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Dr. Brian Abelson

Beyond the Clinic: The Synergy of Professional Practice and Philanthropy

Updated: Dec 4, 2023


In today's complex and interconnected world, healthcare has expanded beyond its traditional boundaries to embrace a more interdisciplinary scope. However, the role of healthcare doesn't stop at the clinic door; it has a far-reaching impact that resonates within a wider philanthropic landscape. It is this unique intersection—where healthcare disciplines converge and collaborate with philanthropic endeavors—that sets the stage for our exploration.


The importance of this crossroad cannot be overstated. It is not just about treating ailments or improving physical health, but about contributing to a broader framework of well-being and societal progress. This multidisciplinary approach not only elevates the practice of healthcare but also enriches the ethical landscape by connecting professionals and patients to higher objectives. Whether it's aiding refugee communities, mitigating environmental impact, or focusing on social justice, the fusion of healthcare and philanthropy provides a dual pathway to effect meaningful change.


 


Mutual Benefits: For Patients and Practitioners


When healthcare extends its reach to embrace philanthropic initiatives, patients stand to gain in multifaceted ways. On a psychological level, being part of a practice that has a broader societal mission can instill a sense of purpose and community belonging. This positive emotional climate can, in turn, potentially enhance recovery rates and overall well-being.


Moreover, there are societal gains that flow from this model. When healthcare systems invest in philanthropic activities, such as environmental sustainability or social justice, it leads to a healthier community and, by extension, healthier individuals. Patients become beneficiaries of a system that values not just individual but collective well-being, thereby fostering an environment where health is viewed through a more comprehensive societal lens.


For healthcare practitioners, the advantages of engaging in philanthropic endeavors extend beyond the confines of professional development. On a professional level, such involvement offers the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaborations, thereby broadening one's skill set and knowledge base. Practitioners gain exposure to different fields and perspectives, enriching their approach to healthcare delivery.


 


Global Issues


To delve deeper into this topic, I would like to present you with an insightful conversation I had on immigration Law with Evelyn L. Ackah. As a distinguished immigration attorney, her perspective offers a nuanced understanding of how professionals from various disciplines can actively engage in pressing global issues. This exemplifies the enriching dialogues that interdisciplinary healthcare can foster, expanding the narrative beyond conventional medical discussions.


Evelyn's insights offer healthcare practitioners a fresh perspective on social responsibility, extending it beyond the usual confines of clinical practice. Through her legal lens, she introduces a layer of understanding that explores how geopolitical factors, such as immigration policies, can significantly impact individual and social health factors.


For healthcare practitioners, this broadens the concept of "care" to include advocating for policies and practices that address the social determinants of health. It points to the role healthcare can play in matters of legal rights and social justice, themes not traditionally associated with healthcare but essential for comprehensive well-being. The integration of Evelyn's perspectives adds a new facet to healthcare philanthropy, emphasizing that caring for a patient also involves understanding and advocating for the sociopolitical conditions that affect their health. Below is the interview I recently did with Evelyn.


Crossing Borders, Building Connections Interview

Evelyn L. Ackah is a distinguished immigration lawyer with a career shaped by her compelling passion for both people and business. Her legal acumen spans a wide range of complexities, but what sets her apart is her active role in the community. She has been involved in several initiatives, including Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Operation Eyesight Universal, Enterprise4Good, and the International Women's Forum. Her fundraising efforts to aid low-income women further emphasize her commitment to pressing social issues. Ackah Business Immigration Law


 


Conclusion


Healthcare is more than clinical practice; it's a multidisciplinary field that aligns with broader societal and philanthropic goals. In my practice, supporting organizations like UNHCR, WWF, PLAN, and tree planting establishes a holistic approach to care that extends beyond the clinic. Interdisciplinary dialogues enrich our perspectives and open avenues for broader societal change, making healthcare a lever for transformative action.


The power of open dialogue in healthcare cannot be understated. Conversations with diverse individuals not only broaden our knowledge but also lead to actionable changes that benefit both the community and the environment. These dialogues instill empathy and understanding, equipping us to better address the challenges that shape our patients' lives. By embracing these conversations, we contribute to a healthcare system that is as socially responsible as it is clinically effective.


 

DR. BRIAN ABELSON DC. - The Author


Dr. Abelson's approach in musculoskeletal health care reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous learning. In his work at Kinetic Health in Calgary, Alberta, he focuses on integrating the latest research with a compassionate understanding of each patient's unique needs. As the developer of the Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems, he views his role as both a practitioner and an educator, dedicated to sharing knowledge and techniques that can benefit the wider healthcare community. His ongoing efforts in teaching and practice aim to contribute positively to the field of musculoskeletal health, with a constant emphasis on patient-centered care and the collective advancement of treatment methods.

 


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References


  1. D'Amour, D., Ferrada-Videla, M., San Martin Rodriguez, L., & Beaulieu, M. D. (2005). The conceptual basis for interprofessional collaboration: Core concepts and theoretical frameworks. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 19(sup1), 116-131.

  2. Ebrahim, A., & Weisband, E. (2007). Global Accountabilities: Participation, Pluralism, and Public Ethics. Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13: 978-0521862254.

  3. Kawachi, I., Subramanian, S., & Kim, D. (2008). Social Capital and Health. Springer. ISBN-13: 978-0387707082.

  4. Marmot, M. (2015). The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN-13: 978-1408857991.

  5. Loewy, E. H. (2005). Textbook of Healthcare Ethics. Springer. ISBN-13: 978-1402028326.

  6. Showalter, J. S. (2017). The Law of Healthcare Administration. Health Administration Press. ISBN-13: 978-1567938760.

  7. Frumkin, H. (2016). Environmental Health: From Global to Local. Jossey-Bass. ISBN-13: 978-1118984765.

  8. Powers, M., & Faden, R. (2008). Social Justice: The Moral Foundations of Public Health and Health Policy. Oxford University Press. ISBN-13: 978-0195375138.


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