This is Barb Grinwis.
She is a a Physician Assistant and the Director of Oasis Of Hope Center, a free, christian health clinic where I have volunteered since 2013. Currently, I am an intern at Oasis, which allows me to spend approximately 20 hours a week with Barb, Rita (an Oasis RN), and the other, christian volunteers.Through this opportunity, I have learned a lot about medicine and patient interaction, but I want to take time to recognize Barb for how she inspires me as a believer.
The details have to be spared, of course, but we saw a patient today who was worn down psychologically, socioeconomically, and physically. Barb explained all of the services we could offer her without charge (healthcare, medications, acupuncture, counseling, substance abuse counseling, & spiritual care), but was sure to identify where it came from, "All offered in the name of Jesus." Barb even offered to pray with her.
In response to the offer, the patient declined by explaining how the situation she found herself in made her angry with God, and she was content with expressing that anger. Barb assured her that was okay and we continued with the appointment. We had donated medications available to her on the spot and scheduled her future appointments for other services- all free of charge.
The patient was emotional and grateful for all that was provided to her, and at the end of her expression of that gratitude, she said, "you guys are amazing for taking care of me." To which Barb replied, "Nope. HE is", while pointing up.
As the patient walked away, she mumbled, "maybe you're right."
Now this is not a story to glorify what Barb had done for the patient, because this same scenario happens everyday at Oasis. It does, however, inspire me to remember that it is He who deserves the glory for taking care of me, you, every patient that walks through the door, and every person that I walk by on the street. I thank Barb for reminding me that, and I pray that one day, when I retire, I will be able to say the same as Barb: that my years serving in the medical field are only exceeded by my years spent serving The King.
The details have to be spared, of course, but we saw a patient today who was worn down psychologically, socioeconomically, and physically. Barb explained all of the services we could offer her without charge (healthcare, medications, acupuncture, counseling, substance abuse counseling, & spiritual care), but was sure to identify where it came from, "All offered in the name of Jesus." Barb even offered to pray with her.
In response to the offer, the patient declined by explaining how the situation she found herself in made her angry with God, and she was content with expressing that anger. Barb assured her that was okay and we continued with the appointment. We had donated medications available to her on the spot and scheduled her future appointments for other services- all free of charge.
The patient was emotional and grateful for all that was provided to her, and at the end of her expression of that gratitude, she said, "you guys are amazing for taking care of me." To which Barb replied, "Nope. HE is", while pointing up.
As the patient walked away, she mumbled, "maybe you're right."
Now this is not a story to glorify what Barb had done for the patient, because this same scenario happens everyday at Oasis. It does, however, inspire me to remember that it is He who deserves the glory for taking care of me, you, every patient that walks through the door, and every person that I walk by on the street. I thank Barb for reminding me that, and I pray that one day, when I retire, I will be able to say the same as Barb: that my years serving in the medical field are only exceeded by my years spent serving The King.