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Humans of Vietnam: Clinic Patients

“We all came here at 7am and waited for your clinic to open this morning. It is not very often that free healthcare services like this are offered in our town, so we all make the effort to get here early when we heard about you coming. There has been a lot of people who came in, but you all have been quite efficient. We are very thankful for you students to come all this way and help us. Hopefully, you may all return next year.” 

**unfortunately as I was talking to these ladies I forgot to ask for their names before they had to leave :( 

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NGÀY 12 and 13: Bến Tre Clinics

Doctors Le, Phung, and Bui pose in the above picture, excited to carry out our final clinic

At the closing of our 9G mission trip, we concluded with two medical and dental clinics in the province of Bến Tre. Leaving Saigon at 4:30 am, we reached Bến Tre around 7am and had our services set up by 9:30. Our clinic locations change every year because MEMO aims to fulfill its mission by providing free health services to a wide array of villages where such resources are scarce. We cater to people of all ages, but have found that a large portion of our patients consist of the elderly.

At these clinics, our entire team is put to work providing health services including: dental, ultrasound, EKG, physical therapy, vital signs, pharmacy, and general doctor checkups. We experienced several technical difficulties on the second day due to a power outage in the village where our clinic was left operating entirely by a single generator; however our team and the local healthcare providers were able to pull it off and carry out a final successful clinic day and address the patients’ needs. These clinic days were the most tiring of our trip, but the most worthwhile because we were able to see every single member put in their trained skills and compassion to help real patients in the community.

These patients were already waiting when we arrived at our site. Some come as early as 6am. The total number of patients that we saw for both days estimate slightly under 1000. 

Dr. Phung and Dr. Duy address the health complaints of two patients

Dr. Belville shows MEMO student Sherman Chu the ultrasound results of a patient

Michael Nguyen, Michael Huynh, and Antonia Nguyen work hastily and efficiently in the pharmacy department to provide patients with their needed medications. You wouldn’t believe how large the crowd for pharmacy was! 

Alex Pham instructs a patient proper physical therapy exercises for reduced body strain and pain

Rosemary Ha organizes dental instruments in preparation for our doctors and assistants

Gavin To measures the blood pressure of a patient before she continues on to our other services

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NGÀY 11: Kỳ Quang Orphanage

At the heart of Ho Chi Minh City lies Kỳ Quang Pagoda- a center for Buddhist monuments and practice. Kỳ Quang Pagoda runs its own orphanage and takes in disabled children of Vietnam. There are currently approximately 200 children cared for by this orphanage. Many of the children either have Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, blindness, or hydrocephalus. In addition to our annual excursion to Thien Binh Orphanage, MEMO also visits Kỳ Quang Orphanage each year to broaden the perspectives of MEMO students. We gained the opportunity to learn about the prevalent diseases affecting those in Vietnam that can easily be cured in America. Hydrocephalus in America may be cured by a simple method using a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain’s ventricles to other parts of the body where it may be absorbed. In Vietnam however, this procedure is more costly and many see it as more of a burden to care for the child and rather choose to abandon them. It was certainly an eye-opening experience for all of us. 

Tamara Chan keeps company with a baby named Loc, living with hydrocephalus. Loc is 3 years old and is blind due to his disease. Dr. Belville explained that although we may interpret what these orphans are feeling as constant pain, they do not because the sensation of pain is learned. Since this has always been what they experienced, they do not understand it as pain. As volunteers, we may merely help by showing our affection through touch and keeping them company. 

The volunteers here often sit by the babies’ sides stroking their hands, singing to them, and feeding them throughout the day. 

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NGÀY 10: Long An Đức Huệ Scholarships

The MEMO 9G Mission team traveled on the above boat for 40 minutes to reach the school where we gave out scholarships and school supplies. Our engine died twice and by the time we reached the school, everyone was soaked in their own sweat as we crossed an unsteady bridge in groups of three. It was quite adventurous for us all nonetheless! 

MEMO student Tiffany Dang smiles with two students who had just received their scholarships. 

$60 will allow each student from this school a whole year’s worth of tuition. We were able to provide scholarships to the top students of each class, as well as school supplies. The ceremony’s duration was about 30 minutes, with parents of selected students watching proudly from the sides. 

