Culture & Global Health

What health disparities did I observe? How did limited resources influence care delivery? What assumptions did I have that were challenged? How does this experience expand my understanding of global health? What strengths do I see in this community? What am I grateful for today?

Today was the second day of the Global Brigades Health Clinic in the La Pilares community. I had the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Alberto and was able to learn so much through his insights, education, and translations.

Unfortunately, I noticed many disparities among the community too. Through research before our trip I knew that hypertension was a common diagnosis of the Panamanian people, and I saw that first hand today. Each adult that came through was either already diagnosed with hypertension and seeking access to more medications or was on the verge of a hypertension diagnoses. Most other diagnoses that we came across, especially for the children, included complaints that we commonly just make a trip to our medicine cabinet or drugstore for. These complaints included back pain, abdomen pain, headaches, body aches, and common colds. This alone highlights the disparities that Panamanian people face in attempt to receive resources, especially medical resources, even for very simple care. Another disparity that is highlighted by working alongside the doctor is realizing that each client receives an anti-parasitic at least twice a year, due to water contamination. We know and understand the importance of drinking plenty of water here for our health, but this is commonly avoided by the Panamanian people even in their very hot, humid environment. Not having access to clean water, and needing to consider risking becoming more sick from the water to provide their bodies with a basic need is a common consideration they must make.

Limited resources influence care in many ways depending on the direct and priority needs of the community needing care. This also creates a natural tension among the people within the community to constantly weigh the risks and benefits of prioritizing access to what little limited resources they can access or receive the food, items, and things they still need to survive otherwise. The Panamanian people are also not used to resources and care being easily accesible so there is a certain level of discomfort and unfamiliarity to receiving care with compassion when they do.

Some assumptions I had before today that were challenged include assuming that there would be mostly very serious conditions that have gone untreated requiring attention today. While each and every client did present symptoms that needed addressed, most complaints were very basic complaints that we fae often and can typically just quickly address with over the counter medications. These communities are typically not so lucky. They have to constantly look for the next resource that will provide a refill of the medication that they are needed, or even to receive simple pain relief.

This experience has expanded my understanding of global health by showing me how widely different care is in different places. There are comparisons to compare in accessible healthcare from the mountain side to the city here in Panama, different countries near Panama, and huge differences in the modern healthcare we are used to in the United States. This experience also inspires me to not only be grateful for all we have access to at home, but also to learn more about further difference in global healthcare around the world.

I truly believe the Panama communities we have been welcomed into are so valuable and inspiring. These communities show what is possible when people come together to provide for one another, even when they do not have anything materialistic to offer. They show strength in supporting and lifting one another up and looking out for one another in ways you just do not see in the United States most of the time.

Today I am grateful for all the resources I am able to easily access back home. I am thankful that as a mother if I have concerns I can call, or go to one of the several healthcare facilities in town without barriers like the people of Panama face everyday. Overall, again, I am so thankful for the opportunity to come here and learn about the Panamanian people and their culture but also about all the challenges they face. I am also especially grateful for my support system at home that has allowed me to be here and given me peace of mind by caring for my daughter and allowing me to fully immerse myself in this experience.