January 2009Diagnostic laboratory construction complete! Lab doors opened during February 2009 Albany Medical Center mission.    February 2009As the clinic grows and matures, traveling teams and the mission continuously evolve. During this trip, the goal was not to treat a mass of patients, though this was still done, but rather, to fine-tune the practice of the medicine and create key local partnerships. In an effort to improve prospects for sustainability and improve medical care, partnerships were formed with local Ugandan Associations, such as Uganda Cares, an HIV/AIDS organization, the Ugandan Ministry of Health, and Rakai Health Sciences Program. The February team consisted of the infamous Dr. Joe and Dr. Paeglow, who both accompanied on the inaugural mission, Dr. Higgins, the Assistant Dean of Albany Medical College, Dr. Elguero, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Albany Medical Center, residents Dr. Cruz and Dr. Brown, a handful of medical students, ED nurse Mike, photographer Bryan Meltz, Engeye Scholars representative, Theresa Weinman, and the three Engeye board members. We worked with the local Ugandan staff and Union College Minerva fellows, Steve and Becky, and together the team advanced in many new, unexpected directions. Wiser business models were created as well as refined diagnostic and treatment protocols to strengthen medical care.   Photographer Bryan Meltz journeys to Ddegeya Village with the medical crew. www.bryanmeltz.com  Children in Ddegeya Village were captivated by their first film! Thanks to a donated projector, the efforts of Union College Minerva Fellows and locals Richard and John who secured sufficient solar energy and prepared a white wall in the clinic, “movie night” debuted with the showing of “Wall-E”. The movie had the local children absolutely spellbound as the compelling story of the diminutive robot unfolded in their first-ever movie experience. March 2009 Dr. Pieter Smit, devoted surgical intern, traveled to Ddegeya Village during his only two week vacation of the insane first year of residency to perform circumcisions. Studies have shown male circumcision reduces the spread of heterosexually acquired HIV by 60%. Dr. Smit's surgical mission was a success as village boys were circumcised for the first time, relatively pain-free with a zero percent complication rate.  Engeye continuously strives to be eco-friendly and environmentally conscientious. In line with these aspirations, the clinic purchased a high temperature incinerator, courtesy of the Technology4Tomorrow to responsibly dispose of medical waste and eliminate dangerous trash piles. June 2009Engeye has obtained NGO status in Uganda (Engeye has already been recognized as an American NGO in Uganda and is now a joint US-Ugandan NGO).  |
