An article in the George Washington University Medical Center Newsletter highlighted the induction of Professor Dr. Glenn W. Geelhoed into the Medical Mission Hall of Fame Foundation. Dr. Geelhoed was voted the 2005 recipient of the Medical Mission Hall of Fame Award and was given to Dr. Geelhoed in recognition of his continued distinguished and voluntary service to medically deprived men and women through out the world.

Each year, Dr. Geelhoed spends several months on international medical mission trips to provide healthcare services to some of the world’s neediest populations. He recruits students to join him on his adventures with the offer of “gifts from the poor: a spiritual richness that they come back with and are forever changed,” says Dr. Geelhoed. Dr. Geelhoed is quick to divert the attention from himself to his students and the people whom they travel thousands of miles to help. Never have we been able to do so much and keep people so satisfied. Our missions have created a fundamental change in what the students have gone on to do. It is highly rewarding. We try to never do anything alone; we want to teach others and leave behind a skill that they can use.”

Glenn W Gee/hoed, MD, pictured above with recent marathon medal, will be inducted into the Medical Mission Foundation’s Hall of Fame in February for his continued and extensive work in underserved countries.

Dr. Geelhoed’s travels have taken him to Somalia, the Philippines, Haiti, Brazil, Nepal and Katmandu, among others. He is most pleased that his students continue to travel to underserved countries on medical missions—”no one has not gone back”—and that they are able to leave behind skills for healthcare providers to continue their work.

Dr. Geelhoed will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in February—upon his return from a medical mission trip. “If I can keep bridging barriers, then I shall continue my travels and my work.” The 2004 inductees included The Albert Schweitzer Institute and Kathleen and William Magees, cofounders of Operation Smile.