Packin' and more packin'

From our last trip meeting, I brought back about 3 boxes full of medical supplies. There some bandages, sterile gloves, sutures, q-tips, gauzes, needle drivers, tegaderms, and other random things. Packing is never fun. It takes too much time and effort. After all, it will probably end up being dumped out at the airport for inspection. I seriously doubt that they will accept a large black trash bag full of medical supplies. I had to be sort of "inconspicuous" with this stuff anyway.

As I was packing, I wondered if we had enough supplies to last our trip. I don't know how many patients we are expected to see during our trip. It could be 1,000, 2,000, or even 5,000. Your guess is good as mine. I know that I will see some interesting tropical pathology, so I am hoping I retained enough material from Dr. Miller's (our infectious diseases teacher) lectures. All I remember is Chage's disease but nonetheless useless since Chaga's is not prevalent in Uganda...

Anyway, packing reminded me of an article that I read in JAMA awhile ago. I am always aware of my presence and possible impact that I will make in the community. We are just strangers with bags filled with medicine and supplies who have travelled many miles to make things better. There will be endless line of people who have travelled hours or even days to get medical treatment. I am excited to treat those who are in need of care. However, what will happen to those who I have treated after I leave the country? Will they be cared by another physician or do they have to wait until another stranger comes along to patch them up? I I do not mean to sound cynical, but I do wonder if I am doing this to pat myself on the back or for those who really in need.