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Humans of Vietnam: Phương Thảo & Thanh Thảo

“We have both grown up in this orphanage since we were babies; it’s been a long time that we can’t remember how old we were when we first came here. We both love this place because we have a lot of friends here and the sisters take care of us. The sisters give us our schooling and also show us gardening every day. When the kids here turn 17, they may choose to leave or have the sisters continue to help them get into college.” 

Phương Thảo hopes to be a singer when she grows up, and Thanh Thảo aspires to become a doctor. 

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Humans of Vietnam: Nguyen Thi Hanh

“I’m 36 weeks pregnant with my baby girl, and I’m really excited. I have a 22 month daughter at home. The pregnancy’s been pretty good for the most part; it’s a little painful to walk, there’s swelling at my ankles, and I’ve been really craving grilling potatoes!”

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NGÀY 09: Thiên Bình Orphanage

Every year, our MEMO team travels to Thiên Bình Orphanage and spends a day there playing with the children, as well as set up an entire dental and medical clinic. Although space is limited, Dr. Bui and the local dentists somehow consistently find a way to accommodate everything in order for our services to be carried out in full. Thiên Bình Orphanage is sustained by 15-20 nuns who have reared the children since they were young, teaching them academics, planting gardens, and generally being their guardians. Currently, there are nearly 200 orphans whose ages range from 0-17 living at Thiên Bình. This orphanage has become a significant component to MEMO’s annual mission trips, providing our team with a tangible sense of gratification upon volunteering with such joyous children who grew up with very few. 

Today, our dental team served approximately 50 children, while our EKG and Ultrasound team screened nearly 20 elderly patients who also reside at the orphanage. Additionally, we had a few members assist in cooking while others played with the infants. We left for the orphanage at 7am and ended the day around 4pm. Everyone was exhausted, especially because the heat was entrenching upon us- but that didn’t prevent us from having fun spending time with the children. 

Gavin To assists Dr. Timothy Bui in a cavity filling for one of the orphans. Dr. Bui is an extremely thorough and patient teacher; we found that as exhausting as being on the dental team can be, we have learned to appreciate all of the hands-on experience that has been offered. 

Many of the children are timid initially, but they love having us take pictures of them! They would crowd around our cameras giggling and ask for more every time. 

These elderly ladies also live at the orphanage and help sustain the institution. We screened them using our EKG and ultrasound equipment today. They have such lovely smiles!

Riding on our shoulders and backs seemed to be a favorite game for many of the kids. Hearing their laughter as they played was my favorite part. 

- Kathleen

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NGÀY 07 and 08: Surgical Rotations

I swear we are smiling beneath these masks. #memo9G

After another 8 hour bus ride back to Saigon from Ninh Thuận everyone was more than ready to stretch our legs during the surgical rotations in the University Hospital. We all had the chance to view various surgical procedures on the OR floor ranging from open heart surgeries to C-sections and oral surgeries. All the MEMO-bers had the chance to rotate through the different rooms to view different procedures and learn from the Vietnamese surgeons about each case. Dr. Christopher Bui and Dr. Lanh Phung accompanied us to help explain each procedure in the rooms as well. The students also had a chance to go with Dr. Timothy Bui to view oral surgeries including a cleft palette surgery. 

The nurses worked quickly to supply this newborn baby girl with oxygen. It was the most beautiful thing to hear her take her first breath and see her born completely healthy. 

It was a privilege to see the tiny beating of a one year old patient’s heart and to see the surgeon stitch together a broken heart- pun intended. 

-Mimi 

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NGÀY 05: Ninh Thuận Clinic

After an 8 hour bus ride from Saigon to Ninh Thuận, we finally arrived at the hospital were our medical and dental teams set up the free health clinic for the local community. We provided dental check-ups, blood pressure measurements, heart check-ups and ultrasound, and physical therapy for the people in Ninh Thuận. The main focus of this clinic was to diagnose and provide check-ups for children with congenital heart diseases from the ages of 1-18. The dental team also worked to give check-ups, extractions, fillings, and dental education for children. 

The triage team measures blood pressure for each patient before they can go in for the heart or dental check-ups. 

