This past June I was able to go to Ecuador for a medical service trip. This organization is called Mindo Futures, and is so named after the town of the people we served. This year is the 9th year that the organization has been doing a medical service trip!
Of course I was there to do dentistry, but almost all aspects of medical services are offered. People involved in the trip included a wide range of personnel including pharmacists, general physicians, radiologists, anesthesiologists, optometrists, pediatricians, and various types of nurses.
Over the course of one week we set up at the local school and serviced between 4,000 to 5,000 people. Our dental clinic consisted of four dental chairs. Between two general dentist, a pediatric dentist, and a hygienist we did mostly fillings, extractions, and cleanings to the under-served people of this region.
The trip was amazing, tiring, eye-opening, and fulfilling. It is truly wonderful to be able to help others in need. It is my hope to be able to return with this group in the future and continue to give back.