Loma Linda University Alumni Harvey Elder, MD, has a unique ability to connect with patients and provide them with the care and support they need to tackle their illnesses. He is a man with devotion, passion and a mission for public health, committed to providing whole-person care to all his patients. Elder is widely recognized as one of the best doctors in his field and his compassion and dedication to his patient's well-being inspire others around him.
Elder has wholeheartedly impacted community members through his work in public health, leading him to friend and colleague Alexander Taylor, MPH, program manager and epidemiologist for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. Their friendship and Harvey's inspirational work led Taylor to grant a $100,000 endowment in Elder’s honor to the Loma Linda University School of Public Health (LLUSPH) for a scholarship in epidemiology.
"To me, there is no better way to celebrate our friendship than to post the epidemiology scholarship in Harvey's name," said Taylor. "Harvey is a firm believer in public health and education. This gift is about the students and the future."
Elder and Taylor worked closely together at the Department of Infectious Diseases in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. They worked in unison as Elder would report all the cases of age that he saw and Taylor had to review them to ensure the completeness of reporting. They also collaborated in San Bernardino County's Department of Public Health, working tirelessly to care for patients and train students in epidemiology.
The teachings of Jesus Christ were instrumental in Taylor and Elder's friendship as they continued to heal and teach in their fields. Eighteen years ago, Harvey called Taylor and invited him to meet and ask if he wanted to study the Bible. Since then, they have continued to study the Bible every week and found solace in the teachings of Jesus Christ, making it a point that God was present throughout their friendship and work. Together, their collaboration profoundly impacted students and patients, working toward a better future for care and treatment.
Last August, the School of Public Health commemorated Elder with a luncheon, celebrating Elder’s lasting impact as a physician and in public health.
“I hope that the students will have a sense of gratitude toward their creator and that God has answered a deep need of theirs, making it possible for them to continue a dream that they believe God has given them,” said Elder, “I hope at a higher level, students will realize that someone has done something for them and when they are in a better financial situation, they will return the favor and help future students to receive endowed gifts at LLUSPH.”
Thanks to Alexander Taylor's generous donation, Harvey Elder's service to public health will continue to inspire and guide future scholars. The endowed epidemiology scholarship will positively impact the School of Public Health and help students achieve their dreams as public health professionals. Elder means a lot to this community and his relationship with God has been instrumental in his work and friendship with Taylor. The long-lasting legacy that Elder and Taylor have made is one of excellence, passion and whole-person care that will continue to make a lasting impact at LLUSPH for years to come. We are grateful for their commitment to improving the world, one patient at a time.