Hello. My name is Matthew Green. I am a PA and will be leading a group of 20+ providers and nurses to Nicaragua from July 9 to July 16. We will be treating a group of children that attend a local school. We will also be treating ~500-600 patients of all ages out in the community. Many of them have not seen a doctor in years. We will provide parasite prevention, wound care, hypertension management, diabetes management, malnutrition screening, and treat acute problems as well. We work alongside a doctor and nurse in Nicaragua that have their own clinic and any patients we find that need follow up will follow up with them. We have a malnutrition program that is run by a local dietician. We also have a program for young women empowering and also help them during and after pregnancy if needed. We will also go and teach at a local nursing school.
We will serve all ages and most of our patients will be seen at their home. Many patients have not seen a medical provider in years and many rarely leave their home. Because it is hard to reach everyone and so many need care we have also started a health promotor program. Someone from each community comes and is taught in a class by the local Nicaraguan nurse about core health principles including diet, exercise, hygiene, how to take vitals, CPR, and other general health skills. That health promotor then goes back into their community and shares the knowledge they have gained. They also serve as a contact person for that community and help us know who is in the most need when we visit.
The goal of our mission is not just to go and give medicine and pat ourselves on the back. Our goal is to truly create meaningful impact through empowering patients with preventative measures, provide them follow up care with a local doctor, and arm communities with health promotors who can teach everyone core health principles. Since my initial visit 11 years ago we have seen a drastic decline in malnutrition, hypertension, diabetes, and wound infections. We've also noticed more healthy habits in the communities. Cooking fires/stoves are now far away from houses to not cause respiratory issues. Patients are learning healthy diets to help manage chronic disease. It is an honor to serve.
We had a dedicated group of 13 individuals. We were able to serve hundreds of patients at our clinic and also countless home visits bringing care to those who need it most. We also taught at a nursing school and visited a nursing home. As always the trip blessed numerous Nicaraguans, but also renewed our humility and sharpened our ability to adapt to difficult environments. I’m so appreciative to the Doximity Foundation for the opportunity.
