Dr. Athena Hoobler, a pediatric and neonatology physician from Chicago, recently volunteered in Tanzania on a medical mission trip with the Making a Difference Foundation, CompHealth Locum Tenens, and International Medical Relief. Over the course of the four-day medical mission trip, the group of volunteers saw almost 1,100 patients. While in Tanzania, we asked Dr. Hoobler to share a bit about her experience.
Can you share why you wanted to go on a medical mission trip?
“I heard from one of the CompHealth reps about a medical mission in Tanzania. I applied last year and didn’t get it, and applied again this year and was fortunate enough to receive this amazing opportunity through the Making a Difference Foundation. Back when I was in medical school I went to Cuba and donated medical supplies and also did a rotation out in South Africa, but I’ve always wanted to actually be able to go back to a country in need and actually provide medical services. Life happens, I got married and had kids, and wasn’t able to until now. I’m so happy and excited to be here and plan on doing more of these missions because it’s been such an awesome experience.”
What are you going to take back home with you after this experience?
“I am going to take so much back home with me after this experience. We’re two days in, and it’s already been such an incredible experience for me. I’ve learned so much and realized that we often take for granted what we have. I really want to try and bring my family back just to show them we are so lucky to have what we have back home, not just in terms of the medical care and medical supplies we have, but also just having clean, running water, having the medicines we need, being able to afford the medicines. A lot of people here don’t have that.”
What advice would you give to other physicians thinking about volunteering on a medical mission trip?
“The advice I would give to other physicians thinking about this is, don’t be scared. You might be a little out of your comfort zone and thanks okay. You’re going to learn and you’re going to grow. One of the things for me was being away from my family and being kind of on my own, but you’re not. You’re with all these amazing other people – providers and people from CHG Healthcare and IMR leaders – from all over the place. You never feel alone, and you get to know these people in a way that is very special because it’s not just like meeting someone when you’re traveling. So, just do it!”
How does locums work help prepare you for medical mission trips?
“I’ve done quite a bit of locums work as supplement to my full-time job and I do think it has prepared me so much for this because you get used to practicing in a different environment where you’re not necessarily used to the people or supplies.”
Thank you Dr. Hoobler – and all the providers – who volunteered their time, skill set, and expertise for the people of Tanzania.
