Our first clinic experience took place at this community called Rio Iglesias. It was an Indigenous community in Panama, and the natives were very friendly. At the clinic there were five stations that the patients could participate in. Triage was the very first station, this is were the patients would get their vitals signs taken, answer questions about any allergies, family history, and body measurements. During the first half of the day, I was placed in triage. At this stage, patient interaction was the most important part of the job; my team was counting on me to speak and understand my patients, so the Doctor could correctly diagnose them. Triage was a very challenging experience because I hadn’t practiced my Spanish since High School. Luckily, we had a translator with us, so if we needed help interacting with a patient, they were available to help. After triage, the patients would be consulted by the Doctors; this is what I participated in the second half of the day. I worked alongside Dr. Lopez, who was a vibrant, young Doctor that had just finished her residency in Panama. Dr. Lopez gave me responsibility over giving oral medications, filing and administering cups of water, and helped me with my Spanish. She was very accommodating; if I did not understand something, she took time to explain what it meant whether it was a diagnosis, medication, or a patient concern. Overall, this was my favorite activity to be apart of. I loved having the one-on-one time with Dr. Lopez; it gave me a more refreshing perspective on Doctors.
This trip was somewhat brutal at times because I keep questioning myself and the opinions of my peers. I can recognize that these thoughts may be irrational, or maybe I am looking too far into others emotions/actions, however, its really bothering me how I am being treated at times. Some of my peers are not polite, and do not recognize my attempts at being polite…I’m going to try and make the best of the situation and just keep a positive attitude and kill them with kindness.
This trip was somewhat brutal at times because I keep questioning myself and the opinions of my peers. I can recognize that these thoughts may be irrational, or maybe I am looking too far into others emotions/actions, however, its really bothering me how I am being treated at times. Some of my peers are not polite, and do not recognize my attempts at being polite…I’m going to try and make the best of the situation and just keep a positive attitude and kill them with kindness.