U.S. Games
Behind the Scenes with Our Volunteer Medical Professionals
By Jim Gleason
To an audience of transplant recipients, caregivers and donor families who have all faced and continue to be challenged with the ever-rising cost of health care, the Transplant Games offer a dedicated and talented team of more than 100 doctors, nurses and trainers who have volunteered their time to provide prompt, professional and personal medical service at every venue of the Games under the big red banner of “MEDICAL.” No appointment needed, anyone can get instant attention without worrying about insurance cards.
My wife, Pam, as one early example, took a nasty ankle twisting fall the first day. At registration she ran into her local ER doctor who had moved far away several years ago to help his wife get a life-saving second liver transplant. He immediately triaged and suggested she go to the medical team for a thorough evaluation (imagine, a roving ER doctor that made a personal visit!). Limping to the medical team, she was impressed with the huge stock of medical equipment and supplies on hand for any emergency. With instant attention, a friendly team gently went through a thorough exam and diagnosed three torn ligaments. After Ace bandages were applied and advice for aftercare given, Pam returned to Games activities, raving about the service provided—and at no cost to the patient!
And this wasn’t just for minor incidents. At the swimming events later that day the full power of the team could be seen when taking care of a fallen spectator. Thank you Dave and his 100+ medical staff who volunteered their time and skills to provide such inspiring service to the 7,000+ Games community for six long days, staffing all 14 venue sites. In fact, when the advertisement for medical volunteers went out to hospitals in the area, it resulted in an overflow of responses. Now that shows team spirit!
