As doctors, we are often expected to not only cure and treat illnesses but also to care for the community and give back. Recently, I had the privilege to participate in a volunteer medical trip to one of the more underprivileged areas of Hong Kong. This experience profoundly highlighted the scarcity of medical resources on the fringes of the city and underscored the importance of medical services to the local residents.
Our volunteer team visited a small village in Hong Kong where the infrastructure is relatively underdeveloped. Many elderly residents find it difficult to travel to hospitals in the city center due to poor transportation options. The local clinic was modestly equipped and lacked sufficient medical staff. Under such conditions, volunteering is not just about providing medical services but is an act of social care.
During the trip, we primarily offered basic physical examinations, treatment for common ailments, and health education workshops. Facing many villagers who came for consultation, we endeavored to answer their questions and treat their illnesses with the utmost professional knowledge and skills. Through these interactions, I felt the villagers' eagerness for health knowledge and their gratitude for our presence.
One of the most memorable moments was with an elderly woman who had difficulty walking and had not been able to have a proper health check-up for many years. We conducted a basic health examination for her and arranged for further medical support. When she held my hand, her eyes brimming with tears, thanking us for our help, I deeply felt the responsibilities and mission of being a doctor.
This volunteer experience made me rethink the meaning of medical services and helped me to understand that behind our professional skills, what's more important is the respect for life and a sense of responsibility towards society. In the future, I will continue to participate in more such activities, using my expertise to give back to the community and delight in helping others.
This medical trip was not just an outing but a cleansing for the soul. I believe that every small effort is a force for societal progress. For those living in areas with scarce medical resources, each of our visits brings hope and change. This is the most precious part of the medical profession and the reason I am committed to this career path.
Dr.Hiram Ip cares for you.