“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”
– Albert Schweitzer
There is a quiet clarity that comes from standing beside someone in their time of need. As a head and neck cancer surgeon, I have spent countless hours with patients and their families — sometimes delivering hope, sometimes delivering hard truths. What I have learned, time and again, is that helping others through their most vulnerable moments does not just heal those we serve, it transforms us as well.
Helping others has profound benefits for mental and physical health. It can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance personal satisfaction with one’s life, and even contribute to a longer lifespan. Acts of service have been shown to reduce stress and its negative effects on chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
Beyond the scientific data, helping others also provides a sense of meaning and connection. It reminds us that we matter both to ourselves and to each other. Being of service can ground us and reinforce our sense of purpose, creating a ripple effect of positivity.
Whether in the operating room, the classroom, the research lab or at a patient’s bedside, the opportunity to help — truly help — has always been my greatest privilege.
Here at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, we are shaping the next generation of compassionate clinicians and curious scientists who will go on to positively impact the lives of people around the world. Our learners inspire me every day with their dedication to helping others long before they receive their degrees. One of the most meaningful examples of this is the Columbus-Athens Albert Schweitzer Fellows Program.
Our medical students are often selected as Schweitzer Fellows. Devoting more than 200 hours apiece to designing and implementing impactful service projects, these future clinicians address some of the most pressing needs in our community. They are not waiting to be called “doctor,” they are already committed to making a difference. Far from being checkboxes on a CV, these projects are real, sustainable efforts that bring comfort, care and connection to those who need it most.
I encourage you to be inspired by our amazing learners, too.
Together, let’s continue cultivating a culture of service. Let’s lead with compassion, act with purpose and serve with open hearts. Most importantly, let’s keep choosing to help. Our patients, our communities — and we ourselves — are all better for it.
Dean, College of Medicine
Leslie H. and Abigail S. Wexner Dean’s Chair in Medicine
Vice President for Health Sciences, Wexner Medical Center