VCOM View Magazine Vol. 13 | No. 1

Faculty Spotlight Healing Hands in Chembolet Dr. Gwenn Jackson’s Transformative Medical Mission in Kenya G wenn Jackson, MD, VCOM Louisiana’s OB/GYN discipline chair, recently returned from a by Danielle Voumard

Health Service and provided care to more than 800 individuals, addressing issues like uncontrolled hypertension, pediatric respiratory illnesses and musculoskeletal complaints. Each day began with a 40-minute drive to the community clinic, where patients were already waiting. After a prayer, the team treated patients from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with only a 15-minute break for a simple lunch. An emergency medical technician triaged patients, directing the most serious cases to Dr. Jackson. Hundreds of Kenyans with a variety of health concerns waited under tents, with those not seen one day prioritized on the next. Counseling and prayer were also provided. After the clinic, the team returned to the city, secured supplies and debriefed over a meal. For Dr. Jackson, the ability to utilize her Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) skills was a highlight. “As an MD trained in OMT when I joined the VCOM faculty, on this trip, I was able for the first time to utilize my new skills to help women with musculoskeletal pain.” One memorable case

transformative medical mission trip to Chembolet, Kenya. This community of 6,000 in northwest Kenya welcomed Dr. Jackson and her medical team as they provided crucial medical care over the course of a week. The goals of the mission were to strengthen the relationship with the Chembolet community and organizer, 410 Bridge, and to promote self-sufficiency in the community. “The community leadership believes the strength of the community is dependent upon proper medical care for the people,” Dr. Jackson explains. In addition to medical care, the mission also focused on water purification, economic development, education and spiritual support. Dr. Jackson served as the mission’s medical director, and she was the only physician on the eight person team from the United States. She coordinated resources, provided general medicine evaluations and consulted on cervical and breast cancer screenings. The team also included members from the Kenyan

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