Interested in the Medical Mission Trip to Haiti? Learn More..
For over 160 years, Mercy Health has been a leading provider of healthcare services in Ohio and Kentucky, and remains one of the region’s largest health providers. With a shared mission of serving the poor and underserved, Mercy Health and CMMB work together to strengthen the local health system in Côtes-de-Fer, Haiti. Mercy Health provided lead funding to complete the first phase of the Bishop Joesph M. Sullivan Center for Health and was instrumental in equipping the facility and providing expert guidance along the way.
Today, they continue their support of the hospital through the gift of capacity building. They send amazing, highly qualified health professionals on medical mission trips to Haiti to support and strengthen the hospital. The first group went out shortly before the official opening of the hospital in March 2017. In February 2018, another group – with some familiar faces – were back in Côtes-de-Fer, sharing their compassion and skills with the local staff. We asked the team to share their advice for people considering joining a medical mission trip. Here is what they said.
Advice from an Internal Medical Resident
Dr. Adie Kalansky is a third-year internal medicine resident from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Click to hear her advice:
“Be prepared to be a little uncomfortable. But, it’s ok. It’s actually quite a nice experience.”
Advice from an Emergency Registered Nurse
Melissa Jacobi is an emergency room registered nurse from Mercy West Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“Come with an open mind and an open heart. This isn’t going to be a vacation even though the setting is beautiful. This is going to be hard work. Not everything that you come to do is going to be well-received. Sometimes it has to be re-worked, sometimes things are going to need to be changed, but in the end, it’s all about what you can do to serve the community. It’s not about you. So, make sure you are open to new things and new experiences and of course, new cultures and new foods!”
Advice from a Manager for a Pulmonology Practice
Adrian Anderson has been in the healthcare field for almost 10 years, serving in capacities as fellow, business manager of clinical services, and associate administrator for a hospital in Guyana.
Advice from an Internal Medical Physician
Dr. Barry Brook has been an internal medicine physician for over 30 years. He is the Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine as well as the Director of Internal Medicine Residency Program.
“I would say define what your goals are. Things are different in Haiti, and you have to work with a lot less than you are probably accustomed to. But, there are a lots of rewards. You learn how to take care of patients with minimal resources. It’s a great experience. Prepare to leave a little bit behind and to take a little bit with you.”