PWB Mexico Trip - Day 1

Yesterday the group started out with an orientation in the morning and then we got divided into two groups and worked at Merida Church 60 and Merida Church 61. Each church had two dentists, one physician, and one opthamologist. We will be getting divided into these two groups everyday in order to cover more ground and help more patients across the region. The physician, opthamologist, and dentist each had a pair of students to assist them as they saw patients and had the opportunity to perform minor tasks such as passing and cleaning utensils. Furthermore, these students had the opportunity to witness tooth cleanings, tooth extractions, and conducted eye exams. Some students assisted the nurse in taking vital signs to prepare them for the doctor. Another group of students worked to create a makeshift pharmacy where all the patients who saw the doctors came to fill their prescriptions. Others worked as translators with the patients, bringing them from the waiting area to the exam rooms. When the work day was completed the group went to a central plaza downtown near the worksite. The plaza was hosting a festival and we had the opportunity to exchange dollars for pesos and shop in the countless "tiendas" in the square. This was followed by a traditional Mexican meal at Los Trompos.