By Marcelo and Cookie Ruvinsky
Doctor Marcelo Ruvinsky and his wife Cookie met in medical school in Cordoba, Argentina, and moved to Jackson, Miss., in 1971 for his internship and residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, thinking they would return home in four years. “Then, life happened,” he said. “We are still here, and feel very blessed with all of it,” he says. Marcelo has practiced medicine at St. Dominic’s Hospital for more than forty years. He is the St. Dominic Health Services Board Chair.
The opinion expressed—and that includes Cookie’s insight as well—is based on my association with the sisters during my entire professional career.
My sense of admiration and respect for the sisters is great. They are highly educated, compassionate, unassuming. A faith-filled mission is their guiding star. Sisters are proven leaders and team players. Sisters have great influence in the spiritual and emotional lives of individuals and society as a whole.
The use of all this talent should benefit the whole community.
Education is an area where sisters excel. They could teach English in churches and parishes, to the increasing number of immigrants coming to our land. Other subjects could be taught in local schools and shelters.
Community clinics and care for the indigent and mentally challenged should continue as it has proven to be a very needed and popular program in Jackson.
Sisters could be involved in hospices and nursing homes, providing spiritual and emotional support for the very ill and terminal patients and their families.
Their involvement and active participation in community organizations at all levels should continue. The presence of a sister in any good cause is always perceived as worthwhile and deserving support.
Finally, I think that sisters should remain involved with St. Dominic Hospital for as long as possible. There is no doubt in our minds that the success and reputation of the institution is deeply embedded in the presence and work of the Dominican Sisters, and our society knows it. The sponsorship of the hospital is changing but we know the opportunities for the Dominican Sisters to maintain their physical presence will remain.
