A Matter of Giving
Winston Churchill once claimed that, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." As physicians and medical physicists, each of us gives abundantly to our patients and a profession that rewards us in many ways. As citizens, activists, and volunteers, we are also heavily involved in making our communities better places to live.
Over the past several years, the ACR has highlighted the community contributions of our members in the ACR Bulletin. We have learned about the selfless efforts of members such as Richard Kendell Shelton, M.D., who developed a program, Tobacco Free for Life (TFFL), aimed at preventing tobacco addiction in North Carolina through targeted educational programs in the public schools. We also learned about Lewis Jones, M.D., who has spent countless hours educating women in Detroit on the importance and method for breast self examination through the use of a "breast vest." These contributions, while significant, are but a drop in the ocean of good will that exists among our members.
As a young physician, I had the good fortune to work both in the Philippines and in Cameroon assisting ongoing efforts to improve health care in those countries. The experience was one of the most fulfilling of my professional career. I learned up close and personal the immense challenges faced by those on the front lines of medicine in the developing world. Utilizing ultrasound and general x-ray, I also learned the significant impact that we can have on patient care with minimal investment.
During the past couple of years, as Chairman and President of the ACR Board of Chancellors, I thought it important that the ACR seek to translate this goodwill by facilitating outreach efforts to assist the developing world. In November 2004, I assembled a fantastic group of committed radiologists to begin looking at ways that the ACR could foster greater giving in an effort to improve health care in the developing world. To begin this effort, the ACR has established a web page that highlights some exceptional organizations with which our members may choose to donate time, money, or equipment (or other products or services). In addition, we will be providing a list serve to help notify/link ACR members with organizations and interests in the developing world. We will also be working to recognize the outstanding efforts of our members who are striving to make "a world of difference."
It is an honor to lead and to be a part of an organization and profession that strives for the highest ideals in the delivery of service to humanity. I thank each and every one of you for the exceptional efforts you provide to our patients daily. I further welcome you to share your stories, talents and resources to continue to enhance our communities both here and abroad.
James P. Borgstede, M.D.
ACR President