Horizons Fall 2016

In between college and medical school, Anderson- Worts worked as a medical assistant for a family medicine practitioner. “That experience influenced my decision to look at family medicine,” she said. “I liked the fact that you can develop a long-term relationship with your patients. You might take care of the mom, dad, and the children. I love that kind of relationship building.” After completing her residency in family medicine at Sun Coast Hospital in Largo, Florida, Anderson-Worts joined NSU’s faculty in 1997. In addition to teaching at NSU, she is the program director of the family medicine residency and traditional rotating internship at Broward Health Medical Center. Anderson-Worts’ first visit specifically to Westmoreland Parish was in December 2010. “The great joy of giving back to my country is very special. It’s very fulfilling to know that I can help people there.” During summer missions to Jamaica, Anderson- Worts brings her 14-year-old son, Alexander Worts. Her mother also travels with them at times, and serves as a great support. “My philosophy about health is prevention,” Anderson- Worts said. “I went into medicine to help educate and prevent illness. At first, I believed [the missions] just came from a desire to serve mankind. Over time, what perpetu- ates that desire is that you’re getting so much back from the people you serve. They are so appreciative. You don’t feel like you’re doing very much at all, and they make you feel like you’re giving so much more.” Anderson-Worts is creating a foundation for future doctors to continue community outreach, said Peters. “She teaches students the entire process of organizing such a mission—every step of the way,” he said. “She empowers them. If there are problems, she encourages them to find solutions. Because of her, students will one day be able to establish their own missions in other countries,’’ he added. “When I see these students later, I see how far ahead they are clinically and how resourceful and compassionate they are.” Indeed, Melkonian and Patel plan to follow Anderson- Worts’ example and continue “passing that down to future physicians,” Melkonian said. “Dr. Anderson-Worts motivated me to continue seeking opportunities of community service,” Patel said. “I am truly inspired to one day organize a trip like this.” n FACULTY PROFILE 42 NSU HORIZONS For several years, Paula Anderson- Worts, below at right, has led medical students, faculty members, physicians, and health care profes- sionals to some of the poorest communities in Jamaica to provide free medical services. Urvi Patel, seen taking a patient’s medical history at right (in blue), is one of those students.