Medical volunteerism: A way to help others

By Shelia M. Poole

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A surgeon who gave up his practice to travel across Africa, teaching local doctors how to be surgeons.

A physician who treats homeless people and has taken his "street medicine" approach to other countries around the world.

A high school student who volunteers for medical missions to the Dominican Republic.

What do they have in common? They all participate in medical volunteerism and will be among the speakers during a free conference on that topic this weekend at Emory University.

The "International Conference on Medical Volunteerism" is will include keynote speakers, group sessions and panel discussions. Sessions will provide information on screenings, free clinics,  public health education and volunteer opportunities.

Dr. Allen Dollar, an Emory cardiologist who has adopted children from around the world during his medical expeditions, is among the speakers.

The event is  hosted by the Emory School of Medicine and co-hosted by the Morehouse School of Medicine, Mercer University's School of Medicine, the Medical College of Georgia, the Medical University of South Carolina and The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

For more information, the conference schedule and to register, go to: www.emoryimvc.org.