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.

As physicians, we’ve chosen a calling defined by service to our patients, our peers, and our community. At the Columbus Medical Association, that calling unites us. Together, we advocate for our profession, support one another through the challenges of modern medicine and society, and lead meaningful efforts to improve the health of our patients and our community.

A few weeks ago, we came together to celebrate that spirit of leadership at our annual celebration, recognizing physicians and advocates whose dedication shows us how deeply our collective efforts impact both physicians and the people we serve. Whether improving access to care, training for emergencies, or building physician well-being and leadership, this community is making a real difference.

Your leadership and involvement are needed now more than ever. Decisions are being made at the state and national level that impact our ability to practice, grow in our careers, and adequately care for our patients. The most vulnerable in our community are struggling to find jobs, get health care, and put food on the table. That’s why it’s so important that we stand together to support one another, to speak with a unified voice, and to ensure that the needs of both physicians and patients remain at the center of every decision.

If you’re already a member of the CMA, I sincerely thank you. Simply being part of this community strengthens our voice and fuels the work that lifts us all. I ask you to please renew your membership today.

If you haven’t joined yet, I encourage you to get involved. There are so many ways to make a difference through volunteering, mentoring future physicians, supporting our Foundation’s work to invest in the health of Central Ohio, and much more. Find more details on membership here.

When physicians come together, change follows. Let’s continue to lead, to serve, and to support one another, because the health of our community depends on it.

Kanny Grewal, MD
President, Columbus Medical Association Board of Directors