Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/611652
By Katy Mena-Berkley RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS HAVE LONG FACILITATED PHYSICIANS' PROVISION OF PHILANTHROPIC MEDICAL CARE AND OTHER SERVICES IN AREAS IMPACTED BY DISEASE, POVERTY AND WAR. T H E P R O V I D E R S C O M E f r o m my r iad back g rounds: T hey are anesthesiologists, surgeons, OB/GYNs, psychiatrists and practitioners from virtually every other field. They treat patients in desper- ate circumstances and provide other volunteer services, while also drawing attention to large-scale tragedies result- ing from political upheaval, natural disasters or other factors. In recent decades, estimates of physicians who provide some form of charitable care have ranged from approximately two- thirds to well over three-quarters. Here are the stories of three physicians who have made providing medical care and other assistance to underserved groups at home and abroad a part of their lives. Philip Hall, MD: A Passion to Help A private practice anesthesiologist in Lexington, Kentucky, Dr. Hall has spent more than three decades preparing patients for surgery and working to relieve their pain through modern medicine. The past several years, he has felt moved to provide similar care to people living in sometimes primitive and often dangerous environments. Dr. Hall's journey with philanthropic care began with a mission trip to Guatemala eight years ago — an experience that sparked a passion for providing medical care to underserved populations. "I enjoyed the experience in Guatemala and began to think about doing more of that type of work and to do research online to fi nd organizations that might be able to provide longer-term placement," he says. "Doctors Without Borders appealed to me because of their philosophy and widespread involvement in different areas of the world." Established in France in 1971, Doctors Without Borders today is an international organization that provides assistance to people in distressed regions. Through his affi liation with the organization, Dr. Hall has cared for patients in Nigeria, South Sudan and Syria. At times, he has admin- istered anesthesia as bombs were falling behind him. "In Syria, I got used to hearing the rockets every day ...," he says. "The area where we were working was in great turmoil." However, Dr. Hall is not deterred by the danger of some areas nor the limited resources of others. He continues to travel to Guatemala annually, as well as with Physicians Find Fulfi llment in Charitable Care Giving and Receiving: 1 8 | Mid Hudson MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M