REFLECTIONS ON NICARAGUA
Caitlyn Cecil , MD
It wasn ’ t until I was a senior in college that I decided to pursue a career in medicine . Undoubtedly influenced by my father who is a pediatrician in Paducah , I clearly recall the moment I had the realization … “ I think I could become a doctor .” As I encountered the unforeseen challenges of medical school , I second-guessed my decision repeatedly . Over the following months to years I started to envision myself in the shoes of my mentors . I feel fortunate now to have a solid foundation of medical knowledge that allows me the opportunity to lend a hand to those in need .
This past January , thanks to the GLMS Foundation , in partnership with Hand in Hand Ministries , I had the opportunity to provide medical care to underprivileged children in Managua , Nicaragua . Our primary mission in Managua was to provide care to the children ( and their families ) sponsored by the Pathway to Change program . Pathway to Change is a scholarship program started by Hand in Hand in 2006 that makes top-quality education available to bright children from families living in poverty . The program currently sponsors 85 children , providing tuition , uniforms , books and school supplies , along with transportation to and from school . Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere where only 40 percent of the children who start 1st grade will finish 4th grade . Pathway to Change is dedicated to overcoming the barriers that deny children living in poverty access to a good education .
It was truly a privilege to meet these bright children and families . On our first morning in Managua we had the opportunity to visit the homes of three of these families . Despite the crowded living conditions , limited access to running water and dusty dirt floors , the families were so incredibly grateful for what they had . It was a
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special experience to see parents standing with their child , so very proud and blessed , because their child has a future .
Each afternoon in Managua was spent at the San Francisco Clinic where we were met by busloads of children accompanied by their families , neighbors and friends . We addressed their health concerns and performed physical exams . This being the ninth year for the trip , many of the children had paper charts so we could monitor their growth and reassess the concerns from the previous year . We were able to obtain screening CBCs and urinalyses when indicated . We provided medication to prevent parasitic infections . In many cases , we offered reassurance and anticipatory guidance . Their genuine appreciation was heartwarming .
In addition to our clinical assignments , we had an opportunity to experience the Nicaraguan culture . We visited a local coffee farm and drank lots of Nicaraguan coffee . We explored the city of Granada , one of the oldest colonial cities in the Western Hemisphere . We bought handmade pottery from artisans in the village of San Juan de Oriente . And , we had the opportunity to visit local hospitals which illustrated the Nicaraguan standard of care , a stark contrast to the clinical conditions in our own country .
I am so grateful for my experiences during the 2016 Nicaraguan Medical Immersion Trip with Hand in Hand Ministries in support of their Pathway to Change program . This opportunity was made possible by the Greater Louisville Medical Society Foundation as part of the Foundation ’ s Medical Missions Initiative . Not only did my perspectives on health care delivery deepen , but also my appreciation for my everyday life expanded . If you haven ’ t yet ventured into the field of missionary medicine , I hope this article inspires you to go on that first trip . It was a truly unforgettable experience !
Caitlyn Cecil , MD , is a third year pediatrics resident at the University of Louisville Hospital .
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