professionals desiring to serve in various
desperately seeking help and we were
capacities. Some of our D.O.s go to other
attempting to provide him assistance. I
countries to provide Continuing Medical
would like very much to tell you that the
Education courses upon invitation of
story ended “happily ever after.” However,
the local medical community. I have
shortly after our return to the U.S. we
been involved in medical missions since
received word that Alfredo had run away
my undergraduate studies at Anderson
from his new home and returned to Tela.
University and was recently a speaker
He was murdered by his former gang for
at a Missions Conference in Indiana for
his betrayal.
Children of Promise, lecturing on Tropical
ALUMNI
he was faced with few options. He was
Diseases, Disaster Response and Human
Medical missions and international
Trafficking. Many WVSOM alumni are
medicine is an immersion into new cultures and various social experiences. As osteopathic physicians we are
engaged in similar opportunities of service in international medicine.
challenged daily to become involved in
As charter President of the local chapter
the social issues facing our patients. Our
of the Christian Medical & Dental
response may prove beneficial or it may
Association at WVSOM, I am elated to
not. The important thing is that we take
know that WVSOM allows opportunities
on the risk and confront the challenges
for our students, faculty, staff and
facing us, to become immersed in total
volunteers to serve in international
patient care. Alfredo had reached out to
medical opportunities abroad. DOCARE
us for help and would face certain death if
and other Osteopathic organizations
he remained in his present situation. We
also provide ways to serve. Global Health
responded. We engaged.
Outreach (GHO) provides opportunities for physicians to serve abroad. Mission
If we as osteopathic physicians are to care about the “whole” person, then we will willingly engage with our patients in ways that extend beyond the treatment of disease and meeting physical needs.
to the World (MTW), Samaritan’s Purse and Doctors Without Borders are among a multitude of other agencies with which to get involved.
Most of my diagnosis and treatment as
International medical experiences
a family physician involves counseling
provide lifelong memories, enhance
and discussions regarding family and
your worldview and create a passion for
personal issues. A prescription pad may
serving others, whether internationally
be inadequate. A diagnostic test may be
or in Appalachia, or in inner cities or
insufficient. You may be what they need
locally in your own practice. Through
the most at that moment. Your response
such experiences, your life will forever be
may prove beneficial or it may not. Yes, a
changed. I guarantee it. I challenge you to
referral may be prudent and necessary,
consider participating.
but the most important thing is that you engage.
Thanks to president Adelman and the WVSOM administration for recognizing
It is exciting to see the international
the value of the international medical
medical community recognizing and
experience as a positive influence in
accepting the credentials of osteopathic
the lives of our students and in their
physicians and welcoming their services
educational endeavors.
worldwide. Ministers of Health in many
Robert B. Holstein, D.O., ‘79
countries readily accept D.O.s as medical
WVSOM Alumni Association President
WVSOM MAGAZINE
•
SUMMER 2013
59
