Cuready is immensely proud of our partnership with the Foundation for African Medicine and Education (FAME) and the incredible experiences it provides for our travelers. Recently, one of our dedicated MFM sonographers, Bria Davis, returned from her volunteer assignment in Karatu, Tanzania, and shared her inspiring journey with us.
"Before leaving for Tanzania, my main goal was to provide organized and necessary PowerPoint presentations to help the FAME staff with ultrasound training," Bria explains. "I've always wanted to be of service in another country, and I'm truly passionate about maternal health. As an MFM sonographer, I've seen firsthand the crucial role that ultrasound plays in prenatal and postnatal care."
Bria's daily routine at FAME was both structured and enriching. "Every day started with morning meetings that included educational presentations from guest speakers, other volunteers, or physicians. These sessions were invaluable for highlighting expectations and discussing special cases within the various units of the FAME facility," she recalls. "Following the morning reports, I had the opportunity to round in the maternity ward, work in the radiology ultrasound department, or assist doctors in high-risk or low-risk clinics. Sharing daily chai (tea) and traditional Tanzanian lunches with the staff provided brief but meaningful moments to build connections and friendships."
The experience was not without its challenges. "Resource accessibility was a significant hurdle," Bria notes. "Essential medications were often out of reach due to their cost, limiting their use, despite their effectiveness. For instance, misoprostol, though effective, was sparingly used. There were also limitations in obstetrical ultrasound access, with a shortage of specialists to provide necessary follow-ups."
Despite these obstacles, Bria found the experience deeply rewarding. "Witnessing FAME's dedication to integrating education and medicine with available resources was incredibly inspiring. Their weekly educational radio broadcast reaches millions in the Tanzanian community, which is a testament to their commitment. The simple joy and gratitude from expectant mothers, expressed through bright smiles and heartfelt 'thank you's' upon learning the sex of their babies or completing their ultrasound, were moments of profound satisfaction. FAME's commitment to family-oriented care and forging connections through medicine was evident and uplifting."
Reflecting on her time in Tanzania, Bria shares,
"After spending three unforgettable weeks on FAME’s campus in Karatu, Tanzania, I've gained invaluable experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime. Interacting with FAME's family-oriented team and the local community felt wonderfully familiar, reminiscent of the southern hospitality ingrained in my upbringing. The constant greetings of 'Jambo' or 'Habari' made me feel included and welcome from the start. This opportunity allowed me to grow and step out of my comfort zone. I connected with professionals beyond Tanzania, educating them on obstetrical/gynecological ultrasound. Thanks to Cuready, this journey was made possible, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to embark on this purposeful learning experience. I hope this marks the beginning of a lasting connection with FAME, supporting sonographers and emphasizing the importance of this crucial skill. Asante Sana (Swahili for “thank you very much”), Cuready!"
As part of Cuready’s commitment to FAME, we provide annual contributions and sponsor medical volunteer trips to Tanzania. Our travel associates, like Bria, patient care, staffing support, training, and education on current medical practices and techniques in the areas of Perinatal Sonography, Adult and Pediatric Cardiology, and Obstetrical and Gynecological sonography. These volunteers work alongside Tanzanian medical professionals, sharing knowledge and expertise to provide the best possible care to patients in need.
Bria Davis' journey is a shining example of the impact our partnerships can have, not only on the communities we serve but also on the professional and personal growth of our health care professionals. We are honored to support such meaningful experiences and look forward to many more stories of dedication and service. If you are interested in embarking on a journey like Bria’s and making a meaningful impact, reach out to us at Cuready Healthcare Staffing.
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