Why One Physician Gives: Supporting Others Makes Lives Better, Souls Brighter

Dr. Salter
Dr. Susan Salter

Third-generation physician Susan Salter, MD, a radiation oncologist at UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham Bruno Cancer Center, is a giving person by nature. As a physician, she spends countless hours tending to her patients; as a wife and mother, she devotes herself to caring for her family. She also strives for greater good as a church and community volunteer. And because she believes in the power of “together we can,” Dr. Salter contributes a leadership level gift and is a Saint Luke Physician Giving Society member supporting UAB St. Vincent’s Foundation.

“If you have ever been on the receiving end of giving, you understand how it inspires and encourages others.”

“I have seen firsthand the impact that giving to the Foundation can make,” she says. “Even a small gift can help support a cancer patient with a ride to treatment, help with medicine or medical equipment that insurance doesn’t cover, or simply provide a meal for a family struggling during treatment.”

On a larger scale, Dr. Salter saw Foundation gifts provide transportation assistance to one of her cancer center associates diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Later, when the associate was in the late stages of cancer, Dr. Salter saw the Foundation step in to help the family.

“This meant the world to our staff and me to see how truly caring the Foundation was to our co-worker and friend,” Dr. Salter says. “If you have ever been on the receiving end of giving, you understand how it inspires and encourages others. Giving can make a difference in ways you may never be aware of.”

Dr. Salter’s gift for giving is clearly not a sometime thing. To her, it’s a way of life.

“Giving is something that was instilled in me at a very young age,” she says. “My family taught me the importance of giving to others, whether it’s just a random act of kindness or supporting a friend in need. In turn, I have passed the importance of giving on to my children because I think giving teaches responsibility.”

And it’s not just money she encourages them to give.

“A simple smile, serving at a shelter, or giving a donation can be powerful enough to touch the life of another person,” she says. “Whatever you can give will make the lives of others better and brighten your soul as well.”

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2 Responses

  1. Our family loves Dr. Salter. She has been there for 3 of our family members through radiation treatments. Besides knowing her stuff when it comes to oncology, she is beautiful inside and outside. If you or a loved one has been or going through treatments, you know that the Drs. and staff become like family. They will sit and listen to your concerns and give you a hug when you need it most. If you have been diagnosed with the terrible disease Cancer, please consider going to Bruno Cancer Center. You will be glad you did❤️

  2. The Bruno Cancer Center is the best! You are treated like family from the first time you walk in the door. Dr. Salter was fantastic when my husband had head and neck cancer. She is a petite lady, but carries a big stick. When she told my husband to do something he did it. We also loved Dr. Piede who was my husband’s oncologist.

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