Participating in the medical clinic as part of VOSH is definitely an eye
opening experience. Some of what one sees he/she will not see back in the
U.S. Other experiences are universal whether it is back home or Nicaragua.
Some of the notable experiences are as follows:
Looking at someone with a diabetic leg wound and wondering how best to
approach the problem.
Hearing a lot of people coming to see the doctor for headache, back pain,
heartburn.
Seeing people dressed in their native clothing - probably they are wearing
the finest clothing they own.
Being able to remove someone's earwax so he could hear again.
Being frustrated in not being able to offer follow up care and knowing that
the Health Center in Nicaragua is often lacking medicines and the many
people not being able to afford to go to the Health Center
Meeting a 125 year old man - he was there because his knees hurt from
arthritis and he was disappointed because he wanted to work and couldn't.
Seeing some children who appeared malnourished and treating them for
parasites.
Seeing children be children, running around the school grounds playing.
Glancing out the window and seeing a seemingly endless line.
Being amazed at how there was no pushing or complaining while the people
waited sometimes for hours.
Witnessing the grace and honor of the Nicaraguan people.
Wondering what will become of these people after the VOSH mission departs.
Witnessing the gift of mobility as a child with cerebral palsy is fitted to
a wheelchair and proudly smiles.
Enjoying the camaraderie and support of the other clinicians - asking and
giving advice. Sharing.
Seeing the nurses unceasingly dispensing thousands of prescriptions in a day
that must seem will never end but does.
Observing in the dispensary the reaction of people receiving their first
pair of glasses.
Enjoying the delight of the children receiving stickers, toys, and stuffed
animals.
Bruce Fischer, MD, submitted to NEVOSH.com Thu 04/03/2003 9:41 AM PST
