volunteering – Page 2 – watercress words by Dr Aletha

Master of Something Yet posted an interesting piece about the value of volunteering while travelling in other cultures.

Voluntourism – Helpful Aid Or Just A Warm Fuzzie?.

I’ve written here about some of my volunteer trips; based on my experiences I agree with this blogger’s observations that all volunteer trips are not created equal. Some do more good for the volunteer than for those being helped, although that may not always be a bad thing. If you come home more compassionate and passionate about helping others, then maybe it was worthwhile.

Some of the groups I worked with met the criteria this blogger suggests better than others; those are the ones I worked with a second time.

I encourage you to volunteer, either abroad or in your community.

a basic construction site with bricks — volunteers helping locals to build a medical clinic

a well in a remote site — a community well built and donated by a relief agency and donated

Interested in voluntourism? Here’s what to look for

(summary of points in the article)

Is the company offering the project a reputable, well-established company?
Has the project been established in consultation with the local community?
Is the project of lasting benefit?
Is the project sustainable?
Does the project employ local people?
Where is your money going?

If the opportunity doesn’t measure up, look for something else. There are plenty out there that need your help.

A local nurse assisted me with a patient encounter in Thailand

And how often do doctors volunteer their knowledge and skills? Find out here.

Wherever you go, thanks for exploring the HEART of health with me here.

Dr. Aletha

Among the things about medical practice that both patients and physicians dislike, probably the most annoying is tardiness. We have all (and I mean me also) waited much too long in doctors’ waiting rooms and/or exam rooms. Sometimes I don’t mind waiting, at a doctor’s office or anywhere else. It may be the only few minutes of the day I get to sit, relax, read a magazine, or catch up on Words With Friends on my phone. But no one likes having their time wasted.

There are probably as many reasons why doctors run late as there are doctors. Sometimes it’s patient load, practice style, support staff, interruptions, electronic medical records, hospital rounds, emergencies, scheduling pattern.

In this engaging article , Dr. Sanaz Majd describes a typical family physician’s day- running late of course.

via House Call Doctor : Why Is My Doctor Always Late? :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™.

I once worked with a physician who was habitually late; but his patients didn’t seem to mind, they were loyal, and he always had a full schedule. He took his time and patients knew that when it was their turn, they had his full attention for however long it took.

Ultimately you have to decide how important punctuality is to you and choose your physician accordingly. And if your usually prompt doctor occasionally runs behind, I hope you will be understanding, knowing next time you may be the patient who caused the delay.