David Reas, who hails from Washington State and attends the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, is a third-year medical student and the recipient of the Giving Back scholarship.
Michael Munger, an Elder for Youth at the Meridian First Baptist Church, wrote to us and said, “What David has is determination, and more importantly a special willingness to serve others and to work for their betterment. I have observed the care and concern he demonstrates as he works with young people as a volunteer member of our youth staff. He is equally willing to come alongside and offer a word of encouragement or stand up a 3-on-3 pickup game, depending on the needs of the students.
“David cares about others, not in a superficial way, but in a sacrificial way. His care and concern extend beyond physical assistance, but his kindness and generosity of spirit minister to the whole person.
“As with most professions, the content can be taught, but kindness, sacrificial concern, and a humble willingness to serve others are characteristics that I look for in my personal providers and for those of my family as well.”
Student Doctor Reas tells us, “I led a medical mission team of premed students, which served in the Hospital of Hope, Togo, Africa. In the NICU ward at Hospital of Hope, I held in my hands premature twins born at 27 weeks. The nurse had put me in charge of feeding the babies their milk while I was on rotation in the NICU. It was incredible to have tender moments with these babies over the couple of weeks that I helped in the ward. However, I was deeply impacted looking down at these delicate, premature twins, seeing the fragility of life. While I knew they needed medicine and milk, it was so obvious they would not survive without human touch. As I held them, I knew I would bring a human touch to bear in all aspects of my career as a physician! Osteopathic Principles and Tenets have become the perfect fit for this passion, a way to bring this feeling of awesome responsibility and need for the human touch to bear on my future medical practice.
“Looking forward, my passion is to practice as a physician who prioritizes the application of medicine as an intersection between rigorous scientific pursuit and a commitment to healing the entire person – showing empathetic care through the use of Osteopathic Principles and Tenets.
“I believe I will always continue serving through volunteer activities in my community. My passion has been working with youth, but I am just as passionate to reach all that is at risk and less fortunate.
“Medicine will add a new dimension to this passion that has already been planted in my soul. I am already planning to volunteer medical care to those less fortunate in my local community and beyond.”
How fortunate that the world will have you in it in the coming years, David. We look forward to watching you thrive in the community and make a difference in the lives of children. Job well done.
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