PAYING IT FORWARD
always had warm cookies for the volunteer Christmas carolers who serenaded her every winter . When I was old enough , I started to give blood at the Red Cross , as my dad proudly did , thankful for the donations that probably saved my mother ’ s life after a miscarriage .
Before medical school , I relocated to a larger community with a small child in tow , and my volunteer activities were downsized to helping at church . When I started working again , I became the goto person to take on committee assignments , as an EEO rep and as the Federal Women ’ s Coordinator for my district . I became a CPR trainer with the Red Cross and started donating blood again . My husband and I pursued master ’ s degrees while working , covering each other to take care of our son , so there wasn ’ t much time to devote to other activities .
With medical school came even less time , but my CPR trainer status helped my classmates get certified so we could all take ACLS training . My interest in women ’ s issues led to involvement in the American Medical Women ’ s Association , and my choice of obstetrics and gynecology as a field of study . As a resident , I continued to donate blood whenever we got the call that the hospital was in need . But after returning to Louisville , a hectic schedule ( and constant exposure to blood products ), in addition to exclusion due to foreign travel ( and later mission trips to Nicaragua , partnering with GLMS and Hand in Hand Ministries ) kept me away from the Red Cross . As my medical practice eventually “ aged out ” I joined the Medical Reserve Corps to help with disaster preparedness and maintain skills . I also joined a few colleagues in the free clinics sponsored by Remote Area Medical in Pikeville and Morehead . The COVID-19 pandemic gave me a chance to volunteer in a vaccine trial and participate in the mass vaccination events at Broadbent Arena , the pop-up clinics that followed and to help with free testing through Metro Health .
Some of us have more time to give , but our talents as physicians can influence more than just a treatment outcome . Mentoring students , supporting our children ’ s ( and grandchildren ’ s ) activities and becoming a resource for our communities outside of medical practice in the larger world is a way to influence and improve everyone ’ s future . My association with Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity , as a student member , has morphed into involvement as a student advisor for the association . Another way I have given time , and learned a few new talents , is volunteering with Hand in Hand in Louisville and Eastern Kentucky with home improvement and neighborhood clean-up projects . I can now add wheelchair ramp “ builds ” and other handy skills in service to residents who needed assistance . Donating meals for the visiting student groups who spend a week doing service projects is also a great means of support , and a way to talk to motivated young people .
Education is a great way to promote future benefits . Taking the time to tutor , teach and financially support students is worthwhile . My husband and I enjoyed the benefits of such “ pay it forward ” efforts . We both were lucky enough to have scholarships and on-campus jobs to avoid debt . For our son , we started a college fund , and didn ’ t apply for financial aid when he was ready to apply , so that others could have the same advantage . As we got older , and with the added benefit of matching funds through my husband ’ s employer , we also started a scholarship fund at the university that gave us our start , to benefit a Kentucky student . I have also been on the board of the Sidney I . Kornhauser Foundation of Phi Delta Epsilon , which was started by University of Louisville medical graduates and their families , and awards scholarships to medical students . The GLMS Foundation also gives scholarships to University of Louisville medical students , raising money with an annual golf outing .
There are lots of other ways to “ pay it forward ” if you think about it . In response to Kenny Rosenberg ’ s family ’ s memorial request , I started donating blood again . I was reminded to say “ yes ” on the organ donor form on my driver ’ s license , grateful for the donations that saved the lives of patients and friends ’ family members . Our membership in the Arbor Day and Olmsted Parks Conservancy will keep green spaces and shade available for generations . I will continue to be active in GLMS and the Kentucky Medical Association to make sure we promote the health of the Commonwealth .
Share your gifts . Remember to “ Teach your children well .” 2 Make the future brighter for everyone .
References
1
Lonni Collins Pratt , with Father Daniel Homan , OSB . Radical Hospitality . Paraclete Press 2011
2
Graham Nash , “ Teach Your Children Well ” lyrics , 1969
Dr . Rigby is a retired OB-GYN , but is still upright and aboveground as a medical and general volunteer .
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