In the extraordinary heat of April, our "regular" team returned. Drs. Ralph Chesson, Karolynn Echols, Cynthia Hall, Briana Robinson-Walton, Okey Ibaneu, Saifuddin Mama, Star Hampton, Sharon Knight and Roberta Blandon braved the 120-degree heat once again. Joining us this time were Fellows Dr.Rene Ward and Dr. Sharon Jakus.

Our Anesthesia team included Dr. Fatai Illupeju, Dr. Ricardo Palop, Anesthesia Nurses Janet Dewan and Emily Ostiguy. The Nursing team was lead by returning nurse, Kathleen Scott and assisted by Julia Chandler. Our non-medical volunteers were Horace Field and Ellen Palop.

Dr. Rene Ward wrote:

"What a privilege to be invited on this trip. I knew going into it that there would be no way to predict what the experience would be like, but it exceeded my expectations on all levels. From that first greeting in the courtyard, I realized that these missions were having a significant impact. The patients' smiles were the largest, most sincere expression of appreciation that I can fathom. You have created something truly unique. The atmosphere of the medical trip allowed everyone to be included, most importantly the Nigeriens. The patients inspired me,.. I had expected to be moved, but I did not anticipate having Peace Corps volunteers so fluent in their local languages -- this allowed a degree of communication that I had not hoped for. This enabled us to know the women, not just their medical complaints. It was an absolute privilege to be part of a team delivering that level of quality, respectful medical care and education. Medically, the exchange of ideas and dialogue regarding patient care was wonderful. There was so much mutual respect. To see the senior physicians ask the more junior members where they had found the fistula during the intitial examination when it was not immediately apparent; this enabled the patients to get the appropriate care. To read about these fistulas is one thing, to see them is another. I was deeply grateful for the senior members of the team and their knowledge, for Dr. Abdoulaye's knowlege, because these were injuries that are hard to imagine, let alone correct."

Standing from left: Ricardo Palop, Renee Ward, Julia Chandler, Fatai Ilupeju, Janet Dewan, Emily Ostiguy Kneeling with Hamadou Abdou is Sharon Jakus and Horace Field.

Dr. Saifuddin Mama and Dr. Rene Ward writing up medical records.

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