Mosquitos, Iguanas and Potholes, OH MY! (continued)

A medical mission to Honduras

By Lauren Hughey

Throughout the morning, the students saw a variety of cases they would rarely be exposed to while working at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center or LBJ General Hospital.

Several cases of malaria were diagnosed. (I took great comfort in my bug cream as I watched the mosquitoes bounce off of me while in the supply closet.)

Scabies − a curable skin disease caused by the parasite, Sarcoptes scabiei, that is transmitted through close contact with a person who is infected or prolonged contact with infested linens, furniture or clothing − is a chronic condition on the island. Without running water, residents have a hard time treating the disease. And, a possible case of dengue fever was put in isolation in one of the exam rooms.

Although only a few of the medical students spoke Spanish, it was easy to interpret the appreciation felt by the patients and by all of the islanders.

Because the clinic closed at noon, we got to enjoy the island for the rest of the day. As we walked to lunch, several people stopped and thanked us for our service; many more came up to discuss their medical issues. Everywhere we went, people offered genuine smiles and sincere thanks, and cars gave a friendly honk. You’d think we were celebrities. We spent the afternoon snorkeling at the beach and the evening enjoying Honduran cuisine and nightlife.

Each day fell into this pattern. Island time suited us well. We saw different patients and cases at the clinic each morning; and each afternoon, although we may choose to slide the canopy zip lines instead of lounging on the beach, we enjoyed the friendly, laid-back warmth of Roatan.

Later in the week, we were invited to conduct health and literacy screenings in a four-room elementary school on the beach. The rooms were small and without air-conditioning. Using our mangled Spanish, we tested eyesight, literacy, height, weight, and language, and we learned where the children live and what they do after school. The students were energetic, and despite receiving their first donation of books only a year ago, all but the first-graders can read and write.

As we became more comfortable in our Spanish, the kids opened up and we began to learn more about the beautiful people who live in Roatan. In response to the question “what is your favorite food?” one small child answered, “IGUANA!” Although a little more energetic and inquisitive, the children were just as sincere and kind as the adults.

Throughout our many island experiences, one thing remained constant, the genuineness and gratefulness of the people with whom we had contact. Life on Roatan is not easy. It is hot and dirty and sticky. Mosquitoes fly in swarms. Sanitation is poor. Disease is rampant. But, the people are happy and kind.

Coming back to Houston’s cold buildings and impersonal lifestyle was surprisingly more shocking than anything we saw in Honduras. Upon our return, I found myself waving hello to complete strangers, something I haven’t done since growing up in small-town East Texas. I hope that everyone on the trip holds on to a little of the warmth and humanity we were shown in Roatan and will share it with our neighbors in Houston. ]

Lauren Hughey, a former member of the staff of Institutional Advancement, has moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., with her husband, David Stewart, M.D., ’08, where he will complete his residency in med-peds