The project accomplished several goals. We continued to build on the work we had begun in reconstructive and plastic surgery, and expand into the areas of pediatric eye diseases, urological surgery, nurse education at the School of Nursing, and an expanded lecture series. I am overwhelmed with the response and support we have received both in Vietnam and also in Calgary. Never have I experienced such gratitude and appreciation for the work I love to do. At a time when there is frustration and uncertainty about the state of our health care system, it is humbling when I see that others in the world face even more difficult choices or no choice at all.
Physician volunteers pay all their expenses.
Project Outreach continues to grow and gain support. We have changed some children's live and hope to change many more. This past trip we signed a five-year agreement with the Health Services of the Province of DaNang. Our long term goal is DaNang health care team independence from Project Outreach, and for DaNang health care workers to teach their new skills and knowledge to their colleagues in Vietnam. The rewards of the kind of experience gained on Project Outreach are not tangible.