I believe that each one of us is our own changemaker, and that we intrinsically have what is needed to make global positive change. I think I am a changemaker in the larger context because of my drive to help others identify and act upon their own potential. This is my favorite aspect of being a physician, and I utilize these experiences as I work with resource-limited communities.
Rwanda! I am so inspired every time I am there, and learn so much from my Rwandan collegues and friends.
I want to see that the people 'in the treaches' are the ones with the strongest voices when the 'powers that be' ask the questions of 'what do you need' and 'what is the best way to get this for you'. Whether this is in terms of development in resource-limited countries or in terms of health care reform, those involved in hands-on work have the most intimate understanding of the problems and potential solutions.
•Founder, The Ihangane Project May 2008
•Clinic Physician, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
•Tuberculosis Controller, Santa Cruz County
•Director of HIV Quality Management, Santa Cruz County Health Services
•Co-Chair, Perinatal Council on Substance Abuse And Families