Dr. Pedro Jose Greer will speak about the plight of the underprivileged as seen through the eyes of a medical doctor at 6 p.m. in Pugh Hall.
The presentation, titled “Rx for Hope: Medical Care for the Homeless,” is free and open to the public.
Greer, a UF alumnus, has worked for two White House administrations, and earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He is now the assistant dean of academic affairs at the Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.
Greer has made it a focus in his career to be socially responsible, especially to those who are poor or homeless.
“I believe professionals need to take on more responsibility,” Greer said. “As a doctor, I see how poverty really affects people.”
After graduating from medical school, Greer said he originally wanted to travel to places such as South Asia and Africa to help the impoverished. However, after an encounter with a homeless man here in the United States, he realized the problem was closer to home.
His hope, he said, is that one day the rich and the poor will be treated the same when it comes to medical care.
Shelby Taylor, the digital and communications director at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, said the center is hosting Greer because he is an example of an alumnus who has used his talents to improve lives in his community.
“I hope I get people to think and challenge their assumptions,” Greer said. “I also hope to get a few laughs.”
