Drew M Rose RVU Medical Student Volunteer Abroad in Honduras Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org
MY FAVORITE MEMORY: The host-family experience was amazing. They made sure to include us in making dinner, experiencing the culture of native Hondurans, learning the history of La Ceiba, and feeling like we were a part of their family.
I WAS MOST SURPRISED THAT: Most of the patients we saw at the Hospital Atlantico seemed to rely on medical mission trips, such as ours, for their overall healthcare. When we are only able to bring so many supplies/drugs, there is no way to adequately help people for the long-term. In just 32 hours of work (4 days), we saw over 600 patients!!!
THE MOST DIFFICULT THING I EXPERIENCED WAS: I helped a 3 year old boy with an acute exacerbation of asthma that had mostly certainly progressed to pneumonia. Unfortunately, we did not have the equipment nor the facilities to take care of the boy for a long-term stay which is what he needed. To further complicate matters, we learned the hospital he goes to had ran out of medication for his condition. It’s a real possibility that he died before we left the country.
TIP FOR FUTURE MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS IN HONDURAS (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc): Dress/pack lightly! Be prepared for high temperatures with extremely high humidity. Sunscreen and bug spray with at least 40% DEET is a necessity, as well as malarial prophylaxis! Also, BRING A CAMERA!!! It’s gorgeous!!!
PERSONAL PARAGRAPH Out of 17 of us that came to La Ceiba from RVU, 10 of us (myself included) were 1st year medical students! We saw over 600 patients in 4 days with complaints that ranged from trauma to arthritis to sinus infections. It was extremely rewarding to offer aid to those patients that would not otherwise have access to healthcare. The patients that touched my life by allowing me to care for them offered me the affirmation that I am in the correct field.
How would you rate/describe your experience working with the ABV staff? The ABV staff was incredible! There is no way this trip would have been successful without their expertise, aid, and calm attitudes in an otherwise hectic environment!
How would you rate your home stay (ie: comfort, food, location): The home stay was the highlight of my trip. Gloria and Hugo opened their home to myself and 4 other guys. She cooked some of the most amazing food I’ve ever had in my life! They also made sure to have us experience what it means to be Honduran! For this, I am eternally grateful. If I were to return to La Ceiba in the same capacity, I would love to stay with Gloria again.
Would you consider volunteering with A Broader View Volunteers again? 100% yes!
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ABV BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE IN HONDURAS? 100% yes!
from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/04/24/drew-m-rose-rvu-medical-student-volunteer-abroad-in-honduras/
