By Anastasia Nazarko
This week, Tirana Times had the privilege of an interview with Dr. Charles Linderman, Director of the MRDC Foundation and medical advisor to the U.S. Embassy Tirana.
TIRANA, Nov. 23 – Towering at well over 6 feet (1.82 m), perhaps even closer to 7 feet (2.1 m), Dr. Charles Linderman catches the attention of most. A physician, and now director of the Medical Response for Diplomatic Corps (MRDC) Foundation as well as medical advisor to the American Embassy Tirana, Dr. Linderman has been working for over a decade to improve the Albanian healthcare system, and to especially meet the needs of those who are otherwise unable to afford quality medical care. Though, following his completion of medical school in 1997, the Ohio, USA native was well-settled in his private practice in the United States, he realized that there were placesנlike Albaniaנthat were in severe need of assistance.
“My wife, five children and I were very successful living a comfortable life in America. At the same time, we were very unhappy,” commented Dr. Linderman.
“The pursuit of material possessions created a void in our hearts. We realized that we needed to make a fundamental change in our lives. We decided to sell everything and move to Albania to dedicate our lives to the service of the Albanian people in the name of Christ.”
As a result, Dr. Linderman and his family came to Albania, where, in 2001, he became the director of the Orthodox Diagnostic Therapeutic Centerנthe first licensed surgical center outside of the Albanian university system.
In 2003, Dr. Linderman also became the director of the MRDC Foundationנa non-for-profit foundation which allows for the funding of children’s homes and treatment for the poor.
Most recently, for example, it hosted the first annual Run for Charityנwhich featured a 5 km run around Tirana’s artificial lake where companies had the opportunity to receive publicity as sponsors of the event, and interested individuals could make their own personal contribution to the cause. The beneficiaries of the eventנwhich to date has raised nearly $9, 500נwere orphanages and orphans.
“We also facilitate the import of more than 1 million USD worth of consumable medical supplies to the medical infrastructure every year for the last four years. The sponsor for this significant gift is the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities),” added Dr. Linderman.
Thus, over the course of his service in Albania, Dr. Linderman has been able to witness a dramatic change in the state of the Albanian healthcare system.
“When we first arrived in Albania, we found the health sector in profound disarray,” he remembers. “We are very encouraged by the dramatic changes that have been seen, primarily in the private and also to a degree in the state health sectors. We have seen a significant investment in the medical infrastructure that has allowed the quality of medical care to improve. At the beginning, I was inclined to send almost every medical case abroad. Now, we can manage most problems without the need for medical evacuation. This is a dramatic improvement to witness over the course of only 11 years.”
Still, however, Dr. Linderman hopes to see further improvements in the coming years. He notes that the MRDC Foundation is continuing to train doctors and specialists with further investment in the medical infrastructure. More specifically, he believes that a more functional medical insurance system could provide easier financing for future developments.
Yet, Dr. Linderman also emphasizes the reciprocal nature of his relationship with Albania. While his work has clearly made a significant impact, he also adds that he feels privileged to be in the small Balkan country. “We consider ourselves very blessed to be able to live in Albania.
We have found the Albanian people to be warm and sincere with a true desire to improve and grow. Their love for their children and their dedication to provide them with a better life is an inspiration,” he remarked.
“Our family, with the blessing of the Archbishop Anastasios, was able to start the Orthodox Children’s Home of Hope in St. Vlash, Durres and lived there for 3 years. What stands out in our minds is the experience of watching children who were needy, neglected, and even sometimes abused come into the home and through love and care transform into happy, healthy children.”
For those interested in assisting children’s issues and/or medical care for the poor, donations can be made to the MRDC Foundation through the contact information on the website: www.MRDC-al.com
