From words to works: Paul Frymoyer and the path he leads

“Lead, follow or get out of the way.”

Dr. Paul Frymoyer, a Manlius, New York-based nephrologist admires this passage from Thomas Paine. It is his favorite quote—the sequence of words that defines his life’s perspective, adhering to which has led him to undergo a compelling journey to a distant territory, in the company of a foreign people.

Paul Frymoyer | Image Credit: christopherbaan.org

That a man such as Dr. Frymoyer would adopt a perspective such as Thomas Paine’s is not at all strange. If given the opportunity, he would have enjoyed shaking the hand of men like Barrack Obama, Franklin Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill—leaders all. On the other hand, Paine may not have been a leader in terms of political position, but some of his works influenced his people to work toward ushering change and freedom through the American Revolution.

Paul Frymoyer | Image Credit: frytravel.blogspot.com

Similarly, Dr. Paul Frymoyer holds no political post, but his journey to Africa would have made any great leader proud. Some time ago, he travelled to Malawi for the second time with his wife, and practiced his profession among natives who often lacked the resources to afford medical attention. His skills and expertise came to great use, especially in the diagnosis of conditions like malaria and diabetes, and in the treatment of a large number of diseases among children and adults alike.

Indeed, Dr. Frymoyer did not lead people to war, or lift economies from upheavals, but he acted the way any leader would have and effected change in his own way.

Paul Frymoyer | Image Credit: frytravel.blogspot.com

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Dr. Paul Frymoyer: A children's doctor

Dr. Paul Frymoyer appears to have a soft spot for children. The Manlius, New York-based physician specializes in pediatric nephrology, the study of renal disorders among children. Because the kidneys work as a filter for the body, it is imperative that they work well in children. Kidney problems diagnosed in children are often more traumatic to the body than in adults, as younger bodies, while stronger, are not yet fully capable of repair and regeneration.

Paul Frymoyer. Image credit: Frytravel.blogspot.com

Disorders in organs of the body inadvertently affect other parts of the body. General nephrology necessitates an understanding of internal medicine, or diseases in adults, thus requiring, on the doctor’s part, an in-depth understanding of diseases affecting both children and adults. Dr. Paul Frymoyer has put this specialization to good use when he visited the African country of Malawi, where adults and children alike are afflicted with the most serious illnesses known.

Paul Frymoyer. Image credit: Frytravel.blogspot.com

The physician travelled with his wife to the impoverished continent for two purposes -- to practice medicine in the capital’s hospitals and to immerse themselves in the local culture. The doctor’s first stop was the Crisis Nursery in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital. He marvelled at how, despite very limited resources and in the absence of state-of-the-art facilities, all the children in the hospital, including the 22 orphans left there, appeared to be well-cared for and comfortable.

Paul Frymoyer. Image credit: Frytravel.blogspot.com

Later in his trip, Dr. Frymoyer visited two hospitals in the brush, where hundreds upon hundreds of patients came to avail of his team’s services. A good number of them were children, all afflicted with malaria, diarrhea, parasitic infections, and HIV.  

For more information about Dr. Paul Frymoyer’s work with children, visit this Facebook page.