Stuck Inside

Today I spent the day sitting at my table pouring over my Pharmacology notes for a test this Friday. Meanwhile, all the other Columbians got to enjoy a gorgeous 87° April day. It is hard enough to study for an entire day but when the weather is nice outside it makes it even more difficult. I wouldn't mind studying at all if I could do it from a spot like this. 

sorry couldn't find a source

Hope that you got to enjoy a little fresh air outside today!

 ciao,

Meeting Recap

Last Sunday, April 17th, we had another meeting at MUSC for our upcoming trip to Masindi, Uganda. It was an eye opening lecture about diseases that we will most likely encounter, what symptoms to look for, and what medications to prescribe. It was amazing to me to learn that on average most Ugandans are bitten 100 x per month by mosquitoes carrying malaria. Basically we will be treating almost every person that we see for malaria. Another common thing we will see is diarrhea. Something that all of us have faced here in the States but almost none of us have considered diarrhea life-threatening. To most Ugandans it can be because they have it for such an extended amount of time and are unable to rehydrate properly. To me, the most devastating news that we received during this meeting is that Ugandans get better access to health care when they are HIV+ than if the are negative. Because AIDS is so prevalent in Africa, The AIDS Support Organization, or TASO, has set up health care centers in many different countries to take care of those affected. In Uganda, these centers are basically the only place where you can get quality health care. However TASO will only see patients who are HIV+.

The more meetings I go to the more excited I get about going. I feel truly blessed to be given this opportunity. Thank you to those who are supporting me on this mission. If you haven't visited www.palmettomedical.org and watched the video please do so. If you can watch it without shedding a few tears then you are a much stronger person than me :). 

Welcome to Blogland

This post begins my official journey into the blogging world. I have a handful of blogs that I read on a daily basis and am slightly obsessed with. I know that my blog is, in no way, going to be as creative as those. My main purpose right now is to document my upcoming trip to Uganda. I fly out May 13 which is approaching so quickly. I am so excited (and a little nervous) about this opportunity and can't wait to get started. Below is the letter that I sent out asking for contributions. If you would like to make a donation please message me so that I can send you my contact info. Thanks so much for stopping by!

 (letter)

I am writing to tell you about a wonderful opportunity I have to go on a medical mission trip this summer. The Palmetto Medical Initiative is sending a mission team to Uganda from May 13-23 to serve people in the heart of Africa.

The majority of our time in Uganda will be spent in the diocese of Masindi-Kitara. During our time there we will be staffing a clinic to treat a wide variety of medical conditions common to the people of the region. Some of the illnesses that we might encounter are malaria, diarrhea, and HIV. In addition, we will be hosting community health events focused on preventative health education and the distribution of mosquito nets in response to the overwhelming malaria problem.

With less than one doctor per 12,500 people on average (1 per >25,000 in some areas) you can imagine the impact that willing volunteers can have. As Ugandan children die at a rate ten times that of ours in the US and families struggle to break the cycle of physical suffering and economic crisis that malaria creates, the need could not be greater. It is particularly important for me to help alleviate the suffering of the children of Uganda as I am considering a career in Pediatrics.

I am extremely excited about the opportunity to have an impact in the lives of people in Uganda. I am anxious to put my medical training and education to work in a place that greatly needs it. I chose this opportunity not only for the chance to provide medical care to the people of Uganda but also because PMI is striving to implement a long-term medical program in the Masindi-Kitara region. They are treating the acute needs of the Ugandan people while also preparing for any future need by building a clinic and helping train individuals to staff it. Once open, the people of Masindi will have access to healthcare year-round! For me, this trip is the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for healthcare with my desire to help those in need.

In order for me to attend the trip I am responsible for raising support. The total cost is $2900 per person which covers travel, lodging, meals etc. If you would like to be a part of my financial support for the mission trip, any help would be greatly appreciated and is tax deductible. Please fill out the information below to indicate how you would like to help. A return envelope is enclosed for your convenience. I also would appreciate thoughts and prayers for safe travels and that we are able to help as many people as possible. Thanks so much for supporting me on this journey!