One, one dutty built dam! is a Guyanese saying that has resonated with me since my very first global health trip. It means “little by little we will accomplish something big,” and this sentiment has remained a guiding principle, anchoring my focus on the importance of every action, no matter how modest it may seem, with every global initiative.
I have always been interested in Doximity’s Doxers Without Borders program which provides Doximity employees an opportunity to volunteer on global health trips to experience first-hand the important work physicians do every day. One organization Doximity partners with is Saving Mothers, a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit dedicated to eradicating preventable maternal deaths and birth-related complications in low-resource settings. When the opportunity to volunteer with them presented itself, I jumped at the chance to join them in Kenya at Kapenguria Hospital.
It is the captivating stories of the community (the patients, families, medical practitioners) and the U.S. medical team that I believe are the most important to share.
I spent seven days as part of the Saving Mothers team—helping take inventory, setting up OR rooms, cleaning surgical instruments, observing surgeries and becoming a “runner” between the ORs, assisting in ultrasound training and education at community centers, and capturing video documentation of patient experiences of the procedures they underwent. It is the captivating stories of the community (the patients, families, medical practitioners) and the U.S. medical team that I believe are the most important to share. Although each story and perspective is unique, a recurring theme I've witnessed is the enduring hope for a brighter future. Even in the face of challenges, hope shines through.
Patient Hope
Fear of the unknown is a common sentiment among patients, and this was especially true for one patient who endured months of pain while anxiously awaiting a surgical procedure. Having never been treated by a foreign doctor before, she anticipated the experience would leave her feeling lonely, fearful, in more pain, and chilled to the bone; however, she remained hopeful that surgery would be worth it for an improved quality of life. She was pleasantly surprised and thankful when the surgeons checked on her, offering reassurance, and even sharing sweets. Because of this positive experience, she shared she was forever grateful for being in the care of this medical team.
Team Hope
One of the challenges inherent in short-term global health trips is the ever-shifting composition of the team. I have found that these trips tend to attract individuals with a self-starting mentality, a knack for embracing unforeseen challenges with ease, a high degree of adaptability, the ability to think critically and creatively with limited resources, and, above all, an infectious sense of hope. This hope is palpable when you speak to someone who has undertaken these journeys — it resonates in their voice and shines in their eyes.
Despite not having worked together extensively in the past, we seamlessly blended as if we had been a cohesive unit for years.
These remarkable qualities were evident in each team member on this trip. Despite not having worked together extensively in the past, we seamlessly blended as if we had been a cohesive unit for years. Part of the credit for this effective teamwork goes to our leader, whose unwavering hope for a brighter future for the community was an inspiration that permeated our team dynamics, tasks, and conversations. This collective hope complemented the hope already present within the local community, fostering optimism for a better future.
Where does a non-physician fit in?
As a Doximity employee and a non-physician, the value I believe I provided was in listening to the stories of the patients, their families, and the community, and sharing them with others. It was about actively engaging with the community, listening attentively to their needs and concerns, and ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.
Every volunteer has the opportunity to help forge connections and relationships that transcend language and cultural barriers, which can leave a lasting impact and build bridges of trust and mutual respect. In this way, our involvement becomes a cornerstone of the mission's effectiveness in promoting well-being, cultural harmony, and understanding. Like the saying "one drop can raise the sea," you never truly know the impact of your actions and should never underestimate the profound influence you can have on the lives of others.
Are you thinking of joining a global health trip?
If you’re joining a global health trip, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
Be flexible—your role, tasks, activities, and responsibilities may all change
Don’t be afraid to ask questions—it always helps to add clarity to any ambiguity
Take the opportunity to connect with people—be open to learning
Approach the trip with a mindset grounded in gratitude—appreciate the chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others and to learn valuable lessons from the experience
Participating in global health trips has vividly brought that Guyanese adage—One, one dutty built dam!—to life for me with each journey, offering life-changing opportunities to assist underserved communities and witnessing firsthand how seemingly small contributions forge authentic connections that can be instrumental in fostering impactful change.