February 27, 2014

     Today was day two of Dr. Nawrocki’s lecture on serious medical conditions and illnesses that need special treatment. This morning, his discussion included illnesses such as Malaria and Dengue fever. He had the opportunity to discuss with the students the importance of preventative medicine. Dr. Nilson interjected with information about pre-treated mosquito nets, and told the students that if Malaria is prevalent in their village, that these nets are a low cost way to prevent Malaria. They do not have 100% success with malaria prevention, but these nets prevent many cases of Malaria.

    Thursday afternoon Dr. Buie tackled The Urinary and Reproductive Systems.   The students were understandably uncomfortable with the topic, particularly in mixed company.  In their culture, sexuality is rarely discussed openly among the Christian villagers and never between men and women.  Not until recently have schools begun to teach human sexuality.  When some of our team visited a Christian village outside of Chiang Mai a few weeks ago, they noted that men and women even sleep on opposite sides of their houses.

     Dr. Jim presented the anatomy and physiology in a direct and professional manner, putting them at ease.  He explained that they would encounter patients with sexually transmitted diseases and breast cancer.  He reminded them that as health care workers they have a responsibility to educate the people and they would need to become comfortable with uncomfortable topics.  HIV is prevalent in Myanmar and they will definitely be asked to see patients with complications associated with it. They need to teach about the dangers and health issues of unprotected sex.

Lindsey and Gayle