It’s often said around InterVarsity circles that campus ministry does not aim to rescue fish from the pond, but rather to transform the pond. Sylvia, a medical student involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Illinois-Chicago, took the opportunity to discuss healthcare concerns with Governor Blagojevich. Sylvia got this invitation to meet the governor because she had previously been involved with Community Development projects in Chicago.
Sylvia approached the governor to express her concern over the rising costs of medical malpractice insurance.
It’s often said around InterVarsity circles that campus ministry does not aim to rescue fish from the pond, but rather to transform the pond. Sylvia, a medical student involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Illinois-Chicago, took the opportunity to discuss healthcare concerns with Governor Blagojevich. Sylvia got this invitation to meet the governor because she had previously been involved with Community Development projects in Chicago.
Sylvia approached the governor to express her concern over the rising costs of medical malpractice insurance. She was primarily concerned with how the rise in insurance costs affects patient care and the reform policies being discussed in Springfield. Once the governor realized that Sylvia didn’t just want to have her picture taken with him, he listened to her concerns, surprised that a medical student would take such interest in the policies affecting health care.
At the next Prayer Group meeting, rather than simply informing the members of her experience, Sylvia also challenged them to become more aware of how they could help raise awareness about healthcare issues. Sylvia hopes that her story will encourage other students to learn about the current practices within their chosen professional fields. She encourages students to inform politicians and decision-makers of their concerns.
Sylvia’s commitment to justice within the field of medicine demonstrates how Christians can make a difference in their work environments. InterVarsity seeks to train and support students in influencing their surroundings as they take on leadership roles. Through the support and friendship that fellow InterVarsity students have shown her, Sylvia felt encouraged to voice her opinions about policies that will affect her future career.
