The positive impact of the ongoing collaboration between TeamMED and Suubi Health Clinic can not be understated. The 8th team of medical students, from Monash University, recently made the annual trip to Suubi Health Clinic to work side by side with the Suubi medical team. Thanks to TeamMED's tireless fundraising efforts and a significant grant they received from Boxhill Rotary Club, not only were the supplies required for the testing and treatment sessions able to be purchased but also a brand new microscope! It's arrival was very timely as Suubi clinics previous microscope had recently broken down. Our huge thanks to everyone who made this purchase possible; it will thankfully continue to serve the community long after TeamMED members have returned to Australia.
This years team of Charlotte, Patrick Liv, Georgia, Harrison and Piper stopped off at the equator as they made their way to Suubi Health Clinic in Lubanda Village
Each year the Aussie medical students have the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and experience what it is like to deliver medical services in a third world country.
The students had their eyes opened to the lack of equipment and stark contrast in conditions that their medical counterparts have to endure, on a daily basis, when they visited Masaka Referral Hospital. It also highlighted the difference between facilities available in an urban area as opposed to rural Suubi Health Clinic where they were to be based.
Once settled in the village the students joined the Suubi medical staff to carry out testing and treatment at Suubi Health Clinic and outreaches in the Nakateete and Kysonko communities; 183 patients were seen across the 4 sessions. They had the opportunity to deal with many conditions such as brucellosis, septic ulcers, malaria and HIV, which are prevalent in Uganda, but they would rarely be confronted with whilst studying in Australia.
Arriving at Nakateete to set up for the first outreach. Patients were already queuing up to be seen.
All the laboratory equipment, including the brand new microscope, was set up in readiness to ensure correct diagnosis of patients - something that is sadly not the case in many rural communities who do not have such equipment readily available. The fact that the new microscope also has a power saving capability of 3-5 days meant a generator was no longer required where power was not available at the outreach sites. Power outages (which happen quite regularly) will also now have far less chance of causing delays in making a diagnosis.
The Suubi medical team worked side by side with the TeamMED students and guided them as they got used to the conditions and their new surroundings.
It wasn't long before Charlotte and other team member were taking blood in readiness for testing.
Each student took turns in various areas of the process; they all had the opportunity to spend time with the Suubi doctor as he carried out consultations with patients, others took blood or worked in the laboratory set up, whilst distributing medications once a diagnosis had been made was also part of the job.
Harrison was guided by one of the Suubi medical team as they distributed medications and made sure patients understood how to take them.
Another annual highlight of the TeamMEDs visit is the dental workshop which is held at Suubi Secondary School. Children and adults come from the wider community to learn about the importance of brushing their teeth.
The team organising the toothpaste and brushes which are distributed to those who participate in the dental workshop.
The importance of dental hygiene and the detrimental effect neglecting this can have on general heath was explained to the youth and adults who attended the workshop.
Younger participants were shown how to best use their tooth brush and paste, as it is not something they have readily available at home.
With the medical component of their visit successfully completed, the team set off on a well deserved three day safari to Lake Mburo National Park. It was a fabulous way for them to wind down and gave them the opportunity to see many of the animals associated with a trip to Africa.
Choosing to go on safari with David from Suubi gave the team far more flexibility as they planned for their big adventure. David runs safaris through his Elite Backpackers business so he has great knowledge about the best places to go and see. Although his Land Rover has wonderful viewing from inside, it certainly added to the fun by being able to climb out on to the roof!
So as you can see, this years visit was another huge success all round. Skills were shared, adventures were had and friendships were forged with this years wonderful team. Thank you to each and everyone of you and we hope you will inspire another enthusiastic team to return in 2021!
Farewelling new found friends and medical colleagues.
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