12 Medical Students from Oklahoma find value IMR

Twelve medical students from The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center participated on International Medical Relief’s trip to Argentina in August of 2009. This hands on experience gave them a great perspective on medicine and medical care as well as what they may face here in the U.S. once they begin practice. Emergency room doctor, Jamira Jones (pictured here with student Natalia), worked with the students. The students worked as a team to initiate diagnostic for patients and then consulted with patient and Dr. Jones prior to final diagnosis and prescriptions being given. The students worked together to provide community health education in a health fair setting for well patients that included well patient certificates for those not needing to be seen in the clinic. Each student also fulfilled a community wellness seminar every day on topics such as H1N1, child safety and health tips, malaria, breast cancer, diabetes, HIV awareness, basic first aid, CPR and more.

International Medical Relief has been encouraged by the value that students are able to give and receive. Rachel Seay, premed student in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, who participated on IMR’s Ethiopia medical mission, stated “it was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life and greatly impacted how I will view medical care as I go into the field”. Seay was able to work alongside Dr. Craig Stark, who cared for patients. She was able to watch three fistula repair surgeries, attend the OBGyn lecture series, and help give hands on care with our doctors.