Electives and Short Term Projects
As we said in Issue 4 of Dòchas, it has been a real joy over the last few years to see the number of young people from Scotland choosing to go overseas with TLM to experience leprosy care as well as life in the developing world as part of their studies. Here 5 of them share just a little of what it was like and whether they would encourage others who get the opportunity to do the same.
More information about arranging your own elective or short term project overseas is available.
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Donna Kelly, who is studying Medicine, visited Anandaban Hospital in Nepal
Nicole Buckingham, who is studying Occupational Therapy, visited Purulia Hospital in NE India
James Hardie, who was studying Psychology, visited Karigiri Hospital in SE India
Hannah Crosthwaite, who is studying Medicine, visited Naini Hosptal in N India
Emma Cottman, who is studying Nursing, visited Anandaban Hospital in Nepal
Hannah Crosthwaite
In May 2007, I went to
During my 6 weeks in Naini, I observed many aspects involved in the prevention, detection and management of leprosy and its complications. I learned about the role of multi-purpose health workers, nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, counsellors, occupational therapists, lab technicians and many other people who have dedicated their lives to The Leprosy Mission.
Perhaps most obviously, I learned through experience about a crippling disease which I would have otherwise had no contact with. There is truly no comparison between reading about leprosy in a textbook (always a short paragraph!) and seeing firsthand the deformities that leprosy brandishes its sufferers with.
In addition to this, I was given many exciting opportunities of clinical experience – including assisting in surgery and learning how to suture. As a 3rd year medical student with very little experience, it was a great honour to be given so much responsibility.
While at Naini, I conducted a small study to determine how successful reconstructive eye surgery is in the reversal of lagophthalmos. This condition – in which the patient is left unable to close his eyes and is therefore at risk of eye damage and blindness – is one of the many disabilities for which leprosy is responsible.
Seeing the results of this operation and others gave me some insight into the amazing work that The Leprosy Mission is doing in
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