Before arriving in Guatemala, I had anticipated the type of work we would be doing during our needs assessment campaign. I was wxcited to gain personal experience, learn from a different culture, and represent both M-HEAL and the University of Michigan in an effort to better improve the quality of life and health of Guatemalan citizens. Although I had a general idea of our mission and overall goal of the campaign, I was ready to begin working directly in the community with dedicated individuals towards a common goal.
The trip immediately started off on a high note. I had the opportunity to shadow a doctor, while they were diagnosing children at a local school outside of Antigua. Although I took away much knowledge I would be able to apply directly to both my studies and career aspirations, I am most grateful for the opportunity to simply observe the Doctor while he was conducting his normal routine. I learned the importance of improvization and problem solving when faced with challenging situations. My epiphany for the needs assessment trip occured when a student tripped, resulting in a 1 cm long by 1/4 cm wide wound on his forehead. With limited resources, the Doctor converted a common band-aid into a butterfly stitch which would be best suited to heal the patient fastest with as little discomfort.
Although this action may seem as a minor adjustment, it now serves as a reminder for me to think outside the box, make the most of the resources present during any moment, and promote innovative solutions that have potential to improve quality of life on both a communal and global scale. Thanks to the M-HEAL SANA trip, my passion to serve as an agent of change has been reinforced and I am excited to utilize the experiences I am taking away from this trip towards my goals and career aspirations.
- Nicholas Ditzler