Previously printed by Medicine in Oregon, a member publication of the Oregon Medical Association, Spring 2008 edition.

Earl Hines

More and more physicians are seeking to enhance their lives and careers by giving back to underserved communities, and some are doing it in surprising ways all over the world.   

It was in 2001, while ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro, that Dr. James Lace of Salem first met the director of the Yatima Group Trust Fund. Yatima was a fledgling orphanage in Tanzania created to take care of just a few of the country’s nearly 2 million children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. “These people were living hand to mouth, day to day,” says Lace. With over ninety children, food, clothing and basic necessities were scarce.

 “They didn’t know where the next meal was coming from.” Dr. Lace, now age 60, was so moved by his experience in Tanzania that he took up the cause by donating his own money to buy land, supplies, and food. The next six years were filled with fundraising, planning and many more trips to Tanzania.

What does he have to show for his efforts? Well, quite a lot.

Yatima is now a thriving centre serving the needs of over 130 children. There are three new dormitories and electricity. A new 180-foot well provides the children clean drinking water and new gardens are being planted that will provide much needed food.

“Once you talk to the children, it makes all the time and monetary sacrifice worthwhile,” said Lace. “We cannot save all the children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, but we can help a few children in a big way.”

Medical philanthropy is a family affair for Portland’s Dr. Tom Hoggard and his wife, Dr. Mary Burry. They began their careers in 1974, Hoggard practicing family medicine and Burry, radiology. “We both had long careers, and then in 2001, went to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine,” said Hoggard. “We had been going overseas with Northwest Medical Teams (now Medical Teams International), and wanted to educate ourselves so we could do more.” And more they did. Since then, Drs. Hoggard and Burry have responded to war and natural disasters on 14 separate missions—that’s about two per year—including trips to Kenya, Albania, and Turkey. “After the floods in Mozambique in 2000, we were the only two doctors in a camp with 90,000 refugees,” Hoggard said. “People were dying every day from cholera and dehydration.” Though most people might find these circumstances unbearable, Dr. Hoggard sees them differently. “Every day, I’d step outside our little tent and be faced by this sea of humanity. I realized we were giving people something that they’d never get otherwise. That we were literally saving lives.”

Fitting philanthropy and time away from the office into a busy medical practice isn’t easy. When asked how he does it, Dr. Lace simply says: “By having really understanding partners.” Indeed, it would be nearly impossible for a solo practitioner to abandon practice for three or four weeks at a time. Dr. Hoggard faced similar challenges. “Not only was I not billing for a month at a time, my overhead was killing me, too.” About eight years ago, Dr. Hoggard and Dr. Burry completely restructured their lives to solve this problem. They abandoned their traditional practices and became independent contractors, relying on part-time assignments and locum tenens positions to earn their living. They rented out a room in their home to a trusted friend who manages things while they’re away, set up auto-payments for their bills, and entrusted the checkbook to a family member. All of this provides them the flexibility to hop on a plane when a disaster happens. They flew to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and to Sri Lanka after the tsunami.

Medical student Evelyn Ford isn’t waiting until she’s a doctor to save the world. Even though she is in her second year at Oregon Health & Sciences University, Ford made time for not one, but two missions to Zimbabwe last year to volunteer for Africa AIDS Response. Her next trip—this time to Ethiopia—is already in the works. “Global health is very important to me,” Ford said. “I have a strong desire to help under-served populations.” But Ford recognizes that once she’s out of school she’ll have to balance her desire to be philanthropic with her need to make financial ends meet. In fact, her charitable interests are a significant factor in how she evaluates future career options. “I want to work for an organization that gives me flexibility and more control of my schedule,” Ford said, “which is why I’m leaning towards academics instead of private practice.”

Tips from the Trenches

If you’re interested in joining the ranks of these medical philanthropists, they point out a few things you should consider:

1. Go Slow. Seek out a group that has a mission you care about and then see how you can help. Dr. Hoggard is anxious to point out that you don’t have to leave Oregon to find good causes. If you are drawn to an international location, don’t be concerned if you can’t afford to take time away initially. “Early on, I just helped other doctors from here,” Hoggard said, “with small donations or by helping them gather medicines.” You also don’t have to start off with big donations. “$50 or $100 can make a huge difference in a developing country,” said Dr. Lace. “One individual can’t save the whole world, but a bunch of us together can help many people.”
2. Take a Field Trip. Consider taking your next international vacation in a place where you’re interested in volunteering and use that time to do some research. Or take a day off from work and visit a charity in your own backyard. Whether your cause takes you out of the country or not, meeting the people doing the work will show you if the organization is right for you. “It all comes down to trusting the people involved,” said Dr. Lace. “You have to feel you can hold them accountable.”
3. Simplify Your Life. If you discover a real passion, you’ll find you need to make room in your life to pursue philanthropy. If you are leaving the country for an extended time, consider having someone you trust live in your house while you’re away. Set up internet-based bill-pay for your checking accounts, and auto-payments for recurring expenses. If you will be out of touch for a long period, hire a reputable, licensed Financial Advisor who can keep an eye on your investments while you’re away.

Whether you’ve been practicing for years or are just starting out, there are a variety of ways you can make a difference. Though everyone comes to their particular cause in their own way, most agree that regardless of your age, experience, how much money or time you have, you can make a tremendous difference in the lives of people in underserved communities. And if you really need a push to get out your door, let Dr. Lace help you schedule a safari tour to Tanzania. You and your friends will have a great time, and ten percent of your tour cost will go to support his orphanage.

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