It has been said that “Service to mankind is service to God.” This timeless adage encapsulates the essence of the medical profession, a field deeply rooted in the healing arts. While there is a reciprocal relationship between patients and healthcare providers, it is almost universally acknowledged that those who enter the medical field do so in response to a profound calling—a calling to serve a cause greater than themselves.
This vocation, enshrined in the sacred oath of Hippocrates, resonates with our innate tendencies to aid our fellow human beings.
Though the medical profession is often seen as a lucrative career, the journey toward becoming a healthcare provider is one of selflessness and sacrifice. This path frequently places medical professionals at odds with the expectations of their family members and loved ones. Yet, they continue to navigate these challenges, balancing self-interest with selfless service.
As medical professionals progress in their careers, they often experience a profound joy in service through self-sacrifice. This balance brings a deeper understanding of the impact their actions have on others—an impact that can literally change lives. As they mature and reach the pinnacle of their careers, they come to realize that an unseen force has propelled them forward in this journey of service to humanity. At the root of their actions is love, the invisible force that moves them with purpose and determination.
Medical Camp in Southern Kenya
For me, Julio Enrique Williams, MD, the true joy of service was revealed during a medical camp in Southern Kenya in the fall of 2019, and subsequent medical mission trips to South India in 2020 and 2021, just before the global pandemic. These experiences underscored the tremendous impact of selfless service on those in need, often in less than ideal circumstances.
During my tenure as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon in West Texas, I frequently shared my experiences from attending the World Conference in Humanitarian Medicine which was held in Geneva, with my ICU team. These discussions highlighted the global need for medical services and inspired us to form “Beacon of Hope,” a non-profit organization focused on organizing medical camps in Southern Kenya, specifically serving the indigenous Maasai tribe.
Through fundraising and personal contributions, we assembled a diverse team of healthcare providers specializing in Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Surgical Services, including Anesthesiology, General Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, OBGYN, Neurology, Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Cardiology. Despite our high-level skills, our services were tailored to the local healthcare needs, with a primary focus on Pap smear screenings due to the high incidence of cervical cancer in the area.
Our outpatient clinic provided counseling and treatment based on diagnostics, and we also screened for thyroid goiter. Recognizing the need for outpatient surgical services, we introduced the concept of same-day surgery, which was not widely practiced locally. Despite environmental limitations, we established surgical services and an outpatient clinic offering hysterectomies, thyroidectomies, hernia repairs, and burn management. Over the two weeks of the medical camp, we performed over 52 surgical procedures and conducted hundreds of daily outpatient visits.
In addition to medical services, we reached out to local schools, providing books and supplies for the children. Through fundraising, we supported their education and remodeled the school kitchen, enabling the children to receive breakfast and lunch. This multifaceted service model allowed us to witness firsthand the profound impact of our actions on the community, bringing us joy and fulfillment beyond any financial reward.
Medicine, as a medium of service, elevates our lives to a higher purpose, allowing us to experience a cause greater than ourselves. Through the divine call to “LOVE ALL AND SERVE ALL,” even the smallest acts of kindness manifest as expressions of love and care for the human family. As we continue this journey, we set into motion actions that create a world living under the divine precept: “Brotherhood of man living under Fatherhood of God.”
About the Author
Our vision is to be recognized as the premier destination for beating heart surgery and comprehensive cardiovascular & thoracic surgery in California. Dr. Julio E. Williams, MD, aims to lead the way in delivering exceptional care, setting the standard for excellence in the field.
Dr. Julio E. Williams is a board-certified cardiovascular & thoracic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, practicing in California. He specializes in heart valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, and other related conditions. Dr. Williams is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to his patients. He is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in his field and regularly attends conferences and seminars. At his practice, the commitment to cardiovascular & thoracic surgery is rooted in a deep-seated dedication to humanitarian medicine.
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