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A passion for health equity
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Walter Ulrich, CEO of Medical Bridges, is an honorary Sigma member. He came out of retirement to tackle one of the world’s most pressing issues and is loving every second.
“I am the luckiest person on the planet,” Walter Ulrich said from his office in Houston, Texas, USA. Walter is the CEO of Medical Bridges, a nonprofit organization that bridges the gap in medical care all over the world and promotes global healthcare equity. He came out of retirement in 2019 to take the helm and gave it three to five years. When he’s asked now about when he plans to stop, he still says three to five years.
Walter was one of 16 people at the 47th Biennial Convention honored with honorary membership in Sigma. It acknowledges the work of those who have a sustained national or global impact on nursing and healthcare. Medical Bridges was honored with the Archon Award, which recognizes individuals or groups regardless of profession who have made health a major aspect of their work and created significant change that is national or transnational in scope.
Health equity is, Walter says, one of the most important global and domestic issues facing us today, and right now it is at a critical point. He cites a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in which King stated that “Of all forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.”
He remains constantly aware of what is going on around the world and whether his organization can safely and effectively deliver supplies to both underserved and war-torn areas. Three years ago, he went to Pakistan where, because of a slight rule change, they could no longer get donated medical supplies into the country. “We could not get free stuff into Pakistan,” Walter said. He spent a week there, calling it a joyful trip, and met with ministers of health and regional governors to help loosen up restrictions.
In September 2023, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Walter and Medical Bridges with the Order of Merit; it is one of the things Walter is most proud of in the five years he’s been at Medical Bridges. Since the war in Ukraine began, Medical Bridges has stepped up, providing four shipping-container clinics and 265 tons of medical equipment and supplies. Unfortunately, Medical Bridges cannot always continue their work in a country. They used to be the sole supplier of a major rural hospital in Haiti, but because of the lack of government in that country, they’re no longer able to be that supplier. It’s a similar story in Sudan.
Though Medical Bridges focuses on distributing medical supplies to 104 countries outside of the United States, they do also serve some underserved areas in the US, particularly rural areas in Texas. Walter said that Medical Bridges acts as a “safety valve” when an emergency happens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rural counties in Texas that have small clinics or hospitals found it difficult to buy the supplies they needed. At the time, UT Health’s nursing students were ready to start their clinicals, and Medical Bridges stepped in and donated 1,300 masks so students could continue their education and graduate.
Reaching more people challenges Walter and keeps him motivated. He says, “If Medical Bridges was going to do 61 maritime containers every year forever, I’d re-retire.” Next year, he hopes they can send 71 containers and increase each year. “That means enough treatment material for a couple hundred thousand more people to get treatment.”
With the goal of healthcare equity in mind, his advice for nurses beginning their careers breaks down to: take care of yourself, use your skills the best way you can, trust yourself, and be engaged in policy. As a nurse “grows to understand what’s going on from a policy standpoint, they can then be a leader in influencing” policy. He also encourages nurses to volunteer for organizations like Medical Bridges that are accredited by the MedSurplus Alliance. Their education, skills, and competency are invaluable for the work that places like Medical Bridges does and is a direct way to have an impact on global healthcare equity.
5/23/2024
Walter Ulrich
Honorary Member
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Inspiring new nurses: Raymond’s reflections on 15 years in nursing
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Raymond Kristopher G. Pagulayan believes he was called to be a nurse. Even after 15 years of service, he continues to focus on his mission to make a significant impact on the lives of others any and every chance he gets.
Raymond Kristopher G. Pagulayan, MSN, BSN, RN, officially became a nurse in 2008 and began his career in a trauma hospital in the Philippines. Now, he is the Senior Registered Nurse at the Intensive Care Unit of Mediclinic Middle East Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
After 15 years of service, Raymond says he is beyond proud to be a nurse.
“I am honored to be part of a profession that allows me to make a real difference in the world,” he said. “Whether it’s providing comfort and care to those in need or simply being a listening ear, I know that my work can brighten someone’s day.”
As a seasoned nurse, Raymond has learned a lot about what it takes to have a successful, fulfilling career. To early career nurses, he offers this advice:
- Take your studies seriously. It is not just about getting good grades, but it’s also about equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your career, whether that be at the bedside or in a leadership role. With each new concept that you learn, you will become better equipped to provide exceptional care to your patients.
- Always remember why you decided to become a nurse. Think back to the excitement you felt when you first held your stethoscope and assessed a patient. Recall the sense of purpose and fulfillment you experienced when you saved a patient’s life during your clinical rotations. These moments are what makes nursing such an incredibly rewarding profession.
- Know you have the power to make a positive impact on the world, one patient at a time. Always strive to provide the best possible care to your patients. Be kind, compassionate, and empathetic. Remember that the little things matter and that a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference to a patient who is struggling.
Raymond is filled with a sense of purpose and excitement when he thinks about the years to come. He looks forward to continuing to provide exceptional care, making a difference, and inspiring others to do the same.
A member of the Phi Gamma Chapter, Raymond attributes his confidence in delivering high quality care to the experiences he’s had with Sigma.
“[Sigma] has reinforced the importance of maintaining a rigorous standard of care and has inspired me to continue learning and growing as a nurse,” he said. “Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession that requires a strong commitment to patient care, a willingness to work collaboratively, and a dedication to ongoing learning and professional development.”
Raymond believes he was called to be a nurse, and it is his mission to make a significant impact on the lives of others any and every chance he gets. He also knows that together, nurses are stronger.
“Together, we can inspire and uplift each other and make a positive impact on the world, one patient at a time,” he said.
4/29/2024
Raymond Kristopher G. Pagulayan
MSN, BSN, RN
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