Reflections on the 71st Medical Mission to the Philippines
By Yerim Lee, Operating Room Staff
Last August, I traveled to the Philippines for a medical mission with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
Because it was my first time participating in an overseas volunteer mission, I worried that my lack of experience might make it difficult for me to adjust to an unfamiliar environment.
On the first day, when we arrived at the hospital to begin preparing, local patients were already waiting outside.
It felt unfamiliar to set up for surgery in such a different environment, and things were somewhat hectic as I was still trying to understand my role. However, the experienced staff members who traveled with me offered a great deal of guidance and support, allowing us to complete the day successfully.
On the second day, we arrived early in the morning to prepare for an even greater number of surgeries. As soon as I stepped out of the vehicle, I saw that even more patients were waiting both inside and outside the hospital than on the previous day.
By then, the confusion we had experienced on the first day had largely settled, and everyone had become more comfortable and confident in carrying out their assigned responsibilities.
On the third and final day, I saw Dr. Gyung Bai Choi and every member of the team working tirelessly to finish the mission on a strong note.
Their dedication helped me regain my focus whenever I began to feel tired, and it encouraged me to continue doing my best until the very end.
After the final surgeries were completed, we began packing our equipment. On the first day, I had wondered how we could possibly perform surgery in a place with almost nothing prepared. It was difficult to believe that we had already completed the mission and were packing our belongings to return to Seoul.
While preparing for the trip, colleagues who had participated in previous missions often told me that although the experience would be physically demanding, I would gain a great deal from it.
Looking back, I now understand exactly what they meant.
The opportunity to participate in an overseas medical mission is not something that comes often. I felt deeply proud and grateful that we were able to bring light and hope to people who spoke a different language and lived in a very different environment.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Gyung Bai Choi and every member of the team for their guidance and support, which allowed us to complete the mission successfully.
