Today is my second day in Haiti. I’m a first timer here so it is very nice to see how many people have been committed to this medical mission for so long. I have done medical missions before but this is my first time volunteering at a place that has continuity. As someone who wants to do primary care, it feels very rewarding to be able to give HTN and DM meds and be able to say “follow up in clinic in 4 months.” There are obviously limited resources and it is taking me time to adjust to treating HTN only if BP is above 160/90. Overall, I’m very impressed by how organized everything is… from the pharmacy formulary letting us know what meds we have available to the individualized interpreters that allow us to communicate with patients. I will admit I thought the clinic was bigger based on pictures I had seen before but I’m amazed on how despite the limited space everything is set up to be very efficient and practical. Sleeping wise… slept like a rock. Though I’ve never had issues falling asleep really. I think this clinic is the perfect practice for yMed-Peds specialty. I’m surprised our Peoria Med-Peds program doesn’t have more residents involved. Maybe Brian (fellow med-peds resident in this mission trip) and I can change that. Look forward to the next days to come…
-Maria