Many of my patients and friends have been hungry to hear whatSpringhouse Dermatologythis experience was like. I meet with all kinds of preconceptions about what Africa might be like as well as the kinds of medical problems that we would be encountering. Some expressed concerns were about living conditions, health risks, insects, food, and danger. It is sometimes hard for me to respond because this image is so far from the truth of our visit and may reflect the fact that going to Africa as an American is a rare event, but one that I feel is enriching and life affirming in ways that I never would have expected.
Our mission as part of Passion to Heal was to work with the healthcare initiative of Free the Children, a Canadian based NGO whose model is to come into an area to “Adopt a Village”. They then provide a “hand up not a hand out” by addressing several “pillars” of daily life- improving and buildiing schools, providing clean water, teaching about sustainable food sources, and providing basic healthcare. We were a group of 15- composed of dermatologists, dermatology residents, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurses. There were several representatives from the sponsoring companies in addition to the medical team. Our backgrounds and ages were diverse and included a pediatric dermatologist, and a doctor who had spent considerable time in Africa. For most of us this was the first time practicing medicine in another country and culture.