Post by Dr. Susan

Dr. Susan teaching with Burmese words in the presentation.

March 1, 2018

Dr. Susan teaching.

Mingalaba!  Today was another great day in Thailand.  Classroom work today focused on practicing patient encounters and logbook entries.  We gave each student a condition yesterday to study and then prepare to act out as a patient.  These scenarios integrated their review of common conditions, interview techniques, focusing the exam to establish a likely diagnosis and making a treatment plan. 

These are skills that I am still trying to master, but our students accept the challenge and really do a fantastic job.

Students practicing interviewing a patient with the log book

As another “semester” draws to a close tomorrow, the students, instructors and translators all are preparing to return home.  Ahead of me is 24 hours of travel with 2 layovers to return to my husband and dog.  Our students will head home as well, but travel is less straightforward.  Some will reach their village early next week.  Others will still be in transit long after. 

They will carry a load of 22 medications (see yesterday’s pictures) and a foundation of knowledge to help them save lives. 

Using "click clicks" Audience response system

Our confidence in them is great, but I believe their expectations for themselves are even greater.  We, as instructors, already eagerly await next year’s “click click” (audience response system) results to see the impact and how we can help to facilitate their progress.

Students practicing triangle bandages.

Students improvised sling with scarf.