Dean Doc Does His Part To Help In Honduras | Business

In June, Dr. Philip Bain, of Dean Clinic Internal Medicine, traveled to Honduras with his son and 19 other undergraduate students from the University of Chicago as part of the group, Global Medical Brigades.

"We packed many suitcases with medication that was donated to the brigade, and headed down to do what we could to help," said Dr. Bain, who practices out of Dean's East Clinic.  "It was an experience that will be with me the rest of my life."

Dr. Bain and the student volunteers set up their mobile clinics in schools in Honduras where they saw hundreds of patients per day.

Global Medical Brigades develops sustainable health initiatives and provides relief where there is limited access to healthcare.  Student volunteers and health professionals travel to places like Honduras, where they establish mobile medical clinics in under resourced communities.

"We saw almost 900 people in just three days," said Dr. Bain.  "We saw everything from back pain and headaches, to respiratory infections and rashes." 

In addition to treating patients, the group toured local orphanages.  According to Dr. Bain, one of the highlights was bringing suitcases of stuffed animals to the kids at the orphanages.  He said they were so happy and grateful.

"The rural areas don't have clinics on a regular or frequent basis," said Dr. Bain.  "People would come from all over to see the doctor.  Some of the people who came to see us would walk five miles or more just to see the doctor.  It was a very rewarding experience for me and for the college kids."

Global Medical Brigades is always looking for volunteers.  To learn more about it, you can go to www.globalbrigades.org.