1st Clinic Day – Chimaltenango

Patients waiting to see medical personnel.
Patients waiting to see medical personnel.

What a fantastic day we had! It was our first day offering medical relief to the Guatemalan community of Chimaltenango. Our whole team was fully engaged to ensure all those who came to the clinic received individualized care.

Our paediatrician, Dr. Michael, was a big hit! He was constantly surrounded by children. He spent the day examining and treating infants, toddlers and children. Every parent whose child was seen by Dr. Michael was greatly comforted to have the expertise of a Canadian paediatrician.

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The pharmacy team, lead by Miranda, was a “work of art”.  They were a streamlined, efficient team working tirelessly into the evening. Miranda ensured that all 320 individuals received their treatment medications with an explanation and written instructions corresponding to the medications.

Setting up the pharmacy.
Setting up the pharmacy.

For myself, the most humbling experience of the day was the hug I received from an eleven year old boy who came to the clinic completely by himself. This lad had cellulitis of the lower leg. He was treated with medication injected directly into the muscle and given medication to be continued over the next several days. The relief this young man felt was expressed in a spontaneous hug. I was blessed to have been at the receiving end of this expression of emotion.

Rebecca McAlpine seeing patients.
Rebecca McAlpine seeing patients.

I give thanks to the community of Chimaltenango for letting us be a part of their lives for a moment. It was an honour to be with you.

 

Rebecca McAlpine, NP

EMI Medical Programs Director