GBIM congratulates Dr. Jim Hines, former GBIM missionary to C.A.R., who has been named the first recipient of the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) Foundation's Mridha International Physician Volunteer Award. Doctor Hines (often accompanied by his wife Martha, an R.N.) has led 24 volunteer medical teams to Africa, Romania and Southeast Asia. He spends four to six weeks each year providing medical, dental and surgical care to patients overseas. He and his team treat hundreds of patients during each trip.
"My first medical mission trip was to the Central African Republic, 30 years ago, in 1980, at the end of my fourth year of medical school. The physical and spiritual needs of the people were huge!" said Doctor Hines. "At that time, I committed my life to assisting the poor, both domestically and overseas.
"I have led medical teams to various parts of the world to not only help meet the needs of the poor but also to expose medical students, residents, and physicians to the needs of third world countries," he added.
Doctor Hines maintains an active OB/GYN practice in Saginaw, and speaks English, French and Sango.
Dorothy M. Kahkonen, MD, President of the MSMS Foundation noted that it was gratifying to have so many well-qualified candidates from which to choose. The Mridha International Physician Volunteer Award recognizes and supports one outstanding physician member of MSMS each year who provides volunteer medical care and/or counsel outside of the US. The award was announced at the recent annual MSMS House of Delegates meeting in Dearborn.