Lots of Doctors Are Volunteering
I've never worked in a major disaster. Sure my hospitals have always had disaster drills. But I was never in one. The closest I got was 9-11. I was at a medical conference in Washington and spent the day on I-95 driving home to New York. Passing by the WTC from across the Hudson River was a powerful sight. By the time I got home and called my hospital, it was clear that there weren't a lot of casualties being brought into the ER.
So maybe I'm not the ideal candidate, but after talking it over with my family, I started to look around for organizations that would allow me to volunteer in South Asia. Yes my specialty is heart disease, but I can triage the sick and care for those with minor and serious infections.
I contacted many organizations, including Doctors of the World, both here in the US and in Spain. The Spanish affiliate has already sent a small team into Sri Lanka. I learned that they want experienced doctors for the time being. I understood.
The important news was when I heard from two different organizations that both were overwhelmed with qualified doctors volunteering to go - so many that they didn't really want any information from me.
I'd like to go because I can help. But if I don't, perhaps this disaster should be a reminder to me that I can help more people here at home too. Maybe that's one thing we should all consider.
<< Home