Authored by: David Bruss
The scene inside the Mong Cai Women’s Health Clinic is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Thirty people are jammed pack inside two small exam rooms, with about a dozen nurses and staff helping orchestrate a grand production. There are five exam tables and multiple patients lined up at each station ready to receive their pelvic exam. The noise within the clinic is deafening at times, with nurses instructing patients on where to stand, how to sit properly, and explaining to patients the diagnosis. I observe this chaotic scene with complete amazement at the seamlessness of their work. These were the same nurses and staff that learned cryotherapy just 2 days before. Their teamwork, motivation, and willingness to learn are inspiring, and are a model for other clinics throughout the world. The patients that come to the clinic are eager to get screened and trusting of their health care providers. Today the clinic will examine hundreds of patients, which speaks to the nurse’s and the patient’s efficiency, organization, and commitment to eliminating cervical cancer in Vietnam.
My experience in Vietnam has been an eye opening adventure with a complete submersion into the rich culture this country has to offer. The Vietnamese people are kind, peaceful, and trusting. My interactions with them inside the clinic, as our patients, and while visitng the city made me appreciate the bond they share with each other. I have really enjoyed getting to know our friendly ground partner, Vu, and our translators, Bich and Hang, who are excited to introduce us to their culture. Each of them has enjoyed encouraging (pressuring) us to try exotic foods like chicken brain and snails in order to have the true Vietnamese experience. While walking through the clinic I’m amused at people’s reactions to my presence. My appearance as a tall American man prompts giggles among the women and wide mouth gazes from the children. I cherish these experiences that I believe will contribute to my cultural competency within the field of medicine.
CureCervicalCancer has made such a significant impact on women’s health in Vietnam. Dozens of cryotherapy procedures are performed every day, each one taking a step towards reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. CureCervicalCancer’s unique model of teaching local health care providers and giving them the tools to remain sustainable is a wonderful solution to improving health in developing countries. I am proud to be a part of an organization that gives underserved populations the tools to improve women’s health through the elimination of cervical cancer.