Physician community involvement. Working within your area to promote better health

How many times have you been asked to participate in a meeting, forum, or task force to address a community health issue in the last few years? Opportunities seem to crop up almost weekly as non-profit organizations acclimate to meet changing needs and health systems continue to adapt to market forces. But participating in ongoing community projects, or even attending periodic meetings, draws time away from practice and professional obligations and limits an already modest supply of personal time. Is involvement in a community collaborative effort worth the time? And, if so, what are the benefits and challenges to physicians, health systems, and communities from this type of investment?