The Joys of Altruism

I believe that the practice of physicians serving in poor, undeserved communities after medical school is a wonderful, two-fold idea. First, it is obviously great for the community to receive primary care that they aren't receiving. Although, the quality won't be the best from these new naive physicians, but still the people will be receiving care that they wouldn't have received and they'll have a doctor around that they never had.

I think the Hondurans having a problem with the Cuban doctors is ridiculous. I say the crux of the matter is pride. I sense a, "we'll take care of our own people, you take care of yours" mentality. The Cuban doctors are going to places the Honduran doctors aren't. So, thats a good thing, people that aren't getting help are receiving it. The Cuban doctors aren't taking the Honduran's opportunities, they are making their own.

Secondly, serving the poor will also be beneficial to the new doctor. Nearly all doctors become doctors because of an innate desire to help people. From my own personal experience, when one serves in a poor community, this allows much time for introspection. For a doctor to save lives, shouldn't he be sure of his own values, beliefs, and life? Fresh out of medical school, a new doctor's malleable heart will be influenced and motivated in beneficial ways by serving in a poor community. By living with and serving the poor, one is able to understand and experience the joys of altruism.