 |
| (L to R) Drs. Julie Anderson, Kim Tjaden, and Denis Chagnon |
 |
| (L to R) Drs. Michelle Jones, Ainee Ahmed, Dave Smith and Jacobo Rivero |
The Patient Care Team took a few moments one morning to take
a few quick photos before the group divided up to head out for the day. Dr. David Smith reflected on his recent experience in Haiti, "My lasting recollection of the February 2013 FMCI
delegation trip to Haiti will be that of two groups of people; the people of
Haiti who we came to serve, and that of my fellow Patient Care Team members
with whom I shared the entire experience."
 |
| Dr. Chagnon as the patient.. |
Dr. Chagnon took some time with the little boy in this
photo after having diagnosed his mother with a previously unknown heart murmur and
arranged for a cardiology evaluation.
Because of Dr. Chagnon's evaluation the mother was able to avoid
hospitalization or worse.
When asked about his experience in Haiti he said it,
"truly felt like I was making a difference in the lives of the people of Haiti
on this remarkable life experience."
 |
| Dr. Smith examining a little boy. |
Dr. Smith shared his experience about the people of Haiti and making a difference, "the people of Haiti were clearly in
need of assistance, and very appreciative of what services were provided. They
faced similar problems that patients face elsewhere in the tropics, but with a
fraction of the resources. They do so without complaining, but with a spirit of
optimism, acceptance, and gratitude. For some, we were the first physicians
they had ever seen. Our Patient Care team was touched by their patience and
resolve."
 |
| Dr. Jones examining a little girl. |
Dr. Smith went on to say that, "As team members, we grew together in a manner I had not experienced
since residency, decades ago, when faced with the need to practice in a very
new, foreign and somewhat unsettling situation. We worked hard during the day
at the clinics, and then would share our meals, clinic experiences, long dusty
rides, and dormitory space in the evenings."
 |
| Dr. Anderson enjoying the kids after well-child exams. |
Dr. Smith on the overall experience, "I have developed a desire to continue with this sort of medical mission work through Family Medicine Cares International/Heart to Heart International, and a deep appreciation for those physicians I had the pleasure of working with."
Dr. Chagnon on his experience, "The Medical volunteer experience in Haiti with FMCI
and Heart to Heart International was a truly remarkable life experience."
