Five days ago in Myanmar (Burma) at least 22,000 people died and one million were made homeless from a cyclone that caused a 12-foot tidal wave. Most of us naturally pause, consider the catastrophe, and simply wish we could help. But nothing more.
Patrick Railey is a family physician that has made a lifestyle out of helping people in greatest need. Patrick, a speaker at the 2008 Exploring Medical Missions Conference, has served in Central America, South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Lebanon. But what’s most surprising to health care professionals is that he ALSO maintains a private practice in Atlanta, George.
“Docs and nurses think they can’t afford the time off,” says Dr. Railey. “But in reality, how can they not afford it? Certainly there is less income when being away from a practice. But it comes down to a question of values. People, like those in Myanmar, are in really desperate need. And do we really need a bigger house or another car?”
Patrick Railey works at his Atlanta office about 8 months of the year and devotes the rest to medical missions. He got his own launch into international service by attending an event like the Exploring Medical Missions Conference where he connected with leaders in the field and sending organizations.
“Medical skills are a gift,” says Dr. Railey, “that we should not simply use to benefit our own purposes. Rather, it’s our job to especially provide care to those who have nowhere to turn for assistance. When we do this, we are also both serving God and tapping into opportunities for enormous personal fulfillment.”