Oct 29: The miserable conditions are just beyond imagination
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 has been working with [...]
Oct 28: We are now seeing patients
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 to the chaos, there [...]
Oct 27: Setting up the Medical tent
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 Ghanaian translators. We have [...]
Oct 22: On Our Way to Samos Refugee Camp
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 I have not been [...]
June 7: Julley from Leh!
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 a fabulous team! We [...]
Mar 8: One last post from Samos – and it is a sad one.
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 people drowned, probably more. [...]