Interview with Dr. Andy Baldwin: Post-Bachelor public service, triathlons & lessons learned from dad

Photo Courtesy AndyBaldwin.com

This interview is part of a series of articles. Get started with the intro, here.

This October, Dr. Andy Baldwin will co-lead a bicycle trip across the state of Pennsylvania, raising awareness for childhood obesity. His father, former Pennsylvania Senator Roy Baldwin, will join him on the 416-mile ride.

Starting in Pittsburgh and ending in Philadelphia, participants will raise awareness and build a following to rally around the cause of preventing childhood obesity.

Pennsylvania Health Ride
“The bike trip really came out of the work I’ve been doing with the U.S. Surgeon General and his initiative against childhood overweight and obesity,” Dr. Baldwin says. As part of the program, Dr. Baldwin leads workshops at elementary schools across the country and meets with government leaders and community members to help promote health and wellness in each region.

Spreading the word about the Pennsylvania Health Ride, Dr. Baldwin hopes the buzz will keep people talking about fitness, leading to future change and the community working together. “We want to make sure people are really aware of the enormity of the issue of childhood obesity and what it spells for the future of chronic illness in our country,” he says. “And by taking some initiative and getting out there, everybody has a role they can play.”

Because of childhood obesity, Dr. Baldwin tells groups that the current generation of children will likely not live to be as old as their parents did. “With the innovation and technology that we have as a nation, that should just not be the case.”

As evidence of the damaging American lifestyle, Dr. Baldwin cites his recent medical mission to Central and South America. “Ironically enough, they set a good example for the United States,” he says. “Socioeconomically, they are almost forced to lead a life which is more preventive. They don’t have automated technology and cars in some areas. They need to walk places to where they’re going, tend the fields and grow fresh foods. And they don’t have access to that processed food.”

Even with Central and South American patients in their 80s and 90s, Dr. Baldwin says he didn’t see much diabetes or obesity. He kept a detailed blog about his medical mission with “Continuing Promise 2009.”

Read Dr. Baldwin's blog about the medical mission

Upon returning from overseas, Dr. Baldwin feels he has an even better perspective on the overweight issue. “We don’t really have anyone to blame,” he says. “In this world that we live in now where everyone can be apathetic and point the finger—that’s not the solution. It’s to look at yourself in the mirror and to step up and be a role model for yourself, your children and your family.”

Photo Courtesy AndyBaldwin.com

Racing for Change
In August, Dr. Baldwin is participating in a celebrity triathlon to raise funds for Tag the World, a foster organization where participants will run side by side with foster kids.

“It’s cool to go back to do a triathlon that benefits something,” he says. “You’re not just doing it for yourself—you’re doing it for other people. It’s about mentorship and helping those that are less fortunate.”

Dr. Baldwin looks forward being back in Hawaii, which he called home for over three years while serving with the U.S. Navy. “It’s an island, so everybody knows you,” he says. “It’s basically like one big family.”

Photo Courtesy AndyBaldwin.com

Got Your Back
Getting to know many of his fellow servicemen and women in Hawaii, Dr. Baldwin learned more about what a family is all about. When some of his friends lost their lives in service to the country, he got the idea to start the Got Your Back Network, a support system for families of fallen soldiers.

“It really lit a fire under me because of what I saw and the effect it had on the families that were left behind,” he says. “Growing up without (in most cases) a father figure and the added responsibility that puts on a widow, I just found myself going in there and helping out. And I said we just needed to do this on a larger scale and say, ‘We’ve got your back. How can we help?’

“There have been over 6,000 casualties in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Dr. Baldwin says. “The main vision I have with the Got Your Back Network is to have a place where people can go no matter what they need.”

Through events put on by Dr. Baldwin’s foundation, he’s developed relationships with the children and families. “They become friends of yours and you get to learn their stories. It’s just been wonderful, considering the people involved and the people you meet that also want to help.”

Photo Courtesy AndyBaldwin.com

Growing up Baldwin
When it comes to public service, Dr. Baldwin says he’s learned a lot from his father, a two-term senator for Pennsylvania. In fact, when the Navy doctor was awarded the Medal of Honor from the Daughters of the American Revolution, he says he was most proud to have his dad there.

“My father is a huge hero of mine and taught me from a young age the importance of service,” Dr. Baldwin says. “That’s how we were raised.”

Growing up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Baldwins didn’t have a swimming pool in their community. “People wanted to swim, so my father went out and convened a community meeting,” he says. Soon enough, his father had raised enough support to build the public pool.

“My father’s just a true leader,” Dr. Baldwin says. “I’ve learned a lot from him.”

Photo Courtesy AndyBaldwin.com

Triathlon Tips
The endurance to keep going has helped Dr. Andy Baldwin come out on top in rigorous triathlon events. What’s his secret?

“I think the biggest thing is to sign up and pay your entry fee,” Dr. Baldwin says. “That’ll get you to show up on race day.”

The U.S. Navy doctor and avid athlete advises anyone interest in finishing a triathlon to commit to a training plan. “Do it with a friend, or do it with a charity group,” he says. “That way you’re accomplishing a goal but are also helping others. When you cross that finish line, you’ll get the bug and want to do more and more and more.”

Dr. Baldwin says it’s really about getting over that hump and leaving what’s comfortable and routine in your life. “It’s about saying ‘I need to make a change. It’s for the betterment of my health and to be a good role model for my children.’ And to do that—to get out of your comfort zone and take a risk—you’ll feel great.”

Whether you’re finishing the triathlon with friends or family, for a good cause or on your own, Dr. Baldwin says the feeling of completing the race is contagious. “When you do that, the best thing to do is to motivate and inspire someone else to do it as well.”

In September, Dr. Baldwin plans to make a return appearance at the Malibu Triathlon. “Proceeds for that go to the L.A. children’s hospital, another good cause,” he says. Last year, Dr. Baldwin pulled out a victory in the celebrity division over Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Lopez and William H. Macy.