Lessons

So, what did I learn? Before my first medical mission trip in college, I had grand aspirations of how those people were going to benefit from my assistance as a premed student. Conversely, I returned home and began to unpack the truckload of emotions in how they positively impacted me. 

Several trips and years later, I blazed another personal trail into a war-torn country as a boarded emergency physician. Despite possessing additional medical knowledge, I braced myself for the potential impact that they would have on me. Hundreds of patients, residents, teas, amazing meals, group photos, hugs, and a few tears later, I processed the emotional onion of this wonderful experience one layer at a time.

I went from watching my back to being treated like family and, occasionally, a celebrity. Love, kindness, and appreciation were freely given from a country and people I had not previously known. What started as a once-in-a-lifetime trip is now hopefully an annual experience. Thank you, Kurdistan, for opening my eyes to a larger, more complete worldview. I cannot wait to see you again! 

Dr. Balentine is assistant system medical director of emergency/hospitalist medicine at St. Vincent’s Health System and facility medical director of emergency medicine at St. Vincent’s Blount in Oneonta, Alabama, and St. Clair in Pell City, Alabama.