Preparation is underway for the group of Temple University School of Pharmacy students going on their annual Medical Mission Trip. As seen in previous years, the group of pharmacy students will travel to Southern Vietnam to provide the Vietnamese people with free healthcare and medication that would otherwise be inaccessible do to financial burdens.
“We were able to treat over 3,000 patients with orthopedic illness, as well as help fit over 400 prosthesis for patients who have lost limbs due to silent landmines, infection, and diabetic complications,” said Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Charles Ruchalski.
Since 2012 Temple’s students and faculty partnered with Mercer University have been traveling to Vietnam to assist the Vietnamese people. The mission not only provides the locals with needed medical care, but also aims to provide students with an environment that helps improve their clinical abilities and increase their appreciation for helping the less fortunate.
“It’s something that we can use in our other clinical rotations because you interact with patients so much in that setting,” said third year professional in the Temple School of Pharmacy, Meghan Mitchell.
Preparation sessions are held at the Temple School of Pharmacy to help students learn the language and practice different medical techniques needed for the trip. Although preparation is underway, donations are still appreciated.
“[You can] donate directly to the school if you send a check to 3307 North Broad Street and indicate it on the memo section that this is for the Vietnam Mission,” said Director of Development for the Temple School of Pharmacy, Christopher Van Vessem.
As the students and faculty continue to raise money for their mission trip to Vietnam, the students will continue to practice for their journey oversees in the meantime.
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