Por fin

I woke up today feeling excited, yet nervous. My first time seeing patients on a global health trip as a physician. It seems like such a long road to arrive here. One of the initial reasons I pursued medicine was to have the ability to care for patients in need on both a local and global level - regardless of zip code, country of origin, ethnicity or language. There have been so many hurdles to jump over to get to today - hours of medical school lectures, endless exams, Step 1, 2 AND 3, surviving intern year of residency, learning to become a senior during 2nd year of residency and now, finally as a 3rd year resident, it’s happening.

The group set out early and we slowly traversed our way along the side of a mountain to a small village near to the top: El Diviso. Upon our arrival to the local church, that also serves as a makeshift clinic, was teeming with patients of all ages awaiting our team. From here things happened quickly - within minutes the tables were set up and before I knew it I had my first patient sitting in front of me. A 70 year old gentleman seeking relief from his low back pain that he sustained from frequently bending over while chopping grass and brush with a machete. Throughout the morning I saw entire families, 3 month old infants, young mothers diagnosing and treating illnesses including migraines, anemia, parasitic and viral infections. Meanwhile, the rest of the church was bustling with patients being seen by other providers, receiving dental care from a local dentist, picking up medications from our makeshift pharmacy and learning about healthy eating and low sodium diet from our patient education team.

It was eye opening to learn how infrequently this community seeks/receives medical care. There is a significant lack of healthful foods, with minimal vegetables and a high carb/starch diet as these are the more affordable foods. After a nice siesta this afternoon and clase de espanol, our group debriefed the day - brainstorming ways to better care for our patients and streamline our clinic. Now we are sitting around sharing stories and laughs. I’m exhausted, happy, and can’t wait to see what tomorrow may bring..

Kelsey Goodwin, PGY-3