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The history of healthcare for the forgotten is highlighted by professionals who inspire their colleagues toward similar service. Some of these individuals are described among the INMED Role Models. INMED is pleased to continue this effective tradition by announcing annual winners of the INMED International Medicine Awards at the Exploring Medical Missions Conferences.
| 2007 INMED INTERNATIONAL MEDICINE AWARD |
The INMED International Medicine Award is offered annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to health in developing nations. Candidates for this award have demonstrated uncommon dedication and endurance in pursuit of this cause.
Cindy Obenhaus
How does a "normal" American nurse go from a suburban neonatal unit to leading one of the most exemplary medical missions projects in the world? Cindy Obenhaus, says that the process was gradual and increasingly compelling. Cindy's first medical mission to Haiti was in 1987, where she was thrust into the harsh realities of living as most Haitians do: without running water, electricity or security. But Cindy was nevertheless inspired by the vision of caring for some of the most neglected people on earth. For the next fifteen years she continued going back to Haiti for two weeks at a time, assisting in mobile clinics, vaccinating, and providing care for sick children. In 2002, Cindy and her team also began providing medical education by teaching neonatal resuscitation and management of obstetrical complications to Haitian nurses and medical students. As they became more exposed to the Haitian health care system they were struck by the fact that most medical care in Haiti was substandard in quality, too expensive for people to afford, and too far away from those who needed it most. In response, Cindy and a coalition of Kansas City area churches, foundations, physicians, pastors and volunteers developed a vision for a new birthing center. Unlike other health facilities, it would be first-world quality, free to patients, and located in an underserved area. The Maison de Naissance - French for "Birthing Home" - opened in 2004. Since that time over 1000 mothers have given birth, with only two infant deaths - a small fraction of the national average. Cindy continues to lead Maison de Naissance as Administrator for its Foundation and is animated about her experience. "As a Christian, I'm called to go out into the world to step out of my comfort zone. The result is that I'm hopefully more compassionate and more understanding of people who are different than me. Being uncomfortable is good. That's where you'll find opportunities to both serve and to grow as a person. Go ahead: Get uncomfortable!" For her exemplary and tenacious service, Cindy Obenhaus was honored with the 2007 INMED International Medicine Award at the 2007 Exploring Medical Missions Conference. |
| 2007 INMED HIV LEADERSHIP AWARD |
The INMED HIV Leadership Award is offered annually to a person who has made a significant contribution toward the control of HIV in developing nations. Candidates for this award have demonstrated innovation and personal sacrifice throughout their efforts towards this goal.
Patrick Railey
Patrick became skilled with the nuances of HIV as he cared for inner city people during his family medicine residency in Grady, Indiana. But like many physicians, those skills waned once he entered private practice. "Then as I became involved with medical missions," says Dr. Railey, "I realized the enormity of human suffering from HIV. I worked in South Africa and India and witnessed countless people dying lonely, hopeless, and often needless deaths from HIV. The tragedy revolutionized my personal world and I committed my career to showing God's love for these people through compassionate medical care." Operation Mobilization, one of the largest international missions organizations in the world, recognized Dr. Railey's passion and devotion. In 2005 they appointed him to lead the organization's HIV interventions, and today OM is fighting HIV in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, India, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Lebanon. "I love taking care of individual patients," says Dr. Railey. "But just as much, I love motivating doctors and churches to become substantially involved in the HIV crisis. From both a professional and spiritual perspective, we can never be truly satisfied until we give ourselves away to help those people in most distress." For his model and determined service, Dr. Railey was honored with the 2007 INMED HIV Leadership Award at the 2007 Exploring Medical Missions Conference. |