David Beyda, MD, Community Outreach

 

Throughout his life, David Beyda, MD, has made a dramatic impact as practicing critical care doctor, administrator, and teacher at Phoenix Children's.  But, from the young age of 15, he has also performed medical miracles in third world countries across the globe. 

 

In 2004, Beyda established "Medical Mercy" (MM) when Mission of Mercy (MOM) approached him to evaluate the medical needs of MOM children in Cambodia.  He formed the first MM medical team and on his first trip saw more than 2,000 patients in five days.  During his first year, he took back eight more teams and saw more than 11,000 patients in Cambodia.  Since Beyda founded Medical Mercy, the project has traveled to 11 different countries, held more than 20 medical clinics, and treated more than 40,000 children.

 

Beyda also developed a comprehensive course to train lay people such as teachers and missionaries to become "healthcare workers" in Cambodia, Swaziland, and Egypt. The course he designed teaches lay people to become proficient in physical examination, and how to recognize both common and life-threatening illnesses. After training, these workers are able to follow-up with patient care when patients can't get to medical clinics.

 

Finally, Beyda's work with the Flying Samaritans takes him to a remote area in Mexico where there is no medical care. Beyda volunteers his talents as both a physician and a pilot on these monthly missions.

 

"He is a man that demonstrates unusual energy, compassion, and empathy as he is literally driven to help children… I have found that the most significant way to thank Dr. Beyda is to offer him another need—a child that desperately needs care—and let him go after it.  Accolades, money, and prestige are not his motivation. What motivates this unique physician is a child that would not make it without him," said Dr. Wayde Goodall, President of Mission of Mercy.