As a lifelong learner, Sarita Pattisam was inspired to pursue a career in medicine because of her love for science and helping others. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Otterbein University, she is now studying at Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Pattisam is interested in internal medicine and would eventually like to join a gastroenterology fellowship.

Born in Dublin and well-acquainted with Columbus, Pattisam calls this place home and feels supported by her extensive medical network, which offers her space to grow and learn.

Thanks to her school’s newsletter, she learned of the Columbus Medical Association and took immediate advantage of attending events to connect with local, like-minded physicians and future physicians. In October, she was one of three medical students selected to present the 50-year awards at the CMA’s Annual Celebration.

“It was a great honor to recognize such dedicated physicians who have spent their lives serving others,” she said. “Their careers embody lifelong learning and compassionate care, which are values I hope to emulate.”

Pattisam has also taken advantage of learning about all the opportunities available at the CMA’s Medical Student Specialty Fair.

“It was an amazing opportunity to connect one-on-one with physicians from a wide range of specialties and learn more about their unique paths in medicine.”

Outside of central Ohio, Pattisam draws inspiration from the late primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall as a leader with strong values that guided her career.

“Her compassion, curiosity, and lifelong dedication to understanding and protecting life are qualities I deeply admire.”

While her future is still being written, Pattisam knows her own values will be central in her career. In 50 years, she can see herself as a semi-retired gastroenterologist who volunteers at free clinics and tends to her horses on a small rural farm, using fresh ingredients to make the perfect sourdough bread from scratch, and skills from working as a wrangler in Wyoming during undergrad.

At the Columbus Medical Association’s Annual Celebration in October, the evening focused on recognizing those who shaped the organization’s past and celebrating the next generation leading its future. This was demonstrated by medical students honoring central Ohio physicians for 50 years of practice.

Nicholas Kudlapur, a third-year student at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, presented the 50-year award to Medard Lutmerding, MD, and Francine Rasco, MD.

“It was a great honor,” said Kudlapur. “Their careers are powerful examples of the impact a physician can make in their community and beyond through service, leadership, education, and writing. Learning about their careers at the annual celebration was exciting and encouraging.”

As the holiday season approaches, communities across the world will come together for Giving Tuesday on December 2, 2025. Giving Tuesday was a simple idea launched in 2012 as a global movement dedicated to generosity, collaboration, and positive change. It has grown into an international day of philanthropy that encourages individuals and organizations to support causes that strengthen our communities and improve lives. For physicians and healthcare professionals, it offers a unique opportunity to champion the well-being of patients, colleagues, and the healthcare system as a whole.

Millions of people across the world participate each year by giving time, resources, and acts of kindness. Unlike consumer-focused events such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday shifts the focus toward compassion, service, and community impact.

Why Giving Tuesday Matters for Physicians
Physicians witness firsthand the needs within our healthcare system: patients struggling with access to care, public health programs stretched thin, and colleagues working under increasing pressures. Giving Tuesday aligns the core values of the medical profession by supporting community health programs that address social determinants of health and preventive care, improving physician well-being, burnout prevention, and mental health as well as modeling leadership and compassion. 

Participation in Giving Tuesday demonstrates commitment to service beyond the exam room and inspires others within the community to get involved. It offers countless opportunities to contribute, whether individually or as part of a practice or institution. Here are a few ideas:

1. Donate to healthcare-focused nonprofits.
Support organizations that provide medical care to underserved communities, fund research, or offer professional development for clinicians.

2. Volunteer your expertise.
From free clinics to public health initiatives, your medical knowledge can make an immediate impact.

3. Organize a department or practice fundraising effort.
A collective challenge or matching campaign can amplify giving and foster camaraderie.

4. Support physician wellness programs.
Give to organizations or internal initiatives that promote mental health resources, resilience training, or peer-support networks.

5. Advocate and raise awareness.
Use your voice through social media, professional meetings, or patient interactions to highlight the importance of Giving Tuesday and the causes you care about.

A Chance to Make a Lasting Impact
Giving Tuesday reminds us that meaningful change often begins with small, purposeful actions. By participating, physicians can help strengthen the health of communities, support colleagues, and advance the mission of compassionate, equitable care.

This Giving Tuesday, consider how you can contribute whether through giving, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Together, our collective efforts can create a healthier, more supportive world for all.