30. Going the Extra Mile to Serve Children Worldwide
Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite platform!
In our latest podcast episode, we journey through the extraordinary life of Dr. Jeff Mapp, the co-founder of Extra Mile Pediatrics. His story is a testament to the profound impact that individuals and organizations can have in transforming global healthcare. This blog post explores the key topics discussed in the episode, providing insights into Dr. Mapp's inspiring mission and the challenges he faced along the way.
The episode begins with the tale of a young boy diagnosed with a brain tumor. This marked a turning point in Jeff's life and spurred his commitment to global health. From the bustling streets of India to the picturesque landscapes of Guatemala, listeners are taken through Jeff's remarkable journey in pediatric medicine. His experiences on neurosurgical missions and the challenges of overseas health service work offer valuable lessons in resilience and dedication.
Throughout his journey, Jeff has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bridging healthcare gaps. He co-founded Extra Mile Pediatrics, an organization that serves as a beacon of hope for many underserved families. Jeff's story of overcoming personal obstacles to build this non-profit organization is truly inspiring. The organization's commitment to sustainable impact and the stark reality of healthcare access in these regions is a powerful reminder of the inequalities that persist in global health.
The episode also delves into the evolution of healthcare, highlighting the transition from paper to digital medical records. This change has been pivotal in improving efficiency and patient tracking, aiding in Extra Mile Pediatrics' mission to transform global healthcare. Jeff's insights into how the organization ensures to provide care within their scope while connecting patients to resources they can leverage are invaluable for anyone interested in the field.
Despite the many challenges faced, the organization continues to make strides in improving pediatric healthcare access in underserved areas. Jeff shares stories of how parents in Guatemalan clinics would bring their children for checkups and offer to have them seen before themselves. This emphasis on tracking growth and development over time, rather than just looking at the current growth chart, is key to providing sustainable impact.
Lastly, the episode explores the challenges of navigating pediatric clinics and global health. Extra Mile Pediatrics faces the tricky situation of having patients come in who need help as adults, when their organization mainly focuses on pediatric care. Despite this, they manage to provide care within their scope and also connect patients to resources that they can utilize. The stories of children who have seen improvements in their lives thanks to the care they have received from Extra Mile Pediatrics are heartwarming and inspiring.
In conclusion, this episode serves as a testament to the profound impact that individuals and organizations can have in transforming healthcare globally. It offers invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of working in global health, inspiring listeners to consider how they too can make a difference. The story of Dr. Jeff Mapp and Extra Mile Pediatrics is a powerful reminder of the need for continued dedication and commitment to improving healthcare access and quality around the world.
Who is Jeff Mapp, MD, MBA?
From Richmond, Virginia originally, Dr. Mapp graduated medical school and completed his pediatric residency training in Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.
Dr. Mapp has always had a passion for global health since being introduced as a volunteer with a global health group in Guatemala as an undergraduate in the late '90s. He then continued to volunteer with various global health organizations after residency until, after completing an MBA at UNC Chapel Hill in 2015, I began creating Extra Mile Pediatrics. Extra Mile Pediatrics was launched in 2018.
Dr. Mapp continues to serve as the Executive Director of Extra Mile Pediatrics, as well as on faculty at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University as an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics.