Physicians Share the Rewards of Volunteering

He recalled the time that he and a team of colleagues visited a family in a remote area of Mexico. All three boys—who ranged in age from 10 to 18 years—had multiple sclerosis.

“The 10-year-old was just starting to show signs of the disease,” Dr. Stabile said. “The courage that these boys had and their philosophy on life were inspiring. The oldest boy, who could only move his neck muscles and eyes, said to me, 'I know there are people in this world who have it worse than I do, so I spend my time being grateful for the things I have in my life.' He didn't survive much more than a year after that. That made me think about the resources we have here [in the United States] for people with very serious illnesses.”

An additional benefit of helping people in another country is the ability to practice without restrictions and paperwork from health insurance companies and managed care organizations, added Dr. Dressner.

“Also, one doesn't need to [worry about] malpractice suits around every corner,” he said. “This is pure and simple medicine.”