploring Medical Missions Conference, but after detailed consideration the INMED Board of Directors chose to make this part of INMED’s mission statement as well. I am struck by the fact that some of the most forgotten people are those afflicted by natural disasters - ones that go totally unnoticed! For example, the Indonesia Earthquake in September, 2009, affected 600,000 people, killed 1,177, caused $2 billion in damage - and in North America we never even noticed! Another unnoticed disaster: Nigeria’s meningoccal epidemic Spring 2009 sickened 35,000 people, killed 1,701. Can you imagine the attention if this occurred in North America?!!?

Leadership Lessons From Dancing Guy

nicholascomninellis — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:59:27 +0000

Most everything I know about leadership is summed up in this profound 3 minute video, Leadership Lessons From Dancing Guy. Oh I’ve enjoyed classes on leadership. Jim Evans, my high school civics teacher, also personally mentored me. And I’ve certainly learned first hand through trial and error. But the most basic principles of leadership - vision casting and role modeling - don’t require any sort of higher education; only the willingness to start dancing and inviting others to join in!

Thailand Yes. But No Mosquitos in Singapore!

nicholascomninellis — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:23:37 +0000

What do YOU believe are the greatest issues impacting global health? This question may seem overly academic, but viewed through the lenses of Haiti’s recent catastrophe makes the inquiry much more relevant. I find that people - especially medical people - often respond with statements like HIV or malaria or malnutrition. Myself, I prefer to see these diseases are outcomes rather than as causes. Economic and educational deprivation are usually the antecedents. Once economic growth is addressed, health status improves markedly. Why? Consider malaria. Economic growth brings better housing. less access for mosquitos, less standing water where mosquitos breed, and more ready availability to medical care. Thailand has many mosquitos. But not Singapore!

Back To Burkina!

nicholascomninellis — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:25:50 +0000

During medical school I met with a group of classmates to identify the one most impoverished, under-served location on the entire planet. We selected Burkina Faso - at that time called Upper Volta. This nation is located in West Africa in the midst of the Sahara Desert. As a resident physician I worked with SIM for a month in Burkina Faso. What stands out most to me years later is all the children with lumps under their skin. These are the adult filaria parasites, which over time will cause blindness in these hapless children. Now fast forward to Tina Wiebe, a Canadian RN who worked for a year in Burkina Faso. We met last summer when Tina took the INMED International Medicine Intensive Course. I’m very happy to hear from Tina today… She’s return to another stent in Burkina, and wrote, “This will be my first venture back since taking the course at INMED last sum>mer. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn what I did at INMED. Thank you so much. I feel more equipped and ready to serve!”

nicholascomninellis — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:33:57 +0000

This morning I’m with the Ingrams’ magazine photographer, snapping shots for INMED’s reception of their magazine’s Heros In Healthcare Award. Through all this consideration of background, lighting, and whether my tie is straight, I’m thinking of all the unrecognized heros whose entire life and lifestyle is a testament to the power of faith and compassion. One of these is Bob Matthews, a physician until recently living in east Texas. Bob and I were resident physicians together at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. Two years ago, Bob and his wife cut loose from the US to live in Tanzania, where they established Kitua Zahanati Clinic on Bumbire Island in the midst of Lake Victoria - providing the only medical care for the 5,000 residents of that isolated locale. Bob, this prize is for you and your like-hearted teammates!

To What Lengths To Save A Life?

nicholascomninellis — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:59:59 +0000

To what lengths a healthcare professional will go to help save a life? Is enough that we give of our time, our education, our skills. What about giving of our very life? Nina Hicks is an INMED student presently serving at Baptist Medical Center in northern Ghana. When a young mother in Ghana presented with a life-threatening hemorrhage from placenta previa, Nina donated her own blood to aid the mother! Check out Nina Hicks blog from Jan 30th, and prepare to be moved!

Pharmacy Saves Lives

nicholascomninellis — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:56:57 +0000

This morning I’m diligently updating INMED’s International Medicine Online Course. In the process, I’m amazed to finally discover in the literature a thoughtful analysis of the essential drug concept and drug procurement issues for poorer nations. As INMED is developing an international pharmacy track in the near future, this info in vital - and ultimately SAVES LIVES!

More About Thriving On Encouraging Words

nicholascomninellis — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:18:42 +0000

I’m especially delighted to learn that INMED was just awarded among Ingrams Magazine’s 2010 Heroes in Healthcare. This adds up to 3 major recognitions in 3 months! Not that we are intentionally pursuing praise from our peers. But we are continually encouraged to discover others who resonate with our vision and our efforts. In this vein, I’m also mindful of Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” I’m so very fortunate to be a wealthy man!

Renew Your Skills!

nicholascomninellis — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:26:38 +0000

I am pondering that fact that healthcare professionals who want to serve the very poor often need to renew their expertise - those skills in public health, leadership or divergent specialties they once learned, but have not used in the years since their careers became more focused. This requires a commitment to relearning. But perhaps this would not be such a struggle, for there was a time in our lives in which we enjoyed the adventure of learning, and that adventure still awaits!

Searching For Men Of Character

nicholascomninellis — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:53:25 +0000

Television coverage of the Haiti crisis, competing for airtime against Sports Central and American Idol, creates a compelling contrast. It all makes me want to see more men who define themselves by a calling higher than simple self-gratification. Certainly we all must attend to our legitimate personal needs. But guys, enduring satisfaction will never be found until we move beyond these appetites towards a vision far beyond ourselves, even beyond people whom we will ever meet (2 Corinthians 5:15). Yes, we will fumble and fail. But we will also gather our strength, get up, and continue following our high calling. Where are the men of such character?