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MEET THE PATIENTS: Adanel & Felix
By Ximena Rodriguez
At the end of the Mobile Clinic season, MEDLIFE is able to start working with patients more closely and with a more in-depth approach. Mobile Clinics bring with them a series of patients who are later entered into the MEDLIFE follow up program. Among these patients, there are many whose health complications would be easily treated in a medical center. This was the case with two patients we met in the last winter Mobile Clinic season.
Adanel Isaac Lema Paguay (4 years old) lives with his parents and two sisters in the community of Sanja Pampa, Canton Guano, in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. In December of 2016, we held a mobile clinic in Sanja Pampa. That’s when we met Adanel, who was attended to by one of our local professional doctors. After examining him, the doctor’s report stated that Adanel suffered from heart disease. Since this anomaly in Adanel’s health required treatment, he became part of our patient follow-up program.
A photo of Adanel taken during his first home visit.
Shortly after receiving this diagnosis, we visited Adanel and his family at home to explain his condition and let them know that MEDLIFE would support them with whatever medical care he needed.
MEDLIFE then contacted the Fundación Metrofraternidad, a non-profit branch of the Hospital Metropolitano in Quito, to make an appointment with one of the physicians there. On May 24, 2017 we traveled to the appointment alongside Adanel and his family. Here, doctors confirmed that Adanel was suffering from a systolic murmur. Doctors also performed an echocardiogram on that same day, and the cardiologist later diagnosed Adanel with a mild functional deficiency of the tricuspid valve. The doctor explained to us that it is not a problem which requires surgery, and, with due treatment, Adanel could easily be cured and finally be able to run, play, and do all the activities a child his age should enjoy.
Adanel getting examined by one of the physicians at the Hospital Metropolitano in Quito, Ecuador.
Shortly after meeting Adanel, we met Felix Fernando Sagnama Chimbo (12 years old), this time at a mobile clinic in the community of Pull Grande, Canton Guamote, where Felix lives. During his consultation with one of the MEDLIFE physicians, Felix complained of major discomfort in the eye. There was no doubt that Felix was a person who needed to continue with medical care after the mobile clinic.
Felix and his father at their first follow-up appointment.
As we do with all of our follow-up patients, MEDLIFE visited Felix and his family after the clinic ended to let them know that, if they accepted the help, MEDLIFE would be assisting with Felix’s medical care from then on.
We later made an appointment at an eye clinic in Quito, where the ophthalmologist informed us that Felix was suffering from severe allergies due to the wind and dust that exists in the area where his family lives. His sight was fine, and there were no major complications. The doctor then prescribed eyedrops to treat the allergies, and now Felix is feeling completely healthy.
Felix has his eyes checked at the ophthalmologist.
Once again, MEDLIFE is proud because we have been able to help patients who are suffering from ill health find treatment thanks to our guidance.
This trip motivated me more to pursue a career in the healthcare field so that I can use my resources to help those who need it the most, similar to MEDLIFE’s mission.
Victoria DiCanio
University of Connecticut
It was most enjoyable to finish the hard work and see how big a difference a group of individuals can make. It was such an amazing experience.
Anita Woo
University of Toronto
I enjoyed the mobile clinics the most, especially the dental and triage portions. I would definitely recommend a MEDLIFE trip, it was a great experience.
David Saff
Maclay High School
The most enjoyable part of my trip was hanging out with the amazing group of kids I was with. I would highly recommend a MEDLIFE volunteer trip to others.
Sydney Sansone
Nova Southeastern University
This trip made everything that I was learning in my public health courses come to life and immersed me in a new culture while also learning about medicine.
Abygail Youmans
College of Charleston
Being involved with MEDLIFE is not like joining another club - its bigger than that. It is about joining a movement that seeks to help change people’s quality of life for forever.
Emi Hofmann
University of Central Florida
Not only was I able to participate in a week long Mobile Clinic, shadowing doctors of all types of specialties including pharmacy, dentistry, gynecology, and more, but I was also able to learn about the culture and visit incredible places.
Julian Takagi-Stewart
University of Toronto
One thing that I really loved about this trip was that MEDLIFE made sure that the volunteers got an understanding of the complexity of issues that lead to underprivileged people in communities outside of the main city
Hannah Van Hofwegen
University of Ottawa
Whether it was basketball with the local kids, assisting the doctors, talking with families, building washrooms, holding babies, or spending time with the people who were on the SLT with me, this was an amazing opportunity that I would do over and over again.
Isabelle Holt
Cornell University
I loved learning about the patients MEDLIFE has followed and how they offer real help to people with chronic/urgent conditions. It is amazing how the organization formed real connections with the communities.
Valerie Lindeborg
Parent
Our family had the privilege of participating in multiple trips with Nick [founder] and his amazing staff. Their expertise made the trips unforgettable while instilling in my boys the fundamentals of good character: selflessness, compassion, and empathy.
Harry Vildibill
University of Georgia
As an aspiring physician, MEDLIFE motivated me to further continue my goal of becoming a doctor. In fact, I enjoyed the Tanzania Service Learning Trip so much that I decided to go on another trip to Cusco, Peru.