A Medical Fellowship Scholarship Recipient Reports on Her Experience With Missionary Health Service

My time spent in Honduras was one of the most valuable experiences of my medical education.  After taking 4 different planes, we arrived in Trujillo, Honduras where I met up with our Missionary Health Service team of volunteers.  Our team consisted of one physician, a physician assistant, 8 nurses, a pharmacist, 2 dentists and a physical therapist.

The next day we arrived at the Whispering Hope Clinic in the village of Chapagua. The staff of the clinic included many of the local people and translators to help us.  We arrived at the clinic each day at 7:45 a.m. and were greeted by many patients lined up on the clinic porch.  Groups of 25 people were escorted into a classroom where they were provided information on sanitation, oral and body hygiene. Information on STD and AIDS was included.  After being seen in the Triage room, some were sent on to the medical lab for tests and some went directly to the physician or other caregivers.

What I found most interesting was the cultural dynamics of family in Honduras.  The concept of marriage is much more casual in Honduras and therefore we spent time on family counseling and explaining hazards of STDs. Skin infections were rampant and many were plagued with parasites. Overall, the children were unbelievably stoic when any procedure was necessary.  One 4 year old boy who severely burned his leg sat perfectly still and hardly shed a tear while we used peroxide and debrided his wound.   Some people were more seriously ill and required immediate attention at the local hospital. A 2 month old who looked septic had a fever of 103. One man had a baseball size tumor in his knee. Another woman with osteomylitis of her calcaneous that had progressed to the point of exposing most of her ankle bone. Overall, however, most were seeking vitamins, parasite medication, tooth brushes and reassurance for common concerns.  My Spanish improved along with my ability to effectively work with a translator and manage my time.

Firsthand I was reminded of the value of teamwork, the beauty of the human body and the spirits ability to adapt and cope.  I'm grateful for this opportunity, as it underlines a basic tenet in medicine and in life...... We all need love and sometimes help.  Sharing with others in need is a wonderful way to give back to Humanity  while being Thankful for all of our many Blessings!

I am honored to be the first recipient of this award.  Thank you very much for your support!

Dr. Amy