Medical Mission to Haiti Makes
This past March two groups of physicians from Olympia went on medical missions to Haiti in order to provide care to the local poor and vulnerable population. Among them were St. Peter Family Practice faculty; Devin Sawyer, MD and Gabrielle O'Sullivan MD; third-year family practice residents Geoff Ankeney, MD and Lisa Ho, MD; second year resident Darla Richardson, MD and Shawn Andrews, MD; who works at St. Peter Hospital and Elma Family Medicine and Samantha Ritchie, MD.
All of the dedicated physicians experienced first hand what medical care is like in a country whose medical systems barely function, at least for the nation's poor majority. Medical supplies packed in suitcases and a church sanctuary located in the mountains served as the volunteers' doctor offices and lodging for the two week mission. With the assistance of more than 40 volunteers and another group of visiting physicians; the medical team treated more than 4,000 Haitians ranging from babies that were delivered in the church to a very geriatric population. Working from sunrise to sunset, the dedicated physicians and volunteers saw close to 300 patients per day. St. Peter Family Practice faculty member Gabrielle O'Sullivan, MD said the experience brought a new perspective to her work. "I'm enjoying my work more than ever", she said. "This experience reminded me of what we're really here for."
"When we first arrived I was very apprehensive about working in the primitive conditions, but as time passed I got to the point where I started feeling very guilty about leaving these poverty stricken people without any appropriate medical care", said Devin Sawyer, MD. "My intent now is to return to Haiti every year with a different physician group to provide support and care to those who desperately need it. At Family Medicine we are all so appreciative of the financial support for this very worthwhile endeavor from Providence St. Peter Foundation and the Providence Health International office in Renton." Financial awards provide some assistance with the expense for international travel. The Foundation allocates $1,500 annually for this activity on a first come first serve basis. |
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Providence St. Peter Hospital has been named one of the 100  Top Hospitals in the nation for cardiology, orthopedics and stroke care. St. Peter Hospital was also recently recognized for the 2009 Patient Safety Award by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization. |
