When I went to Casa Juan Diego on February 10, it was pouring down rain!
There were barely any patients at the clinic on this day. The patients wait outside of the clinic starting at around 3am, so it is understandable that not that many wanted to wait so long in the rain and the cold. What really tugged at my heart was the fact that there were still around 10 patients who did wait all that time in the bad weather.
I cannot imagine waiting in the rain and cold for hours just to receive medical care. I am so blessed not to have to experience this. Every time I volunteer at the clinic I am reminded that when I am actually in the healthcare profession I need to make sure to do something, anything, to help with the problem of access to healthcare.
The attitudes of the patients even after waiting in the bad weather for so long are always so positive. Even though I'm really tired on Fridays after waking up early to volunteer, I always try to maintain a good attitude because my 'suffering' is non-existent compared to those whom I am serving.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Week One of Volunteering for Molecular Biology
Hello again! I have gotten behind on blogging, but since I will be missing a few weeks, my blogs and post dates will just have to be a little incongruous for a few weeks.
Well, I continued volunteering at Casa Juan Diego up until Christmas, but after the holiday I took a few weeks off. However, starting on Feb 2 I was back at the waking up at 5:45am on Friday mornings!
For Molecular Biology we have another service learning project, so I will be continuing to volunteer at Casa Juan Diego (almost) every Friday morning.
February 2:
It felt great to be back at the clinic! I had missed all of the Catholic Workers and other volunteers who make every thing run smoothly on Fridays. I have been to the clinic enough times now to actually start recognizing some of the returning patients. I never fail to be amazed by their smiles. I cannot even begin to imagine what their lives are like, but their attitudes never seem to cease being positive. It is absolutely inspirational.
There were three doctors at the clinic this morning. It was a great reminder that when I am a doctor, I must always remember to give back to the community. The most important thing I have learned from volunteering at Casa Juan Diego is that whether I speak Spanish or not, I need to always give back to the community.
Well, I continued volunteering at Casa Juan Diego up until Christmas, but after the holiday I took a few weeks off. However, starting on Feb 2 I was back at the waking up at 5:45am on Friday mornings!
For Molecular Biology we have another service learning project, so I will be continuing to volunteer at Casa Juan Diego (almost) every Friday morning.
February 2:
It felt great to be back at the clinic! I had missed all of the Catholic Workers and other volunteers who make every thing run smoothly on Fridays. I have been to the clinic enough times now to actually start recognizing some of the returning patients. I never fail to be amazed by their smiles. I cannot even begin to imagine what their lives are like, but their attitudes never seem to cease being positive. It is absolutely inspirational.
There were three doctors at the clinic this morning. It was a great reminder that when I am a doctor, I must always remember to give back to the community. The most important thing I have learned from volunteering at Casa Juan Diego is that whether I speak Spanish or not, I need to always give back to the community.
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