Service Spotlight - Interview with Kristie Hayes, MD
What first inspired you to become involved in community service and what continues to inspire you?
In college, after an apartment fire that left me without furniture, clothing, and a place to live, the ability to access emergency services from community-based organizations changed my life and gave me a desire to give back whenever I could. There is always someone in need of the very basics — food, clothing, shelter, and health care access — that we so often take for granted. We all want and need these same things for our families. And there are so many wonderful people working to meet those needs for the families of strangers in our community who deserve our assistance to sustain them in their time of hardship. The most difficult of times are usually transient and having community support is lifesaving. We must pay it forward.
How have you navigated sustaining your career, service, and family life throughout your career?
Every day involves choices about the very finite amount of time granted to us and how you will use it. I have never had any regrets about the choices that put family first. School plays, field trips, and family vacations are moments that pass all too quickly. While the needs of your career are important and vital, you must have personal guidelines about how to manage work after the work day ends. Maintaining commitment to service activities just requires a mindset that you will invest in your community on an annual, quarterly, monthly, or weekly basis — whatever time that you can commit. Perhaps you can even see if you can involve your family in these activities as well.
Is there a service activity you are particularly passionate about or proud of?
I am proud that I have had so many individual encounters with people from all walks of life from around the world, and that I hope that I have provided some tangible benefit or a word of encouragement to some of them.
What advice do you have for Young Physicians looking to get involved in their community?
If you are looking for a place to get involved, consider checking with your local medical society. They often have ongoing community service activities. Most cities and states will list volunteer opportunities to give back as well. Think of a time when you have benefited from another’s’ investment in youth and young adults in your area. You don’t have to be the lead in every organization, but participate and do what you can.
Is there any other wisdom you would like to share with our readers?
I think that we are all committed deeply to caring for our fellow humans in whatever way that we can be of service to others. Remember to practice self-care, because there will be so many demands on your time and of your expertise. Focus on the volunteer areas of most personal significance to you.
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