By Marc C. Shaffer
Years ago, when I began my career at Searcy Financial Services, I had the privilege of being mentored by our founder, Mike Searcy. One of the lessons that left the greatest impression on me wasn’t about finance at all, it was about community.
Mike didn’t just encourage us to give back, he expected us to get involved. He taught me that a meaningful life includes service to others, and that community isn’t limited by zip codes or borders. Whether it was volunteering locally or embracing the opportunity to travel abroad, Mike believed that stepping outside our comfort zone was how we grow as humans.
That idea has stayed with me ever since.
Following in Big Footsteps 👣
Mike’s influence is one reason I’m so honored to now serve on the Board of the Institute for International Medicine (INMED), a nonprofit organization he has passionately supported for years. Mike has been instrumental in helping INMED founder and longtime friend, Dr. Nicholas Comninellis, bring his bold vision to life: a world where healthcare professionals are equipped to serve the most forgotten people on the planet. As Mike steps away from his leadership role, I’m proud to follow in his footsteps, continuing the legacy of service and global engagement he instilled in me. It’s humbling to be part of something so purpose-driven and inspiring.
What INMED Does (and Why It Matters)
The Institute for International Medicine (INMED) is more than a nonprofit, it’s a lifeline for countless communities around the globe. INMED equips healthcare professionals and students with the specialized skills needed to work in low-resource settings, often where medical access is virtually nonexistent. They do this through a combination of:
- Graduate-level education in global health topics (offered online, hybrid, or in-person),
- Hands-on learning experiences at over 45 training sites in 25 low-resource countries,
- And certifications and advanced degrees, including a Graduate Certificate, Diploma, and Master’s Degree in International Health,
INMED bridges a gap that too often goes overlooked: the ability to provide effective, empathetic, and sustainable care in places that need it most. The learners aren’t just studying, they’re serving. They’re stepping into challenging environments to offer help, hope, and healing. That’s the kind of mission I can get behind.
A Shared Human Desire
I’ve had the opportunity to travel extensively, through Nepal, Patagonia, China, Iceland, and beyond. Across every culture, no matter the language, the location, or the lifestyle, I’ve found a constant: People want to be loved and they want to be healthy. That simple truth is at the heart of what INMED does.
Even though I’ve never participated in a medical mission trip myself, I hope to one day witness firsthand the incredible work INMED physicians do on the ground. Their service is nothing short of miraculous, changing lives, uplifting communities, and transforming entire regions through better health access and compassionate care.
Looking Ahead
As I begin my journey on the INMED Board, I do so with immense gratitude, for the path laid before me by Mike Searcy, for the leadership of Dr. Comninellis, and for the mission that brings us together. I look forward to helping INMED grow its reach, amplify its message, and connect with others who share our vision. Because whether it’s across the street or across the globe, service is about seeing others, valuing their humanity, and doing what you can to make their lives better. And that’s why I volunteer.