Co-ship in Africa

Report from a committed director at the Medic Foundation

It all started at a birthday party. We were chatting about hobbies and what Medic does. In this case, it was about the sessions we give to trainee tropical medicine physicians. A workshop on the external fixator came up. My granddaughter, Liset, is studying medicine and was very interested. I told her a few things about it and had some photos to share. That's how I invited her to participate in this session as well. An orthopedic surgeon explains everything on screen that needs attention, and at a certain point, they have to get started. There were four workstations, so there were plenty of opportunities.

Lisette (photo) got to work and created a perfect setup.

A few weeks later, she asked if internships were also available in Africa. I didn't know, so I asked one of our own former tropical doctors. And sure enough, they were. The next question was, "Do you also supply hospitals in Africa?" Of course we did and I gave her a list of supplies. She arranged everything for an internship at Haydom Lutheran Hospital in Tanzania.

Before her departure she asked if she could stop by Medic for a quick shopping trip.. Thanks to the Support Fund, we were able to help her with the necessary supplies. Upon arrival at Haydom Hospital, they were also pleased with what she brought.

Lisette spent six weeks working in the hospital, flew out to tribes living in remote areas, helped place an external fixator, sutured wounds, and vaccinated people on-site.

All in all, she learned a great deal.