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.

Nurturing our future leaders is a key priority for the CMA Foundation. Our Youth Advisory Council kicked off their school year with energy and purpose with their first meeting on September 16, 2025! These student leaders, ranging from 8th to 12th grade, set their 2025–2026 Health & Wellness Priorities that will guide their grantmaking and shape healthier futures for our community.

The Council welcomed a new member who is currently the only 8th grader in the group. The remaining council members are four high school seniors, three juniors, and four sophomores. The group also established the upcoming year’s Health and Wellness Priorities, which will set up the guidelines on which grants they will consider funding in their community. These priorities will also be featured on the CMAF website.  

The 2025-2026 Health and Wellness Funding Priorities are: 

• Mental Health  
• Social Disparities 
• Substance Abuse 
• Bullying and Peer Pressure 
• Basic Needs 
• Body Image and Self Esteem 
• Sexual Health and Healthy Relationships
• Suicide and Self Harm Prevention 

The council has room for additional members. If you know of a Columbus area student grade 8-12 interested in learning more about philanthropy and making a difference in the community, contact us at youthcouncil@cmafohio.org.