MEDICUS FEBRUARY 2016

C O MM E N T

A s most of us do, I’d been putting it off for months – probably even years. There is something dark and sinister about it, forcing you to acknowledge your own mortality.

In theory, that ‘need’ could be any circumstance, but in the last couple of decades, the main activity has been supporting the young families of colleagues who have died prematurely – either by accident or severe illness. Imagine the hardship facing a young colleague’s family: the practice is just starting to roll, the bank has allowed them to live in the house of their choosing but at great expense, the kids are in the schools they have chosen and everything has started to come together when suddenly the family is shattered and in dire straits. Apart from the incalculable emotional impact, the loss of a parent and a spouse, there is suddenly no money to meet the expenses that all seemed to be ‘covered’. So when you’re sitting contemplating your mortality and thinking of that ‘second round’ of potential beneficiaries, please think of our Benevolent Fund. Could there be anything more satisfying than knowing that your generosity will go directly to the family of a colleague at a time of crisis? And, of course, those who serve on the Board do so in an honorary capacity. There are no ‘middle people’ to dilute your generosity. Think about it.

Finally, I had to argue with myself – I will do it, I will do it, I WILL do it! I will review my will!

Okay, so the first part’s obvious – the spouse, the kids, my siblings, a couple of very close friends. That’s all easy… but what if I’m the last person standing? Maybe I’ll outlast my spouse. And while I hate to even think about it, there’s no law that says I will go before the kids. I haven’t got any ‘grandies’ yet and it’s starting to look as if that won’t happen. My point is that once you’ve dealt with your obvious beneficiaries, it’s sometimes hard to come up with a credible ‘second round’ to enjoy your generosity. That’s where I’d like you to remember the AMA and, in particular, the AMA (WA) Benevolent Fund. The Board of Trustees of the Benevolent Fund consist of your peers who are charged with the responsibility of distributing support to the families of colleagues in great need.

Written by a Trustee of the Benevolent Fund of the AMA (WA). ■

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