One, Issue#4 (Winter 2010)
Investing in Haiti
Life will never be the same for DeWitt McCarter, one HPPC member who "answered the call." Below are excerpts from an email he wrote to professional colleagues immediately following his medical mission trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in response to the devastating earthquake that occurred on January 12, 2010. DeWitt is an anesthesiologist in Dallas.
As I await my return flight from Haiti, I thought I could drop everyone a line. For those who do not know, I have spent the past 7 days in Haiti on a medical mission trip to help the earthquake victims. ... After arriving in Haiti we were transported to Haiti Community Hospital which is a small community hospital just outside downtown Port-au-Prince. ... When we arrived the hospital had ~350 patients in rooms, the halls, and the courtyard. There were an estimated 1,200 on the grounds outside the hospital. ... At first the goal was survival and amputations were the norm. ...
The tragedy of this disaster is indescribable. ... Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and they have suffered a disaster of biblical proportions. I will say, however, that their spirit is indefatigable. They are gracious, appreciative, and endure much without complaint.
Why did I go? The answer is simple. God wanted me to. It's a long story for another day, but suffice it to say I felt called and answered the call. And to put it in investment terms, I received much more in return than I invested despite the tremendous work and risk and personal sacrifice. There is the satisfaction of caring for patients who desperately need you. And I left behind the worry of mergers, contracts, committees - just pure medicine.
Most of all I understand the meaning of working for the glory of God. All the members of my team are here only to serve; all are volunteers; and none of the patients have any means of paying anything. In fact, they probably have nothing. I felt it a privilege to care for these people.
I am returning with a new perspective and a new joy for medicine. In the meantime, I would encourage you to think how you could contribute to the relief effort. Financial support is needed and takes little effort. Direct shipment of supplies requires more planning but is more helpful since there are no supply stores on site. Finally, go volunteer. Find an organization, a time, and make a commitment.
You too may hear the call.
DeWitt McCarter, MD
