Krysten Cefalo, one of our talented medical assistants, chose to “treat” herself to a different vacation this fall for her birthday. She decided to volunteer in Costa Rica at medical shelters for elderly people and ill children with disabilities through International Volunteer HQ. Volunteering for a medical mission was something she wanted to do for years, but never had the confidence to do it until she had years of medical experience as a nurse.
Krysten spent a week doing wellness checks, changing wounds, giving injections (up to 48 in a day!), and attending to bed-bound patients. Although she did not speak the local language, Spanish, she managed to comfort patients through her caring gestures and gentle smile. Reusing gloves and unsterilized syringes was the hardest thing to get accustomed to, but it made her appreciate the great health care she has here in Boston. Also, working along unqualified staff, made her realized how lucky she is to have the resources and the support of skilled colleagues here at SkinCare Physicians.
Thanks to SkinCare Physicians, Krysten was able to bring boxes of much needed biopsy kits, syringes and gloves that were distributed to medical centers throughout Costa Rica.
Despite the long working days and lengthy daily commutes, Krysten is extremely grateful for this first, very rewarding experience helping those most in need, both physically and emotionally. She will do it again!
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