REFLECTION ON NICARAGUA
(continued on
page 16)
Sheridan Langford, MD
T
here are times in our lives when we realize that the world is much bigger than
we imagined. It’s so easy, especially in
residency, to become overwhelmed by the
burden of disease and disability we see every
day. It’s easy to lose sight of where our medical
work fits into the bigger picture of a person’s
life. All of us have learned that our job can’t
only involve diagnosis and treatment. The
physical health of our patients relies heavily
on the health of their minds, family, and the community.
I had the great privilege of going to Nicaragua this past January
as a sponsored member of the Greater Louisville Medical Society
Foundation’s outreach trip in partnership with Hand in Hand Ministries in Managua, Nicaragua. Thanks to the generosity of the GLMS
Foundation, who sponsor one or two pediatric residents for this trip
each year. Hand in Hand Ministries partners with families among
the poorest in Managua, sponsoring a child through high school
with private schools and tutoring. Hand in Hand comes alongside
the entire family to help break the cycle of poverty one generation
at a time, and they understand that true wellness involves health in
mind, body, and spirit together. It’s a life-changing program. One
week out of the year, GLMS Foundation partners with this ministry
to provide free well-checks and health screening to the children and
families of this program. In this, we get a glimpse into the remarkable
work of Hand in Hand, and we are given the privilege of meeting
these special families. With medical, pediatric, and psychiatric
care (and even subspecialty care), we have something to offer. But,
so poignantly when we go away from our comfort zones, we learn
that we have much more to receive and learn in return from those
we came to serve.
We live in a fascinating, foodie, proud, and eclectic city. We also
live in the 11th poorest city in the U.S., according to an article
published by Bruce Kennedy in February 2015 on cbsnews.com.
There are huge economic, social, and racial disparities right here in
our own city. We as the medical community stand at the front lines
of these issues, whether we recognize it each day or not. We have
something to offer in Louisville—whether it’s volunteering time
in a clinic, sitting on a board, tutoring children, tirelessly offering
information on smoking cessation to yet another patient, or just
getting to know your neighbor.
If you aren’t sure where to start, come to Nicaragua in 2016 and see
the beautiful, life-changing work between the partnership of GLMS
Foundation and Hand in Hand Ministries. See how your credentials
and your time can be used to make an impact. Then, come back
to Louisville inspired to get involved or continue the good work
you’re already doing in our community right here where we live.
Sheridan Langford, MD, practices as a University of Louisville Pediatrics resident.
AUGUST 2015
15