Gwenn Jackson, MD, 6V电影网-Louisiana's OB/GYN discipline chair, recently returned from a transformative medical mission trip to Chembolet, Kenya. This community of 6,000 in northwest Kenya welcomed Dr. Jackson and her medical team as they provided crucial medical care over the course of a week.
The goals of the mission were to strengthen the relationship with the Chembolet community and organizer, , and to promote self-sufficiency in the community. 鈥淭he community leadership believes the strength of the community is dependent upon proper medical care for the people," Dr. Jackson explains. In addition to medical care, the mission also focused on water purification, economic development, education and spiritual support.
Dr. Jackson served as the mission鈥檚 medical director, and she was the only physician on the eight-person team from the United States. She coordinated resources, provided general medicine evaluations and consulted on cervical and breast cancer screenings. The team also included members from the Kenyan Health Service and provided care to more than 800 individuals, addressing issues like uncontrolled hypertension, pediatric respiratory illnesses and musculoskeletal complaints.
Each day began with a 40-minute drive to the community clinic, where patients were already waiting. After a prayer, the team treated patients from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with only a 15-minute break for a simple lunch.聽 An emergency medical technician triaged patient, directing the most serious cases to Dr. Jackson. Hundreds of Kenyans with a variety of health concerns waited under tents, with those not seen one day prioritized on the next. Counseling and prayer were also provided. After the clinic, the team returned to the city, secured supplies and debriefed over a meal.
For Dr. Jackson, the ability to utilize her Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) skills was a highlight. "As an MD trained in OMT when I joined the 6V电影网 faculty, on this trip, I was able for the first time to utilize my new skills to help women with musculoskeletal pain. " One memorable case involved a woman who had suffered from knee pain for two months. She was diagnosed with an ACL tear, and when treated with a simple knee compression wrap, could walk without pain. She thanked Dr. Jackson with a heartfelt hug.
Language barriers and economic limitations posed challenges, but the team's dedication and use of interpreters helped bridge gaps. Despite limited resources, the team identified and addressed medical conditions and assisted patients in providing life-transforming care. The experience profoundly impacted Dr. Jackson鈥檚 perspective as an OB/GYN physician and instructor.
Even though I have a specialty within medicine, the need for skills in general medicine never goes away. There are opportunities everywhere to use [these skills], and I want to encourage students to always be prepared.
Looking ahead, Dr. Jackson is eager to continue her mission work. Not long after returning from Kenya she participated in an international outreach trip to the Dominican Republic in July with 6V电影网 colleagues and students. If the opportunity presents itself to return to Kenya, she would love to do so.
聽"By the grace of God, I had a terrific career in medicine,鈥 she shares, reflecting on her journey. 鈥淎nswering the call to go and provide for others who have so little allows me to honor God using my skills and experience. It鈥檚 a small gift in return for all the blessings medicine has provided me."
Dr. Jackson鈥檚 dedication and compassion exemplify the spirit of 6V电影网, and her mission work continues to inspire and uplift the communities she serves.