This is Lee Ponsky's fifth trip with Medwish International, He founded the organization in 1993. And, given that, he pretty much knows what to expect...
Ponsky: Usually when we arrive at the village, there's already a line of several hundred people already waiting. There's excitement and energy like you've never experienced...And within a matter of 15-20 minutes, we have an up and running clinic, and we go until every patient is seen. We don't turn anyone away.
Ponsky says much as US school buses have long found a second life plying the roadways of Central American nations, castoff dialysis machines and other surplus medical supplies can be put to use in third world health clinics.
Providing those supplies is Medwish's primary goal. The goal of the trip, especially for the fifty volunteers, is to raise consciousness about the need in third world nations.
Surgical oncologist Melanie Lynch of the VA Medical Center is bringing her three children, two of whom speak Spanish and will work as interpreters. She says she's extremely excited for the adventure.
Melanie Lynch: In one sense it's like the postman going for a walk on the weekend--the physisican going on a medical mission with her family for a summer vacation. But it's a wonderful opportunity to remind myself why I went into medicine in the first place. It's very inspiring to provide basic health care in a situation like that.
After missions to a total of three communities, the Medwish Brigade returns Friday.
DM 90.3