Global Human Health Perspectives and Possibilities

Author: Matthew Christ

On April 1 through 6, Middlebury College hosted a student-organized symposium known as "Global Human Health: Perspectives and Possibilities." The program focused on six different aspects of health care in developing countries: cultural, medical, economic, environmental, political and volunteerism.

The symposium was organized by the Middlebury College student association of Operation Smile. The national group, with which the Middlebury chapter is affiliated, is based out of Norfolk, Va., and it offers free medical evaluations and surgical treatment to children who suffer from facial deformities. Not only do they provide this service to the children of America, but also all over the world. The program was started in 1982 by Bill and Kathy Magee, the former a physician and the latter a nurse. The Middlebury chapter was founded in 1998.

Operation Smile typically deals with such facial deformities as cleft lips, cleft palates, burns and tumors. Doctors, nurses, surgeons and volunteers are sent around the world to see patients. Operation Smile is a nonprofit organization, and the service it provides by is more than just superficial. Often the deformities place the patients at great risk for their physical and mental health.

Michael Azzara '02.5, president of the Middlebury chapter, saw the symposium as an opportunity to "fill a gap at Middlebury College because there is a lack of focus and resources on health." Azzara also commented that "the goal of the symposium was to heighten awareness and understanding about the reality of the health care situation in developing countries. It is time to assess, as the 21st century begins, where our efforts should be headed."

The symposium brought together some of the premier experts in the field. Topics ranged from world blindess to the World Bank, and all the lectures were heavily attended. The co-founders of Operation Smile were in attendance, Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee, who also served as speakers during the symposium.

One of the most memorable lectures was by Dr. Rick Hodes '75. He discussed the relationship between his modern Jewish Orthodox faith and his life of medical work. As a Middlebury alumnus he was very inspirational to all students in attendance because he served as an example of a Middlebury student who achieved so much.

On Thursday Dr. Geoff Tabin spoke on his involvement in the fight against world blindness. His work focuses on the fact that 95 percent of blindness is either preventable or able to be treated, and many of the cases of blindness in developing contries could be treated if there was proper medical assistance..

On Saturday night, Magee served as the keynote speaker of a semi-formal dinner. His speech was truly moving as he spoke on his 20 years helping the world.

This extraordinary event would not have been possible without the support and work of Azzara and his "main man" Greg Connolly '02. The symposium was truly an inspirational and informative event for all who attended and will always be fondly remembered.