Know doctors volunteering abroad? Nominate now for award

HARRISBURG » The Pennsylvania Medical Society’s search for the commonwealth’s top physician volunteer is on. The society is now accepting nominations for its 2018 Physician Award for International Voluntary Service, a statewide award program to recognize a physician who has gone above the call of duty to aid international communities through volunteerism.

Nominations for the award are now being accepted through April 13 at www.pamedsoc.org/awards

According to Theodore Christopher, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, Pennsylvania physicians have a long history of volunteering their medical skills through clinics, outreach organizations, charity groups, and other avenues.

“I’m always amazed at the amount of volunteer work physicians do and some of the places they travel to help the medically underserved,” said Christopher. “In the past, we’ve recognized some outstanding physicians who have gone above and beyond in places in Asia, Europe, and Central America.”

A committee of physicians will review all nominations and choose the most outstanding physician international volunteer of 2018. Nominations will be accepted online from patients and medical colleagues.

To qualify for the award, those nominated must have provided services outside employment without any compensation. Volunteer efforts must have occurred outside of the United States, and physicians must be a member of PAMED.