Day 3: There was a huge crowd when we arrived. So many refugees on this island and so little resources. Again, only one doctor in the Greek clinic who is not an MD but a microbiologist and one ngo the Med Equality team from France. There are over 6,500 people here. Alex from Ghana, who [...]
Second day and we saw 78 patients, sent three to the hospital and managed wounds, injuries, and all levels of ptsd, abdominal and respiratory issues, chronic hypertension, pneumonia, etc. It was BUSY BUSY BUSY. It is a challenging way to practice medicine - we all have to be extremely flexible, creative and CALM. To add [...]
This is our refugee team setting up the exam rooms with us. Despite the conditions here there were smiles and laughter setting up these modules without directions. They are really happy to have something to do. They are smart and restless while sitting around waiting to start a life. These folks are our French and [...]
Myself and five team members leave tomorrow for the Samos Refugee Camp. Three members are already there and more are leaving at the end of this week. As I run around doing last minute errands, trying to cram more supplies into each bag so we don't waste an ounce of weight, I am anxious like [...]
The Hands on Global medical team have all safely arrived. A few missed flights and some delayed baggage . . . but we are all on the ground. We spent the last 2 days acclimating, gathering supplies and visiting some beautiful ancient monasteries. There is snow on all the peaks and fresh Himalayan air! This is [...]
One last post from Samos - and it is a sad one. This morning I was meeting with Omar for an interview. He was just coming from the hospital. Last night a boat sank off shore and MANY refugees were in the water. Many are in bad shape, at the hospital suffering from hypothermia. Nine [...]
Our last jungle clinic. A chaotic and emotional day. A group of folks from Afghanistan came and we had a marginal translator. Our African group also came so we had a lot of people. Thankful for Georgia and Marcia coming up to help on their day off from the clinic. This camp has been difficult on [...]
Today was an easy day. Many of the refugees had to renew their cards. Our sweet nurse from Cameroon, Susie, suddenly got a call from the UN immigration office. We were on pins and needles until she returned and said she is being transferred to the mainland TOMORROW. Such short notice. She is excited and nervous. [...]
Today the sun was shining again. It makes such a difference. Mark did more ultrasounds in the tent and there were some with significant findings. They get referred to the clinic and hopefully will eventually get treatment. As I have said before, the system is so broken. But in defense of Greece, this small island [...]
The jungle medical clinic ultrasound’s battery ran out today. We were able to do about 7. Today we saw a couple from Nepal who have been here for 8 months and are the only Nepalese in the camp. They speak very little English. She is pregnant. Ohhh, so isolated - along with the horrible conditions [...]
