We earn good livings in our communities, and we owe it to our communities to give something back in the form of community service. We physicians must begin taking more responsibility for the leadership so many of our communities so desperately need. Believe it or not, people do listen to us, and not only about medical matters. You'd be surprised how many people know who we are, and acknowledge that we do have more than a minimal education. We must show them that we are interested in what's going on in the world around us.
Community service can take many forms, depending on one's talents and inclinations.
Your church or synagogue might be a good place to start. I can remember when a local physician was always a member of the school board, even board president. In fact, in recent years, two school boards in Michigan have been chaired by MSMS Alliance members. And then there are the many service clubs in every community. They are very receptive to having physicians as members.