When David Jewison signed up for the University of Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), he hoped he’d be able to serve people in a time of need. He never dreamed that his service would be honored by the president of the United States.
Jewison, now a fourth-year medical student at the University, received the President’s Volunteer Service Award during President George W. Bush’s visit to Minnesota on August 22.
Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, health professionals and students from the University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, and College of St. Catherine banded together to provide medical care to displaced families near the Gulf Coast in a relief effort called Operation Minnesota Lifeline. MRC volunteers treated patients with a wide range of needs, from prenatal care to minor surgery.
Jewison spent nearly three weeks assisting physicians in Lafayette, Louisiana, and surrounding communities. He also conducted clinics to update volunteers on proper techniques for administering vaccinations.
President Bush has honored more than 500 volunteers across the country since March 2002.
