Building a community is an iterative process and takes time and resources . A community should provide a “ safety net ” to catch us when we are falling . It should aid us by providing the basic blocks of developing resiliency . Our communities will not make our difficulties disappear , but will allow us to learn skills to adapt while building strong connections of support : the scaffolding to be successful .

Starting with myself , I would like to share a community-building wellness occasion that has evolved into a delightful friendship . I run most mornings at Seneca Park . I would see a gentleman in a yellow jacket walking either alone or with a companion . I started by smiling and saying hello as we passed each other . Next step , we introduced ourselves and occasionally we would walk together and chat . And sometimes there would be three of us chatting . Discussions revolved around common interests ( anyone read S . A . Cosby ?), people we each knew and attempting to solve the world ’ s problems . Suffice it to say , I look forward to seeing the “ yellow ” jacket and anticipate a delightful conversation . The three of us have assembled our own community : a community that provides academic engagement , support and an abundance of laughter . I leave my “ community ” of three feeling supported and empowered . Who would have thought I would find scaffolding in Seneca Park ?

Building community with our patients can sometimes be easy or challenging . As a pediatrician who has been practicing for over 20 years , I have been able to build community with my patients in various ways . A young girl moved to my practice from Ohio with her parents and sister . This young girl flourished in Louisville and with determination , became a pharmacist in the Louisville area . When I was due for my RSV vaccine , I signed up and proceeded to the counter . There was my patient , beautiful and kind , waiting to provide my vaccine . After all the questions were answered , possible side effects discussed , my former patient administered my vaccine . This empowered young woman had offered the community of care : from my administering her various vaccines through the years to her now administering mine ! - a prime example of building the sustainability necessary for a community . The circle of care we provide to each other is the scaffolding provided to my patient and by my patient .

Another wonderful family joined my practice in the early years , and I had the opportunity to care for four special boys who now are young men . There was a uniqueness to this family that I could not resist and so we became our own community , one to foster love and support for all the “ boys .” One chose medicine as a profession . No , it is his vocation . From the beginning of his journey to now , we have remained connected . I have experienced such joy as I shared in his family ’ s appreciation for their son . I was a member of their community , and they were members of mine . Again , who would have anticipated I would find a community of such shared growth and gladness , now for over 20 years ?

The theme continues : “ advocating for each other and the community ,” the community of building resiliency in our members . Various paths can be taken : the path can be straight or crooked , but all paths lead to a community of caring that fosters sustainability by empowering families , friends , patients and physicians . We are a community that fosters kindness , acceptance and support without the expectation of acknowledgment .

As I continue to advocate for building communities , I look to the Greater Louisville Medical Society and the entire staff who have shared their community by providing the scaffolding of support . They have not allowed me to fall . And thank you for allowing me to join your community as you provided the strong net to catch my various acrobatics through this past year !

Dr . Purcell currently serves as the District IV Chair for the American Academy of Pediatrics .

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