The Beginning of the End for the 2016 Barefoot Doctor School

............it is the beginning of the end....

The 2016 Barefoot Doctor School is drawing to a close.  

But the work is far from down and not slowing down a bit.
Dr. Alice and Rick have arrived.

  During this last week Rick and Alice reviewed many aspects of physical therapy.  The students shared that most of the people who come to see them have back problems.  Rick pointed out that the large baskets they carry on their heads and the constant bending over were huge contributing factors.

Dr. Alice demonstrated the typical back exam with Ramsardee as her patient.  She was happy to hear that he had been doing the back exercises she taught last year.

       A daunting chore each year is to count and distribute the medicines to the 18 students.

Over a three day period Nurse Lynda and Nurse Gayle (with help from Frank Johns, Dr. Alice, Dr. Susan, and Dr. Jim)  count and/or package over 1,633,000 tablets and capsules.  The students receive 

Amoxicillin, doxycycline, sulfa, and cipro as their antibiotics.  Mebendazole, minerals and vitamins are given to them by the thousands.  They have inhalers, adrenaline, xylocaine, and gentian violet.  After days of packing the students gather to pray over the medications and for the patients who will receive them.  

Dr. Bjorn and Gayle are giving the students a
medication quiz.  They need to be able to identify
each medication and know its side effects. Safety
and storage precautions are reviewed.

The students had one last task to finish
before graduation.  Their 1000 piece puzzle.
It was explained the first year that finding
a diagnosis was like solving a puzzle - all pieces
must fit.  They were given a 100 piece
puzzle that first year. As their jobs got harder so
did their puzzles.  But they did it!  Most of
the students received over 90% on their final.
We are so proud of them.

The students received new backpacks from the instructors to
carry their medications and instruments as they travel.
They are also given a badge that says Barefoot Doctor 2016