The realities of life on the reservation and illness endemic to the Southwest challenged me. Although many of the injuries and illness were the same as those routinely seen in most emergency departments, common to this region are Hantavirus, plague, scorpion stings, and rattlesnake and black widow spider bites. As an urban practitioner, I was unfamiliar with treating horse, tractor, and other farm-related injuries.

Volunteering for an Indian Health Service hospital has broadened my knowledge, increased my skills, and allowed me to explore a new culture. Consider volunteering at the Gallup Indian Medical Center. Physicians work four ED shifts per week. Your expenses will be reimbursed, malpractice insurance will be covered, and you will receive an introduction to life in the Navajo Nation. During your time off, you can hike, bike, rock climb, and explore nearby national parks as well as nearby cities such as Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Take advantage of this enriching opportunity to serve a community living in near-developing-world conditions right here in the United States. n

To learn more, contact Dr. Thompson at Jennifer_n_thompson@hotmail.com. She is a faculty member, Georgetown University Hospital / Washington Hospital Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program.