I came to know the Vellore CMC Foundation as a contractor who was hired to produce marketing and communication materials for the organization. As I learned more about their work, and specifically the work that CMC Vellore was doing, my desire to support them in telling their incredible story became even stronger. I quickly became a donor, lending not only what I could financially, but also lending my time and talents in-kind, especially during times that CMC Vellore needed it most -- the most recent being the devastating second wave of COVID in India. Having helped the Foundation tell their story, I know well where my dollars are going. I also know the team behind the Foundation well, and can attest to their passion for their organization, their dedication to stewarding their donors' dollars well, and their laser focus on doing all they can for a small medical college in South India that is having a global impact through their innovative and patient-centered alumni doctors and nurses.
I have wonderful experience working with the Vellore CMC Foundation as I continue to learn about their service and provide them financial support from my represented organization. The staff, especially Executive Director John Riehl is very professional and relational. I like their passion and commitment to the historical vision of CMC, and how they help the CMC India connect to the global community, and live out the vision in today's context. I am amazed by the support and involvement of so many medical professionals, business people and NGO executives with whom I can dialogue and share ideas to help the Foundation and CMC India to expand their services. My admiration and affirmation has increased even more during the COVID pandemic when I work with the Foundation staff, board members and volunteers to respond to such an impossible situation globally, but especially in the US and in India. The Foundation staff and board members have done a superb job raising funds, and respond to COVID situation with CMC India. The Vellore CMC Foundation is a great place for anyone like me wanting to serve the underprivileged, to transform individual lives and communities, to enjoy the happiness of relating to a passional and growing organization which demonstrates high level of transparency, integrity, professionalism, and measurable impact. Enclosed are messages I posted for the Foundation in my Facebook and my organizational website.
Founded by the medical missionary, Ida S. Scudder, Christian Medical College (CMC) has proven true to its roots by dedicating itself to the care of the most disadvantaged members of Indian society. CMC is also a premier teaching and research institution. As a sixth generation member of the Scudder family of missionaries, I have a keen interest in CMC and its charitable mission. I have served as a member of the Christian Medical College Vellore Foundation Board of Directors since 2016. The CMC Foundation has proven to be highly responsive to the needs of CMC. It is efficient, creative, adroit and nimble. The metal of both institutions was proven in their coordinated, highly effective management of the Covid epidemic in Tamil Nadu.
For context, Vellore Foundation's sole purpose is to support the work of Vellore hospital and medical school in India. Vellore hospital has been in existence in India for over a 100 years and is consistently rated as one of the best hospitals and medical schools in India. Vellore has had a big impact on my family. My mother's mitral heart valve was treated successfully in an open heart surgery in 1959 at Vellore when that was about the only place in India that could do that surgery.
If Vellore is only about technical excellence, I would not be writing this. Indeed, it would not be a unique story either. India today has many healthcare centers that offer world class medical care. But Vellore does something else too. Without sacrificing quality or excellence, Vellore offers subsidized or even free healthcare to anyone who shows up at the hospital. It is this combination of excellent medical care, top quality education and holistic care for everyone regardless of affordability that makes Vellore unique.
There are many top quality healthcare centers that offer great care for a profit. There are many places that offer care to the poor but the quality suffers. There is no place other than Vellore that offers the best care and does so without a profit motive and with no dilution of quality. India needs more Vellores . Indeed the world needs it. I am a happy and proud supporter.
Having been born in a low income family and having been a student at CMC and much later having the Honour of working with the Foundation of Vellore CMC gave me an unique perspective. Saw first hand the treatment of humans regardless of payment. As a student working with a patient could walk up to the Head of the department and plead the case of a patient and their circumstances and help the patient receive free treatment is something no other institution offers. I was in the front line as student and Interne. As a physician in the USA have encountered People of Indian origin who express their gratitude when they learn that I came from the Institution that embodies service to Indians regardless as to their monetary status or any other human differences. The only entity that the Institution is answerable is to the Almighty and that reflects in the attitude by every doctor, nurse and other medical care workers. Recently when I was at an occasion in a group of Indian American Physicians someone remarked about me to a recent Physician that in this community I treated people without considering whether they could pay or Not! That complement I owe to the fullest extent to my Alma Mater. This Foundation in the City of New York which represents the Vellore CMC Hospital is helping carry on the Noble tradition. Having worked closely as part of the Foundation till my term ended I am well aware as to how the funds are utilised. We have worked hard to send almost all the money to the cause and be stringent as to the overhead in such a way that is noteworthy for others to follow. Thanks very much for your consideration.
As both a friend and vendor to Vellore CMCF, I am continually moved and inspired by the dedication and engagement displayed by all the members of the foundation. It is a privilege to provide my skills and services to support their mission, and a pleasure to see all they have and will continue to achieve to help the people of India.