Dallas TIMA:Celebrating Its Third Anniversary At New Location By Sponsoring a Free Medical Care Day
Author: Chang, Yung Chun
Photographer: Lee, Hsi Hsiung
Translated by: Angie Riddell
The Dallas Branch of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association has been established since July, 2003. To celebrate its third anniversary and its moving to a new location, the association sponsored a free medical care day for all the people in the community regardless of age or gender. On that day, 105 residents registered for 
the service and they paid a combined total of 513 visits to doctors specializing in different categories.
¡· Giving Back to the Public
To widely publicize the activity of the free medical care day, the Dallas Branch of the association in early July placed an advertisement in the local Chinese newspapers and magazines. Association volunteers then put an all out effort in planning the activity to ensure the success and to better serve the public.
The new activity center of the Dallas Branch is located at a two-story building. The location is ideal for holding the free medical care service. The setup on that day was similar to a clinic or hospital facility. The first floor was divided into the following sections: waiting, register, initial check up (such as weight and blood pressure measuring, cholesterol test, and blood test, etc), video viewing, and exhibition of the publication of the Jin Si Culture. Each section was separated by using a poster screen. The poster screens were 
designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Tzu Chi Foundation. By going over the posters, visitors were able to have a better understanding on the foundation. The posters were also served as the invisible member recruiting tools for the association.
¡· Free Medical Care, a Good Demonstration Of the Tzu Chi Humanity and Culture
Participating patients were first led by volunteers to the register section to obtain forms. There were six volunteers sitting side by side in a row to answer questions and to assist in filling out the forms. Video films were played continuously for visitors. They could also stroll to the exhibition area to view or purchase books, DVDs, and CDs provided by the Jin Si Culture. All items displayed were specially selected by volunteers and they were related to medical care and health, such as book, Long Lasting Life, Dah Ai Clinic,1000 Episode DVD¡¦s and CD¡¦s. Visitors could also purchase healthy food products such as five-grain powder at the exhibit.
High Quality Service
Before the medical service started, Lin, Yuan Liang, the person in charge of the activity, gave a short speech. He thanked all the doctors and volunteers 
offering their services for the day. He also presented white medical robes to 23 doctors and 13 nurses at the scene.
An old couple, Tsai, Chi Chiao and Lu, Hung Ying, were the first two to register for the service. They learned about the service from the newspaper and they had been waiting for the day to come. They arrived at the center at 8:30 AM, same time as the volunteers did. Their early arrival enabled them to register as the first and second patients. They both were happy and grateful that they could get free medical care for any of their concerns without any restrictions.
Medical service on that day began from the first floor in the following order: weight measuring, blood pressure measuring, cholesterol testing, blood testing and so on. Volunteers were present at every section to explain the procedures and to render help. The line of patients moved smoothly and quickly because all patients understood the examination and the procedures involved. They then proceeded to the second floor where doctors with different specialities were stationed. For those who had difficulty in walking up the stairs, they could take the wheelchair instead. Several of them chose the option to avoid climbing the stairs.
Various Services Offered to Benefit the Public
Services provided there included family practice, obstetrics and gynecology (paps-smear examination available), pediatrics, dentistry, ophthalmology, cardiology, hearing test, Chinese herb medicine, chiropractic and oncology, prostate screening, etc. Family practice and cardiology were the two categories most patients visited. It was probably the most needed care for the general public.
Traditional Chinese herb medicine was the favorite to the Chinese patients. The line at this section was also long. The gynecologist there originally did not expect too many paps-smear examinations would be performed, but 20 female patients, about one fifth of the participants, requested the service. The doctors were pleased of that fact. They all praised the effort of the Tzu Chi's free medical care service.
Every examination room had volunteers standing by to offer help. A small flower arrangement was placed on the desk of every examining room to give a relaxing and comfortable feeling. The exchange of conversation in between doctors and patients was warm and discreet. Patients were able to give details of their concerns without any reservation. And in turn they were given the best diagnosis and information from the doctors.
¡· Doctors With Humanity
The face of one of the American doctors there looked rather familiar. Upon inquiring, Dr. Ted Taylor identified himself as the father of one of the Chinese language students at the Tzu Chi Summer School. Dr. Taylor was glad to have the opportunity to offer his service as a family practice doctor.
The closing time for the free medical care was scheduled at 2 PM, but it was extended for half an hour due to the fact that the number of the patients for cardiologists was more than expected and that each of the examinations done by the doctors was thorough and detailed. When the service was over, doctors and volunteers sat down and had fruit snacks and drinks. They talked and exchanged ideas. It was heart warming.
Participating doctors praised the association for its well-organized preparation and operation. They appreciated the spirit and philosophy of the Tzu Chi Foundation. Several of the members of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association are also members of the Tzu Cheng Group. Some participating doctors are sons or daughters of the Tzu Chi commissioners.
Our gratitude goes to all the participating doctors, nurses, and volunteers. Their active involvement makes the free medical care service grow better and stronger each year. Much needed medical care, as a result, can reach more people in our society.
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