By Tracy Kidder
Deo Gratias is a medical student in Burundi when the Hutu-Tutsi genocide breaks out. Over several months, he manages to escape on foot, witnessing unbelievable horrors. When he finds his way back to med school, his wealthy friend Jean helps him escape to the United States. He arrives in New York, homeless and nearly penniless, finally securing a job delivering groceries. Unbelievably, he runs into some people who want to help support him, (is it just chance - or is it something more?), goes to Columbia University (as an undergraduate), then to Dartmouth Medical School. He connects with Paul Farmer of Partners-in-Health, who helps Deo reach his goal of providing quality health care by starting clinics in Burundi. An amazing story!
Today Deo is the founder, president, and CEO of Village Health Works in Kugutu, Burundi.
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