This was my third medical mission trip with One World Health to Masindi, Uganda. However, this was my first trip as health care professional and no longer a student. The first week of the trip was a mobile clinic in different locations treating patients who have little to no access to healthcare. We had 24 American health care professionals and students serving alongside 10 Ugandan healthcare professionals. The second week was a seating and mobility clinic where we went to 2 different hospitals. This week consisted of 8 therapists and students total and 1 Ugandan therapist. Over the course of the 1st week I served in a leadership role over 10 physical therapy and occupational therapy students. I started off the week nervous to see how I was going help guide their clinical skills treating patients in a mission trip setting. For some students, this was their first time treating patients at all. However, it was with great joy that I was able to witness 10 student’s clinical skills come to life and flourish day after day. I was even learning from the confidence and resiliency of these students.
The second week was the seating and mobility clinic, and it was a highlight for me. Each provider spent 2-3 hours with each patient and their family. First, we get to know our patients and why they need a wheelchair or other assistive device. Next we measure and fit them to the chair of their exact need. Once the patient fits properly in the chair, we teach the how to use it with extensive details. We also get to teach the families how to help the patient with their new device. Before the patient goes home, we teach them how to care for their wheelchair or assistive device and what to do if it breaks. My favorite part of this week was teaching the Ugandan therapist at the hospital how to assemble, fit, and take care of the wheelchairs and assistive devices to maintain sustainable healthcare in country.
Another role I had throughout the course of the weeks was being the spiritual director for the volunteers. I led the group in morning devotion teaching about Integrity, Empowerment, Dignity, Service, and Humility. After devotion, we started off each day worshipping Jesus for this opportunity and praying that we steward well the people and tasks he has entrusted us with that day.
At the end of the trip everyone went around and said what their favorite part was, what they learned about themselves, and how they grew as a person throughout the trip. It was such a bonding experience to grow with such hard-working volunteers for 2 weeks and many of us could not keep back our tears listening to stories of how Uganda has changed us. My favorite part was watching the students confidence build over the course of the week, going from overwhelmed to exceeding in a matter of days. I learned about myself that this is what God created me to do. Make Disciples through spiritual and physical healing. I cannot wait to serve in mission trips for the rest of my life. Lastly, I grew as a leader through my work as a physical therapist leading student and as a spiritual leader leading people to Christ.
Big Thank you to Upward Twist for sponsoring me on this mission trip of a lifetime!
Week 1: Mobile clinic in local villages
Day 1: 213 patients treated at clinic, 32 people treated for malaria, 2 wheelchairs given
Day 2: 231 patients treated at clinic
Day 3: 275 patients treated
Day 4; 278 patients treated, 75 people treated for malaria, 2 wheelchairs given
Day 5: 193 patients treated
Overall: 1190 patients treated, 501 patients treated for malaria, 24 volunteer hearts changed by the Ugandan people
Weel 2: Seating and mobility clinic at Masindi Kitara Hospital and Byewale Medical Clinic
Day 1: 6 adult wheelchairs given
Day 2: 6 adult wheelchairs and 3 pediatric wheelchairs given
Day 3: 9 pediatric wheelchairs and 2 adult wheelchairs given
Day 4: 7 adult wheelchairs and 2 pediatric wheelchairs given
Day 5: 5 adult wheelchairs given and the 1st Ugandan home health visit to a patient who couldn’t make it to the clinic
Overall: 40 wheelchairs, 15 pairs of crutches, 5 rolling walkers, and 4 walking canes given, 8 volunteer hearts changed by the Ugandan people
Thank you!!!!
Katelyn Abernathy