medical relief missions

I noticed that a number of the docs in my current OB group have done this and taken their kids along. It sounds facinating.

Does anyone know anyone who has done this?

[Sheherezade]

My father has gone on a couple of self organized relief missions to Hondorus. My husband has many friends who have gone to El Salvador (again arranged via a partner from El Salvador and the local hospital, not by an official organization). We also have 2 friends who have done Doctors without Borders and now arrange there own missions. DH may go to El Salvador this year, because he has the connection to the hospital there via a friend. Everyone we've spoken to is very happy to have done this work. Conditions are shocking in some places. In OB in particular, I was shocked to find there were so many pelvic floor injuries from deliveries in Africa - and that cervical cancer is still a top three killer of women. There is an OB group from Hopkins that used to go to Africa twice a year. Makes me happy for all our womens health advances!! My dad did come back from one mission deathly ill from a misquito borne illness (Dengue fever). I would be careful about taking the kids unless I (or someone in the group) was familiar with the location.

[DCJenn]

I would love to go with my husband if the opportunity presented itself. We brought tons of meds to Russia when we went the first time. (Motrin type stuff). I think it could be a great experience for Nikolai as well, but probably not until he's 10 or so. I don't think he'd understand the significance until then. (not to mention that he'd be a huge PITA to deal with in already difficult circumstances!)

I'd do it in a heartbeat though. (of course the Army may have other plans for him in regards to humanitarian work, too!)

Jenn

[mommax3]

DH was able to go on a humanitarian mission with the Air Force to Nicaraugua during his final year of residency. He did TONS of well-woman exams and paps, and was really touched by the experience of being in a place where pretty much no one has any kind of health care. I am sure he would be interested in some short-term stuff once he gets things rolling in private practice.

Sally

[SueC]

That's a goal of ours as well. I'd like to take the whole family once the kids are older. Our church has a sister parish in Haiti and a group goes there a couple of times per year so I'm kind of hoping to steer my dh in that direction.

[migirl]

DH's program sends a few residents and attendings to Haiti every year, I keep pushing DH to go (it's traditionally the lab residents who do it) but he's not necessarily as 'adventurous' as I am.

[Meenah]

My husband and I have been to Haiti with a group of nurses and doctors. It was really a great thing to do. I must say that I don't think I would go back to Haiti again. There is absolutely nor order & no government. There are kids with guns everywhere. We had to have armed guards with us the entire time. Our sponsor was great, but I think I won't go again. Famous last words I'll probably go back next year. This group goes to the same village every year.
Luanne