EXPLORATION the clinic’s needs and providing medical education. One significant achievement was raising funds for a portable ultrasound machine and training a midwife to use it. They also work closely with the clinic’s medical officer, seeing patients together, although they hold a license to practice medicine in Uganda independently. Challenges Faced by the Clinic “I have two main goals when I’m over there. First is to assess the needs of the clinic and help where possible,” Dr. Jones-Nosacek said. “My other goal is to teach, working with the resources they have. I often work with a medical officer to see patients together.” The clinic faces numerous challenges, particularly supply chain issues. Essential items like suture scissors and first-line antibiotics are often unavailable. For instance, during a recent stay, there were no antibiotics to treat a hand infection from a human bite, necessitating improvised treatment without the ability to perform cultures. Additionally, the clinic’s centrifuge is broken, and there are no funds to replace it. Financial difficulties are a constant issue for the clinic. Staff salaries are often delayed for months. Despite these challenges, the staff performs remarkably well with minimal resources, sometimes working without pay. “One of our wonderful success stories is David Ocan,” JonesNosacek added. “David is one of the students we supported through dental school. His is only one of two dental officers for the district with contains over 150,000 people.” Mission in the Dominican Republic Meanwhile, Dr. Champion’s choice to provide help in the Dominican Republic (DR) stemmed partially from travels into Puerto Rico and Mexico, the latter as part of Carroll’s New Cultural Experiences Program (NCEP) when he was a student. As noted, Dr. Champion was inspired by Dr. Bud Hudson; specifically, his NCEP to Mexico’s healthcare program, which left a lasting impression. Dr. Champion’s mission work in the DR began as an opportunity to join a 30-year-old eye program in the country, to now add dental services. The DR’s healthcare system struggles with inadequate services for most citizens and poor dental hygiene exacerbated by a high-sugar diet. The team’s screening processes often uncovered other health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes. “The DR citizens are part of our global family and deserve equal care,” said Dr. Champion. Challenges and Successes in the Dominican Republic The mission faced numerous logistical challenges, including language barriers, dietary issues, and transporting equipment. Bureaucratic hurdles and corruption also posed significant obstacles. Housing varied greatly, with some locations lacking basic amenities. Even the food and drinks created potential issues. Despite these difficulties, the clinical treatment provided was highly successful and appreciated by the DR patients and their families, who expressed their gratitude through affectionate gestures and celebratory activities. Reflections and Unfortunate Circumstances Unfortunately, due to logistical difficulties, loss of local support, an aging volunteer staff and other increasing challenges, the combo dental/eye mission in the DR was discontinued after 35 years. Nevertheless, the experience demonstrated the profound impact of humanitarian efforts and the resilience of those who serve. “We hope that everything we accomplished over 35 years demonstrates that even with significant challenges, humanity can persevere and do good to help others,” Dr. Champion said. “Maybe others will see our efforts and follow suit.” Both Dr. Jones-Nosacek and Dr. Champion expressed that their experiences at Carroll, including the friendship and support ofstudents and professors, helped direct them into the people they ultimately became and the service they provided. “One of my fondest memories at Carroll was when I found out I was accepted into medical school,” Dr. Jones-Nosacek explained. “Everyone cheered for me as I entered the classroom.” “The relations I created at Carroll stand out. All my friends in Steele Hall and some fellow biology buddies that remain today,” Dr. Champion said. “And now becoming a Carroll legacy family with my children becoming Carroll alumni, it makes lifetime memories and ongoing friendships into eternity.” The journeys of Dr. Jones-Nosacek and Dr. Champion, from Carroll University to international mission work, reflect a life dedicated to service and compassion, fostering global connections and transforming lives across continents. 20 carrollu.edu
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