APMA Article | On a Mission
I am honored to be included as part of the APMA (American Podiatric Medicine Association) News’ All Stars. “Patrick DeHeer, DPM; On A Mission” is the first in a series that will acknowledge fellow doctors.
This particular article is about medical missions to other countries that I have been honored and blessed to be part of; missions to Iraq, Haiti, Trinidad, and Honduras — 16 in all to-date.
You’ve all read earlier posts about my special interest in Haiti. I’ve worked with clubfoot clinics and wound clinics for people of Haiti, spending time there before and after the 2010 earthquake. While Haiti is close to my heart, local volunteering has a place as well which is why I work with a group of doctors free health clinics in our community.
The article quotes —“I just want to share my knowledge. It’s not about you. It’s about sharing your knowledge and what you have.”
If you are feeling the call to volunteer, there is someone in the world community who can use your skills and knowledge.
- Talk with fellow medical professionals if you are looking for a mission trip to join. I don’t have anything planned right now, but others do. There will be choices that will fit your schedule.
- Check with church groups – often the church’s website has news of planned trips. One possibility is the Baptist Medical and Dental Fellowship, online at http://www.bmdf.org. There are others with informative websites.
- Don’t forget the neighborhood – the international field is needy, but so is the local neighborhood. You can do a vast amount of good and be back home at night. I volunteer twice a month at free local medical clinics. Giving back locally has a valuable impact along with serving globally.
I appreciate my fellow doctors recognition. Having that support and the support of my wonderful patients makes getting up and heading for the clinic every morning a joy.
APMA 2011 Humanitarian Award is Given to Our Own Patrick A. DeHeer, DPM
Dr. DeHeer, a favorite with his patients, was acknowledged at the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) convention this week for the generous heart he has for patients all over the world.
According to releases from the APMA
“The Humanitarian Award is given in recognition of truly outstanding humanitarian efforts that have a profound impact on the public and a definable positive impact on podiatric medicine.”
Acknowledgment of Dr. DeHeer’s work with patients in Haiti both before and after the tragic earthquake in January 2010, his past service as chair of the Podiatric Health Section of the American Public Health Association and his long record of humanitarian medical service all over the world made up the announcement at the convention. WoundCareHaiti.org is non-profit organization that Dr. DeHeer started in Haiti to offer care to earthquake victims and diabetes sufferers
“I am honored to receive this recognition from my peers” commented Dr. DeHeer about the award pointing to his work with podiatric patients in his own clinics and in medical mission clinics to needy, emergency and disaster conditions. As patient testimonials show, this is a doctor who cares.
P.S. This blog post was taken over by Dr. DeHeer’s staff because we are so proud of this honor for him. Please enjoy our enthusiasm with us.
Haiti Heads for 2011 | Recalling Visit in 2009
The 2009 visit to Haiti was the eighth over a period of several years with a program to treat pediatric clubfoot among Haiti’s children. The program has, at times, seemed to take a long time, but steadily progress is moving forward.
I wrote about that visit at PodiatryToday.com shortly after returning from the trip. The post, entitled Medical Mission Trip: Facilitating Clubfoot Care in Haiti is a journal of each day of the trip.
During these trips, I and other members of the team observed a high number of diabetic patients who have serious and poorly treated wounds which often leads to amputation. We became committed to an additional mission, that of establishing clinics in Haiti that will train staff and treat wounds in an effort to prevent unnecessary amputation. Information about that mission is gathered at WoundCareHaiti.org.
Now, an other year has passed and we are in the midst of the holidays, remembering January 2010 when the earthquake brought more disaster to Haiti.
At Hoosier Foot and Ankle, we have a heart for Haiti heading into the New Year. That mission is added to the mission we are committed to; that of providing excellent care for our patient’s feet. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy 2011.
WoundCareHaiti.org has a New Look and Plans to Continue to Serve
Recently, WoundCareHaiti.org received a facelift. The site is now on a platform that will make it easier for us to keep everyone updated as plans for clinics continue.
I , with colleagues, want to get clinics established for diabetic wound care in Haiti and make them available for emergencies such as the present Cholera epidemic.
The plan for the clinics includes extensive training both for staff and patients about sanitation and diet which will help the general health condition of the diabetic patients and their families.
The plans are outlined at the website and we have plans for ongoing information and contact. There is a place for those who wish to be benefactors of this mission to make a secure donation using PayPal.
We have a Facebook page and have Twitter posts ongoing to keep Haiti on our hearts and minds and those of other people who have a burden for the condition of the Haitian people.
Wound Care Haiti was established from observation of the need before the tragic earthquake which contributed to the sad conditions today. These days Haiti has great need at several levels. We’re not going to give up on these lovely people.
New Facebook Community Page for WoundCareHaiti.org
The new Community Page at Facebook for WoundCareHaiti.org will give this mission one more option to connect with people who share interest in Haiti online.
As a topic that appeals to Facebook users outside our field and circle, the community page was recommended as the format to use. As a community page, people who care about Haiti can read our updates and leave their own thoughts as well. They can become part of the mission in an active conversational manner and be creative about ways to accomplish more help for Haitians.
WoundCareHaiti.org was set up a few months before the tragic earthquake that has made the need even greater. When you are at your Account on Facebook, you’re invited to join the group by pressing the ‘like’ button. We’re eager to hear your ideas and interest in Haiti.
Haiti Pre-Earthquake | Was that the Good Old Days?
Along with many other generous people, we had a heart for the folks in Haiti before the tragic earthquake that caused so much damage a few months ago.
For Haiti, it wasn’t some little thing that happened “a few months ago”, their need was great before and it remains great. The people meet each day with the brave dignity of survivors.
Haiti is still very much on my heart and mind every day along as I treat patients at the Indiana clinics of Hoosier Foot and Ankle. I stay in touch with colleagues who are onsite in Haiti working to deliver wound care and meet other needs. While they work, we know the rest of the world has not forgotten, but each and every caring person is performing tasks at their location, perhaps to earn so they can give. Or perhaps to produce something that benefits more people than our friends in Haiti.
We were with Haiti at WoundCareHaiti.org before the earthquake and we will stay with Haiti. You can learn more at the link or ask me about the Haiti mission at your next appointment. Haiti is one of my favorite topics.
More news about the Haitian relief effort
Here are some more articles discussing the on-going relief work in Haiti.
Chinese Medical Teams on Ground
Haitians Face Rough Future as Amputees in Labor Intensive Nation
American Podiatric Medical Association Podiatrists Perform Life-Saving Amputations in Haiti
Wound Care Haiti Receives Pledge From Anodyne Therapy
The nonprofit Wound Care Haiti I have started, received a pledge from Anodyne Therapy on proceeds from future sales on their new product line. Wound Care Haiti is still waiting on 501 c(3) status. I will be in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti for World’s Diabetes Day. We will be lecturing to doctors, nurses and pedicurits for 18 hours of total lectures. We will be doing diabetic foot screenings and surgeries at the University Hospital. We are working in conjunction with FAHDIMAC on establishing a wound care center in Haiti. A study done by FAHDIMAC shows the diabetes rate to be higher in Haiti than the US. The need in Haiti is great, by saving a leg we can save a life. I will post about the conference over the next week, please check back.
By Patrick A. DeHeer, DPM
