Homelessness is a reality. Whether by choice or design, the numbers grow in the midst of a troubled economy.
Used to a regular doctor and permanent address, there is no need to think how we would obtain medical help if needed. How do homeless people find the care they need. Emergency rooms are expensive. Without a paper trail or medical insurance, managing health care is almost impossible to receive.
Dr. Jim Withers is changing that. In the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Withers sees the homeless on the street or buildings he locates for that purpose.
On our next Books And Beyond, we will discuss the needs of this population. Below you will find information about Dr. Withers and details about how you can meet a true hero. His work fills a need you will find informative and inspirational.
Dr. Jim Withers was raised in rural Pennsylvania where he made house calls with his father, a Family Practitioner. He received his undergraduate degree at Haverford College, and completed his medical school training at the University of Pittsburgh in 1984. His interest in service oriented medicine grew through medical trips to Central America and India. After finishing a medical and chief residency at The Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, he joined the full time teaching faculty in the Department of Internal Medicine at Mercy Hospital. His areas of special interest have been Domestic Violence, International Medicine and Homeless Health Care. In 1992, Dr. Withers founded Operation Safety Net (OSN), the first full time, comprehensive medical service of its’ kind for the unsheltered homeless. Medical care is delivered directly on the streets, along the river banks and in the abandoned buildings of Pittsburgh, with full social service and housing follow-up. OSN has been recognized internationally and is being replicated or studied by cities throughout the world. In 2005, Dr. Withers established the annual International Street Medicine Symposia (with current partners in North America, South and Central America, Europe and Asia) to foster collaboration in the care of those sleeping on the streets. In 2008, he created the Street Medicine Institute to focus on helping communities establish Street Medicine programs, improve existing practice and create a student fellowship in Street Medicine. Dr. Withers enjoys numerous volunteer activities, Board memberships, and medical teaching appointments. He is most proud of the many students who have gone on to careers in service oriented medicine.
Bonnie Blose, Host,
Books And Beyond,
E-Mail: bookmaven1@frontier.com
