Rapid City, South Dakota, Oct. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Earlier in the year, Dr. Edward Picardi, MD, who is a general surgeon in Rapid City, South Dakota, completed his mission as a volunteer with the Samaritan’s Purse. The organization is a Christian humanitarian program that seeks to provide assistance to those in impoverished communities in Asia, Africa, and other places around the world.
Having been in practice for more than two decades, Dr. Picardi decided to take up the challenge and volunteer in two of the poorest countries in Africa; Togo and Liberia. As a specialist surgeon, his skills were of great value to people in the remote areas of these two nations.
Despite travel advisories advising Americans not to travel to the region, the doctor went to Liberia in May, then moved to Togo in June. Some of his friends had advised him not to go to these countries that were devastated by the Ebola outbreak only a few years ago.
However, Dr. Picardi is not easily swayed, especially in situations where he can make contributions to the community by applying his expertise. Physicians and medical specialists like him who volunteer their services to these communities are driven by a sense of purpose that compels them to do something for the greater good.
Dr. Picardi is now planning to focus on humanitarian work after completing his mission in the two West African countries. Part of what continues to inspire him is the idea of making a real impact in places where it is most needed.
Serving the public is not something that is new to Dr, Picardi. He devoted 13 years of his life to the military. A decade of the years he spent in the military was devoted to active duty. His service to communities has shaped his career and life. After leaving the military, he partnered with his wife and they decided to dedicate their medical practice to help the needy. He has also taken time to publicly share his views on American health care policy, talking about issues many in his profession often shy away from.
Serving some of the most impoverished communities has proven to be rewarding and life-changing for the doctor. Despite the challenges, his experience working with volunteers and the natives of these regions has changed his perspective and compelled him to dedicate more time to charitable causes. Dr. Picardi and his wife hope to continue providing assistance through their medical practice and taking part in humanitarian endeavors.