Administering Relief

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine’s (OUWB) partnership with World Medical Relief Inc. is proof of just how important commitment to community is at OUWB.

World Medical Relief Inc., a Southfield-based nonprofit established in 1953, aims to help the poor, sick, and elderly on a local, national, and international basis. Its mission is to collect and distribute excess medical supplies, medicines, and recycled medical equipment for the betterment of mankind. In 2020, the nonprofit provided nearly $31 million in medical supplies to 17 countries, including the U.S.

World Medical Relief Inc. is one of more than 60 community partners that OUWB works with in metro Detroit and beyond. These opportunities allow the OUWB family to positively impact the health and well-being of others.

At World Medical Relief Inc., OUWB volunteers often spend Saturday mornings sorting and preparing much-needed supplies for shipment around the world.

“World Medical Relief has been such an excellent partner because not only is it an avenue for really meaningful service for our students, faculty, and staff, but it’s also an excellent educational opportunity,” says Jean Szura, Ph.D., director of service learning, OUWB.

Szura says that education is a result of the breadth of knowledge World Medical Relief Inc. staff and volunteers have about the needs of overseas health care providers. “Our students gain a view of the disparities in resources across the globe and how important it is that organizations work together to help meet the needs of the overseas clinics,” says Szura.

George Samson, Ph.D., president and CEO, World Medical Relief Inc., says volunteers from OUWB provide an invaluable service to the organization and help carry on the spirit of World Medical Relief Inc. Founder Irene M. Auberlin.

In 2020, for example, World Medical Relief Inc.went beyond its traditional relationship with OUWB and worked with OUWB student Majd Faraj on a project to send more than $2 million worth of medical supplies to Lebanon following the massive explosion in Beirut.
“OUWB volunteers are professional and respect the mission,” says Samson. “They value the knowledge they get from this organization and understand that one day they will be using some of what they learn here in another setting.”

“The beauty is that because of the partnership, they become like family,” Samson adds. “The medical students eventually become doctors and when they hear of World Medical Relief, can say, ‘I used to go there. I belong to that organization.’ That’s something that will never go away.”

Explore OUWB’s commitment to community.