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Global Health Spotlight on Extraordinary Healthcare Volunteers: Dr. Francine Atterberry

Maryann Rose, HOPEww • July 30, 2020

Pediatrician Dr. Francine Atterberry’s journey of volunteer medical service with HOPE worldwide has taken her to regions of the world greatly affected by material poverty to serve children and families in need. Born in New York and educated at New Jersey Medical School, where she became a disciple of Jesus, Francine has served on multiple Health Brigades. Those experiences provided an invaluable perspective in her medical practice and her Christian life.

Francine began volunteering in pediatric medical care in 1997 when she served with a HOPE Medical Corps in Jamaica treating children suffering with HIV and AIDS. Moved and inspired, she went on to serve in Community Brigades in Honduras, Guatemala, Bolivia, Jamaica and Mexico, where material poverty and environmental factors severely impact children’s health. Poor water and air quality cause parasitic infections, severe asthma and skin disease. She also helped to educate families with children who have special needs who are often neglected due to poor social and educational infrastructures.

In each Brigade, the medical team did not simply come in and take over, but they worked hand-in-hand with local health professionals. A short-term volunteer service can foster mutual growth for a local church and community through the exchange of medical information within these enriching partnerships.

Francine has returned several times to Honduras--her son Chandler accompanied her on one of the trips. She witnessed many of those children she has treated grow into healthy young adults who now serve in their churches and communities. For her, this is the legacy of the Brigades.

Francine plans to serve on Brigades in Honduras, Jamaica and Mexico. She wants to bring more healthcare students on these Brigades to offer them life-altering training and a unique perspective in medical practice.

Now a resident of Los Angeles for twenty-six years and worshipping with that city’s Westside ministry, Francine is committed to prioritizing the needs of children she encounters in her community. Her experiences helped develop her conviction that serving the hurting children of this world is a responsibility we can all share.

Are you interested in using your time, talents and training as a healthcare professional to meet needs all over the world with HOPE worldwide ?

To learn more visit hopeww.org/volunteer-opportunities.

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