A group of volunteers from the Floating Doctors organization traveled to the remote village of La Sabana to provide medical care to residents in need. Over the course of two days, the volunteers saw 133 patients and treated a variety of conditions, ranging from lesions and diarrhoea to fevers, cysts, and pregnancy concerns. Dr. Geoff McCullen, an orthopaedic surgeon and professor, emphasized the valuable experience the students gained in facing uncertainty and challenges, while also learning to be decisive in their medical decisions.
After a long day of treating patients, the volunteers took a moment to reflect on their experiences and discuss the medical cases they encountered. Cristina Kontogiannis, a second-year medical student, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow through this experience, noting that it was her first time listening to a baby’s lungs. The community of La Sabana also expressed their gratitude for the visits from the Floating Doctors, as they have provided valuable support and taught them how to better handle accidents and emergency situations.
As the volunteers prepared to leave La Sabana and return to headquarters, they loaded up their duffel bags full of medical equipment onto pack horses for the journey. The descent through the rainforest was met with joy and laughter, as the group reflected on the impact they had made on the community. After a journey back across the Caribbean, the team took a moment to celebrate their accomplishments by jumping into the warm and clear waters surrounding the island.
In three months’ time, another group of Floating Doctors volunteers will make the trek back to La Sabana to continue providing care to residents in need. Some volunteers will also continue onto Wari, a village deeper in the rainforest, to visit Omayra, a young girl who is unable to walk. Omayra’s father, Julian Abrego, expressed his gratitude for the Floating Doctors’ dedication to providing care to his daughter, despite the challenges they face in transporting her to a hospital. The impact of the Floating Doctors’ work is truly a blessing for families like Omayra’s.
The volunteers’ journey to La Sabana was a challenging yet rewarding experience for all involved, pushing them out of their comfort zones as both individuals and professionals. The community of La Sabana expressed their gratitude for the care and support they received from the Floating Doctors, highlighting the importance of their visits in providing much-needed medical assistance. As the volunteers departed, they left behind a lasting impact on the community and a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
