Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Ward.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The focus of my career has been to address the root problems of family and social injustices. I believe in people and strive to build programs that give second chances and recognize that people are more than their circumstances. I enjoy working within social service interventions that can improve outcomes for individuals and the community.
To accomplish these goals, I have spent my career in service as a social worker, Peace Corps Volunteer, and a public health professional. Originally from Michigan, I moved to Texas four years ago to complete my Master of Public Health from UTHealth School of Public Health. I have worked with families and children experiencing out-of-home placements, newly arrived refugees / immigrants, and women re-entering society after incarceration. I am thankful for a career that allows me to work with people from a variety of backgrounds, has given me the opportunity to find innovative solutions, and to partner with people who share my passions for promoting equity and opportunity.
I recently joined Doctors for Change as the Executive Director. I was drawn to the organization because of its mission to increase access to care and improve the health of Houstonians through thoughtful, evidence-based interventions. I am impressed by the partnerships and commitment between professionals throughout Houston who collaborate to change the current, complex healthcare needs in our community.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There has definitely been struggles along the way. I have learned that self-care is important in a helping profession. Further, remembering that people deserve autonomy and personal choice. My goal is to improve opportunities and access, but not to make the decisions for others. This mindset has helped me to stay motivated and focused.
Additionally, my young son was diagnosed with a chronic illness during my second semester as a full-time grad student and working full-time. This was an extremely challenging time, but he is an amazing child and he helped me to remain committed to my goals, so I can set an example for him. My experience navigating his care has also demonstrated to me the importance of accessible and affordable access to care for all.
Please tell us about Doctors for Change.
Doctors for Change (DFC) is a local, non-profit organization that relies on the strength of collaboration and passion to lead the way in creating meaningful change to healthcare access and outcomes. DFC started as a small group of dedicated physicians who wanted to address the unacceptable realities they witnessed in their practice. The organization has grown to a network of hundreds of professionals from a wide range of professions, all with the same goal.
Doctors for Change has four focused committees: Access to Care, Anti-Human Trafficking, Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL), Mental and Behavioral Health, and Immigrant and Refugee Health. These committees are the backbone of our organization. The volunteers in these committees engage the community, healthcare providers, research teams, and legislators to improve healthcare outcomes for all Houstonians. The committees strive to create creative solutions, provide policy briefs, and to serve as a voice in the community with a collaborative response to the local healthcare needs.
I am proud to be a part of Doctors for Change and I look forward to leading DFC as the organization continues to grow and expand its programs and outreach.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I was one of four sisters and life was busy in our house. Both my parents worked full-time, but my mother always tried to make each of us feel special and important. This was done in small meaningful ways. For instance, she would always try to make our appointments feel like a special time and not a mundane activity. She would take us to many of our dental / health appointments individually. This was no small feat with three of us requiring orthodontic braces. We would always get a special lunch and one-on-one time with our mom. I loved these moments as a child and as I have grown, I have realized the time sacrifice my mother was making from her job and schedule to make these moments happen. My appreciation for her efforts has grown and made these memories even fonder.
Contact Info:
- Website: doctorsforchange.org
- Phone: 713-869-0946 ext 346
- Email: director@doctorsforchange.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docsforchangetx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DocsForChangeTX/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/docsforchangetx?lang=en
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