Presidential Medal of Freedom winner speaks to PRISM students

Health care advocate Dr. Pedro J. Greer visits A&S

“Have a heart to match your intellect to make society better. Science is the way,” that was the strong message Dr. Pedro J. Greer, Jr. delivered to a group of approximately 35 students in the Arts & Science’s PRISM program on Oct. 14th.

Greer, 53, a 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom winner and chief of gastroenterology at Mercy Hospital, embodies those words. The founder of Camillus Health Concern, the health care arm of Camillus House, is currently researching social determinants in health care, focusing on field work in Opa-locka, a heavy crime, economically-disadvantaged area of Miami.

Greer, who is also the assistant dean of student affairs at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim’s College of Medicine, expressed the importance taking care of all people, particularly those who have less. PRISM (Program for Integrated Science and Mathematics) an A&S initiative which prepares students for careers in scientific research with a focus on health science, frequently invites guests in the field of medicine to interact with students in the program.

“With all your electronic devices, your iPods and cell phones, everything is in real time, but you must take the time to process,” Greer told them. “Observe what is going around you. This is a great city for that.”
After recounting anecdotes from his early years, education in medical school and his challenging internships, Greer was generous to share his most important life lessons:

“Take in all you daily experiences because they will help you learn,” Greer said. “Medicine is an excellent profession. You will be put in a position of leadership whether you want it or not, don’t lose your heart.”

October 19, 2009