RN Bobby managing the triage/patient intake to get vitals before the doctors see the patients

Last week, our November medical mission came to an end, and the group dispersed back to their homes. It is hard to condense in a meaningful way what we experienced and what that meant to each person, so I am going to let some of the participants speak for themselves.

First, though, let me tell you what we accomplished. We saw over 2400 patients, handed out about 800 blankets and over 1000 hats, mittens, socks, and scarves, and distributed hygiene items in each of the locations we visited. We also provided some medications and baby formula to the clinic we assisted at in Zaatari camp. We visited 4 locations north of Amman in Irbid and Jerash regions, and spent 2 days helping out at Zaatari.

We had a great group of people on our team – doctors, psychologists, nurses, a physical therapist, dentists, an OB-GYN, and dedicated humanitarians. Without our volunteers we would not be able to do what we do on our missions. Each person has taken time away from work, paid his or her own expenses, and carried extra bags filled with supplies and medications donated for the mission.

Part of our group stopping for coffee on the way to Zaatari.

This is from Naveed, one of the doctors on the mission: “The Syrian refugees were always grateful. Their prayers at the end of our consultations was my motivational fuel to do more for them.

Family medicine in the west is about building a trusting relationship with the patient over time and empowering them to make informed decisions about their treatment. The doctor’s role is to facilitate that with his or her knowledge. Our exams and training is centred around this process. However, in the case of humanitarian work we have to treat immediately with the added hope that one consultation will be enough. In reality it’s not the case. Chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease require many more consultations and investigations. I still believe we’ve made a difference to their lives with our brief intervention.

It’s also been a defining moment in my life too and I hope to return one day and continue my work. The friendships I’ve made during this journey have been most memorable and will stay with me forever. Where else could I have met such dedicated souls?”

We want to thank everyone who has donated blankets, hats, socks, jackets, mittens, and other warm clothing for our container we are sending to Jordan this week. The container is full!

From now on we will NOT be accepting any additional clothing or blankets, equipment or other items that need to be shipped.

You can still help with cash donations or unused medicines (non-narcotic) that we can take in our luggage on future medical missions. Please click on the button at the top menu to donate or use the PayPal button on the left.

Thank you for your support! It’s been a big year for SCM, and we have done a lot, thanks to your support.

And so another mission comes to an end. Here are the stats of the mission and some photos from the last day.

Location                  Patients seen

• Al-Wahdat     General: 500, Dental: 130, Psych: 40
• Madaba            General: 200, Dental: 30, Psych was at Malki
• Al-Khaldiyeh General: 275, Dental: 51
• Irbid                     General: 200, Dental: 120, Psych: 10
• Zarka                   General: 212, Dental: 45, Psych: 10
• Al-Mufti            General: 360, Dental: 60, Psych: 12

Totals:

• General 1,747 
• Dental 436
• Psych 42

The mission had one day at the Malki-SCM Children’s Center where they didn’t see patients but participated in the program with the children.

Here are the photos from day 6 of the mission. We are getting ready for the November mission, which starts in Amman on Saturday November 8th. We are collecting donations to buy medications and other supplies for this mission, so please consider donating at https://mycharityofchoice.com/campaign/profile/1056

We are also planning a universal holiday party for children and their families where we will distribute gifts to the children attending, and food packages to the families. More information is here at this website: https://mycharityofchoice.com/campaign/profile/1060

On Day 5 of the mission, a clinic was set up in Jerash. This is also where the ruins of a large Roman city are located. After work was done for the day, the group visited the site of Jerash and you will see a few photos from there.