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Over 20 years ago, I left for Malawi with the Peace Corps—fresh out of college, full of passion, and unsure of what I’d find. What I found changed everything: a love for global health, a heart for community, and a calling to serve. I started with a garden, health programs, and lifelong friendships. That season planted a seed.
Fast forward: I’m now a family physician, a husband, a father—and the founder of redefineD, a medical volunteer nonprofit dedicated to serving the underserved both locally and globally, while redefining the lives of those who serve.
In less than two weeks, I’ll be heading back to Africa—this time to Kenya, to partner with the amazing team at the Living Room International, bringing three palliative care specialists and an aspiring pre-med student with me.
Our mission:
• Train local providers
• Collaborate in care
• Equip them with portable ultrasounds that cost $2-4k each
• And most importantly—love, listen, learn, and walk alongside our Kenyan partners
This isn’t just another trip. This is legacy. And I want you to be part of it.
Whether you give financially, pray over this mission, or simply follow the journey—you are part of the story.
Let’s redefine what it means to serve.
Join me. Walk with me. Let’s make this count.
If your heart is nudging you to give, find the “Donate” button @
e-redefineD.org or private msg me!
with Love and Passion,
Dr Peter
please watch👇🏼
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Journal Entry: May 6, 2025 - The Heartbeat of Care: Witnessing Humanity in Kenya's Living Rooms
The transition from orientation to our first official day of mission work in Kenya unfolded with an unexpected intimacy. Instead of the anticipated sterile environment of a hospital ward, patient rounds took place in spaces that felt remarkably like communal living rooms. This setting immediately dissolved the clinical distance I had perhaps subconsciously expected, fostering a sense of shared humanity that resonated deeply within me.
As the medical team expertly navigated the complexities of each case, diligently inquiring about the nuances of pain, the effectiveness of treatments, and the practicalities of mobility, a parallel narrative began to unfold in my heart. While the technical aspects were undoubtedly crucial, I felt an undeniable urge to connect with the individuals beyond their immediate medical needs. The simple act of asking their names, truly learning who they were, felt like a vital step in acknowledging their inherent dignity. Inquiring about the small joys that punctuated their lives back home – a favorite pastime, a cherished memory – often brought a gentle light to their faces, a momentary reprieve from the weight of their ailments. It was a profound privilege to witness these subtle shifts, these glimpses into lives lived fully beyond the confines of their current challenges.
The opportunity to offer prayer alongside my team became a cornerstone of these interactions. For me, these moments transcend the purely physical realm, creating a space for shared hope and spiritual connection. Standing shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues and the patient, voices joined in supplication, felt like the most authentic expression of care we could offer.
Observing the dynamics within our team was also a rich learning experience. While I sometimes longed to hear my teammates interject with more personal inquiries, their professional acumen and seamless teamwork were truly impressive. Jonathan's thorough approach and Peter's thoughtful questions consistently added valuable dimensions to our understanding of each patient's situation. Mukti’s insights, remarkable adaptability and the genuine warmth she seemed to exude, even amidst challenging circumstances, were deeply heartening. The nascent bonds forming within our team are a source of immense comfort and gratitude.
Jasmine's quiet presence and inherent kindness left a distinct impression. Her gentle demeanor seemed to create a space of calm and understanding. With an eye toward capturing the essence of these "living room" rounds, I've suggested that Jasmine consider documenting our interactions through photographs. Images of the physicians connecting with patients, the staff offering support, and perhaps even respectful glimpses of family involvement could offer a powerful visual narrative of this unique care environment.
Later in the day, I had the opportunity to lead a lecture for the local staff. Despite its foundation in artificial intelligence, the interaction felt surprisingly dynamic and engaging. Following this, Jonathan Greer presented a well-structured and insightful lecture on palliative care. While active participation from the attendees was somewhat reserved, I made a conscious effort to encourage dialogue through thoughtful questions.
As the day drew to a close, a profound sense of thankfulness washed over me. Witnessing the unwavering dedication of the Kenyan medical professionals, the quiet strength of the patients, and the burgeoning camaraderie within our mission team has been deeply inspiring. Even with our diverse backgrounds and beliefs, a shared sense of humanity and a recognition of something greater than ourselves permeated our interactions. I am grateful for the small kindnesses, the shared meals that fostered connection, and even the seemingly mundane victories, such as Peter's successful retrieval of our delayed luggage.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, my heart holds a quiet hope for experiencing more of the vibrant cultural expressions I have glimpsed here. The singing and dancing I have observed seem to be an intrinsic part of the spirit of this community, and I long to witness more of that joyful expression. My prayers tonight are particularly focused on Mukti and Peter, hoping that this mission will be more than just a fleeting experience, but rather a planting of seeds of faith and understanding in their hearts. I believe our approach, rooted in love and practical support, offers a powerful, non-intrusive way to share our beliefs through action.
Even a lighthearted morning message I shared with the team, which was met with playful teasing about "chat gpt” served as a reminder of the growing comfort and connection among us.
This first official day, spent navigating the intimate spaces of care within these Kenyan "living rooms," has been an extraordinary privilege. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my family, who are walking this journey with me from afar. May our efforts here be marked by honor, respect, and genuine impact.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
