I am aghast tonight over the tragic news of a British physician, Karen Woo, and ten other aid workers killed this week by gunmen in an ambush in a remote area of northern Afghanistan. The team was on site working at an eye clinic they had earlier established. In fact, in 2003 their organization […]
“Doctor, come quickly!” The nurse’s voice carried a tone of urgency that matched his message. I rose rapidly and entered the chilly night air. Moments later, in the children’s ward at Angola’s Kalukembe Hospital, I met a distraught father carrying Maria, his five-year old daughter. “She’s coughed for days,” he explained with distress. Still
Is it necessary to board an airplane in order to serve forgotten people? Need you learn a new language, acquire a passport or special vaccinations to aid those who are most neglected? Actually no. While you may feel compelled to go to such lengths, this fact remains: there exist untold forgotten people, the least
This week I enjoyed making presentations at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the Cox Family Medicine Residency in Springfield, Missouri. But the highlight was Friday morning, March 26, at Kansas City’s historic Hotel. The venue was Ingram’s Magazine‘s 2010 Heroes in Healthcare Awards, where INMED was honored among the recipients. Keynote speaker for
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
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 –
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
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
Maggie Higgins, daughter of INMED’s Board Member Ted Higgins, was volunteering at INMED’s training site, Haiti Health Ministries, when the earthquake struck. Today she wrote, “Last night, a flood of people were showing up. I’ve been doing a LOT of nasty wound irrigations and debris removal. I basically took out a cement plant from
Yesterday, as the shadows were growing long, an earthquake of enormous intensity, 7-8, struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti. While CNN reports hundreds of thousands killed, I’m most concerned over those whom I personally know on this island nation. Sandy and Jim Wilkins have lived in Haiti 1999 and along with their Haitian national staff, serve at Haiti