MICHAEL RUSSO MISSION TRIP TO SUMPANGO
WHY I DECIDED TO GO… First time outside of U.S. Jesuit education Emphasizes service to others Family
BACKGROUND OF TRIP Team consisted of members of Woodlands Church Very experienced group, very organized Left January 5, 2013 Arrived the next morning Stayed for a week in the town of Sumpango, Guatemala Clinic was located in heart of town Opened clinic to public for four days
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
OUR TEAM
TEAM MEMBERS Healthcare professionals 9 physicians 2 nurses 2 pharmacists Several other clinicians Covered many medical specialties Guatemalan medical students Spiritual leaders Many undergraduate students!
MORE OF OUR TEAM Partnered with this church Helped advertise for the clinic Volunteers Spiritual Clinic Lunch
SUMPANGO
MARKET IN SUMPANGO
THE CLINIC
OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC
DR. SLEZAKS WORK Great contributions Enthusiastic attitude Motivated teacher Does everything he can for patients Described as a great visionary (no pun intended) He travels on missions trips several times a year Colombia
AFTER THE CLINIC We had fun! Clinic lasted for 4 days Played a lot of fun games Emphasis on team bonding
SOCCER GAME
ANTIGUA
NOW, WHAT DID I DO FOR THE CLINIC? I have no medical training My Spanish is not great Couldnt translate for physicians (but I did make an attempt) Although spiritual, I do not have any formal training There was nothing really I could do
THIS IS WHAT I DID
IMPACT OF TRIP ON ME Intensified my appreciation for healthcare and for serving the underprivileged Further motivated me for a career in medicine I have tremendous admiration for the pharmacists, physicians and nurses who went on the trip Developed new friendships Strong desire to go back
QUESTIONS?