Donna Zhukovsky, MD FACP FAAHPM has been a dedicated supporter of AAHPM for years, driven by her passion for the profession and a belief in its transformative power. In a recent reflection, she shared a poignant moment that reinforced her commitment to giving, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and its impact on holistic care. For Dr. Zhukovsky, donating to the Academy is synonymous with investing in the betterment of the profession and the well-being of those served:
My passion for this profession and my firm belief in its transformative power is what keeps giving to AAHPM every year. Reflecting on a poignant moment that reinforced my commitment to giving, I recall a recent donation I made to the Alyssa L. Bogetz Educational Fund. Mental health, an area often clouded by stigma, resonates deeply with me. I believe that understanding and addressing mental health issues is crucial for providing holistic care.
The significance of mental health in the realm of hospice and palliative care cannot be overstated. Providing emotional and psychological support to patients and their families during such critical times is essential for comprehensive care. My contributions to AAHPM are driven by the desire to enhance these aspects of care, ensuring that mental health is given the attention it deserves alongside physical health.
The impact I aim for with my donations is best captured by a song:
“If you save a life, you save the world.”
– “Save a Life” by Debbie Friedman, derived from Talmudic text
I believe that by empowering even just one person with knowledge or resources, we set off a ripple effect that can touch countless lives.
Supporting AAHPM also means fostering a community of professionals who are dedicated to continual learning and improvement. By investing in the education and development of our peers, we not only advance our own skills but also contribute to the collective growth of our field. This shared progress ultimately enhances the quality of care provided to patients and their loved ones, aligning with the core values of empathy, compassion, and excellence that define our profession.
Donating to the Academy means investing in the betterment of our profession, and ultimately, in the well-being of those we serve.