Sooooo, it’s happening!!! In 4 weeks I am going to fly to Madagascar and serve on the African Mercy for 2 weeks.
The flights have been booked, all my vaccinations are in order, my e-learnings done, I am ready to go!
I am so excited and the nerves are creeping in a little. I am going to give anesthesia with a very diverse team from all over the world. Everything is going to be different, to start with the language. I speak English, yes, but medical English is different. I will manage but it is going to take some getting used to.
I am excited to see Madagascar too and experience the Malagasy culture.
Also, what surgeries am I going to do and how old and sick will my patients be. I have so many questions.
The process of getting here was a long one.
First you have to apply online and see if there are any positions available. Then you have to go through an online interview, medical testing, getting together a proof of vaccinations, signs all the paperwork, do about 4 hours of e-learnings. I started the process in September of 2024 and got an invitation letter in January 2025.
I leave on the 14th of june and will be on the ship, named the African Mercy, on the 15th of June.
I intend to post something on her regularly to document my time onboard.
After I will go travel Madagascar for another 3 weeks and will be back in the Netherlands on the 18th of July.
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