Giving back?

[Hard24Get]

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Just wondering how many of us are planning on "giving back" and how. Applications and AMA hopes aside God knows our people could use the help. One of my classmates in residency works at a free Korean clinic and does amazing work there. So what about us? Myself, I am thinking about starting a health and natural hair care course for black women (in addition to seeing everyone without insurance in the ER)...What's your idea? :grin:

 

[Dr Lyss]

I definitely plan on giving back to the community where my family came from. I grew up in white suburbs but I know I will be going back to my roots and work in neighborhoods like the ones my parents and grandparents came out of. I think its always important to remember where you came from to understand where you can go! I don't know exactly how I plan to give back (or where) but I know it won't be based on race, it will be based on need & the communities that need it the most. I want to head a community health clinic and do some international work.

 

[PinkIvy08]

I view not giving back (in some form) as the ultimate failure, the epitome of self-absorption, and it negates any "success" one might obtain. Everyone should give back in some way - whether it's mentoring, starting or becoming involved in some type of community outreach, and even dedicating your entire career in service to those least served and becoming a role model for them. While I feel this is applicable to all, I believe it is of the utmost importance for URMs. But, I'm probably preaching to the choir...

 

[Kimaris]

I don't know if I will be doing anything for "community" at large. I never felt that it was my duty to serve anyone and I never had any kind of mentor myself. I don't even think if have the personality to become a role model.

 

[PinkIvy08]

I don't know if I will be doing anything for "community" at large. I never felt that it was my duty to serve anyone and I never had any kind of mentor myself. I don't even think if have the personality to become a role model.

Could you have benefited from having a mentor at any point in your life/on your career path? I mean, just because you haven't had one doesn't mean you can't see the benefit of having one. I know I never had any mentors and have gotten to where I am by hard work and focus. Does that mean I see no need to help others? No. I know I could have benefited and been better positioned on my career path had I at least had someone around as a mentor. Personally, I think mentoring someone is fairly simple and the least that can be done. What kind of personality do you have that would make you a good doctor, but a terrible mentor? Just curious...

But if you don't think you'd be a decent role model or don't see the need for helping others out, then I'd respect your decision.

Guess I wasn't preaching to the choir. I just pray for people like you, that God will touch their hearts...such a waste of talent and blessings.

 

[SirSpicious]

Heck yeah i plan on giving back. There aren't too many Latino doctors practicing in my region of the country so yeah i'd be great and very fulfilling, too.😀

 

[Hard24Get]

Could you have benefited from having a mentor at any point in your life/on your career path? I mean, just because you haven't had one doesn't mean you can't see the benefit of having one. I know I never had any mentors and have gotten to where I am by hard work and focus. Does that mean I see no need to help others? No. I know I could have benefited and been better positioned on my career path had I at least had someone around as a mentor. Personally, I think mentoring someone is fairly simple and the least that can be done. What kind of personality do you have that would make you a good doctor, but a terrible mentor? Just curious...

But if you don't think you'd be a decent role model or don't see the need for helping others out, then I'd respect your decision.

Guess I wasn't preaching to the choir. I just pray for people like you, that God will touch their hearts...such a waste of talent and blessings.

I agree. I didn't have any mentors till I was already in medical school and I grew up in the mostly white suburbs. So I could argue I don't have a duty either. I guess that's why "giving back" is just a phrase. I just think of it as giving. And while I would be pleased to give to any in the national and international level, I have noticed that not too many people outside my race are interested in us, so I feel at least some of what I do should consider other blacks.

 

[YBFdoctor]

I too grew up in white suburbs and have never had a mentor. Although I went to decent public schools for both high school and college, I feel like there are some things that you can't learn in school, some opportunities that you can't obtain through studying hard, and that is where a mentor comes in. In my community, there are hardly any black physicians to serve as mentors for the youth, and that is something that I desperately want to change in the future.

 

[deleted6669]

I volunteer 2 days/mo at a local free clinic and am a member of my states disaster medical team(DMAT). the free clinic mostly sees patients who work full time (+) at low end jobs but don't get healthcare benefits. these are hardworking folks, not people "gaming the system". if they or their kids get sick they need to decide to pay rent or seek medical care. it shouldn't be that way.that's why we need some guaranteed basic healthcare in this country. I'm not talking botox and nose jobs. anyone with pneumonia should be able to get medical care without fear of losing their housing or car to pay the bill.
earlier this summer I spent 9 days in haiti staffing a rural clinic with other members of my dmat team. a very eye opening experience to say the least and one I would highly recommend to anyone. I plan on going back every yr.
I think as medical professionals we have an obligation to care for folks with healthcare needs regardless of their ability to pay. we need to make a living obviously (and I do quite well working full time in emergency medicine) but I feel like a few hrs/mo is the least I can do.
as I get older and pay off my house and become debt free I hope to do more of this. I have some great role models in this regard. many of the folks who staff the free clinic with me are retired docs and nurses who are there 2-3 days/week every week. some as old as 82 with many in their 70's. in my state malpractice is free for volunteer work so these retired folks aren't putting out big bucks to maintain malpractice policies. the free clinic also pays for their license renewals.

 

[redlight]

i "grew up" in minority communities, but i was never in a specific community for more than 5 or so years so i dont think i would give back to those commuinities specifically... though i definitely benefited from afterschool programs and such when i was living in the urban jungles. ive done a little giving back in college, specifically through volunteering with kids in school, etc.

i plan on "giving back" somehow in the future as well, and it isnt limited to communities in the states. i think education/mentoring is the most efficient/far-reaching way to give back, but i also want to be a part of or head a free clinic in an underserved area. that would be great.