The dental team of 20 students worked with the local dentists in Ninh Thuận and our very own Dr. Timothy Bui to perform various procedures. 

All the MEMO-bers had fun playing with the children that came for health check-ups during clinic day. The balloons and bubbles were a huge hit that day for students of all ages. 

Everyone had the chance to learn something new during our first day of clinic. It was really eye opening for the MEMO-bers to see the dentists and doctors at work for the first time. More importantly, it was gratifying to see our work here make a difference in this underserved community. After seven hours of hard work in the dental and triage team, we were able to treat around 70 patients and however exhausted we were, everyone went home with a smile on their faces. 

-Mimi

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Humans of Vietnam: Kim Oanh

Kim Oanh is a bright and cheerful 11 year-old girl that we met at the hospital of Ninh Thuận with her family. Her older sister Tỉnh (third from left), explained to us that Kim Oanh often gets tired suddenly; thus, they are hoping to find an explanation why and for the treatments that may help her. Her family heard from friends that physicians from abroad were arriving, and so they brought her in to receive a free heart screening as well as a dental check-up. Because Kim Oanh’s family also resides in a more destitute condition, her grandmother said that it was even an obstacle for them to visit the doctor every 5 years. 

Despite her sudden onsets of fatigue, Kim Oanh didn’t fail to show us her beautiful smile and effervescence as we interviewed her. 

by: Kathleen

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Humans of Vietnam: Danh & Đạt

Within a household of just three, this lady cares for the health of her two boys Danh (left) and Đạt (right) as much as her finance allows. She says that Đạt was found to have congenital heart issues at 13 months old and physicians recommended that he would have regular checkups every 3 months. Unfortunately due to their poor state, they have limited access to seeing a doctor regularly and Đạt often goes a very long time without having his heart evaluated. After hearing from her sister that American doctors were coming to the province of Ninh Thuận to provide free clinical services, she found the opportunity to bring her sons in for their health checkups. Đạt was able to get his heart screened and Danh was seen by our dental team. Danh is 2.5 years old, while Đạt is currently 7 years old.  

The two boys were very shy, but it was easy to get a smile on Đạt’s face after I showed him the bottom picture of himself on camera.  

by: Kathleen

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NGÀY 03: Hospital Tour

Today we were able to go to the Ho Chi Minh Medicine and Pharmacy University. It has one of the top medical school and hospital in Vietnam. When we arrived, we were able to award heart surgeries for two children with congenital heart disease. It was really great seeing all of our fundraising efforts this past year turn into something tangible and life changing.

MEMO raised over $7,000 USD for two heart surgeries. Also it’s very hard to have group pictures where everyone is ready and looking at one camera.

An MRI technician carefully views a patient during a scan.

Only some MEMObers were able to view surgeries, so the rest of us explored the area around our hotel in Saigon. We’ve been talking about getting our earwax removed (yes it’s a thing) professionally, so off we went. It was definitely a different experience; some parts were relaxing, and at some parts I was clutching onto the bed due to discomfort. Would I do it again? Possibly not. A lot of people were big fans of it, though. 

Mason looks like he fell into ear heaven. Or he fell asleep.

Fruits at the indoor market. The mangoes were deliciousssssss!!! It was a struggle trying to find the right price for the fruit. Haggling is one of the first things everyone should learn before going to Vietnam. 

- cat. pc: kathleen 

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Humans of Vietnam: Dũng

“I decided to sell coconuts and sugar cane drinks because it’s an easy way to make money, and foreigners love it. I’m known to be overly enthusiastic and passionate when selling my coconuts, so tourists always come back to me, even years later. They remember me as the happiest coconut guy in all of Vietnam.” 

- cat

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NGÀY 01 and 02: Hello Vietnam!

After weeks of preparation and training, we finally made it to the airport! We all brought our belongings + the boxes that we assembled during inventory day. We were on the plane to Hong Kong for about 14 hours, and then transferred to a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Butts were sore for sitting for prolonged periods, and some had sore necks from sleeping in weird positions. Between the flights, we were able to socialize, play games like Taboo (so competitive..), and express our excitement/anxiety of getting to Vietnam.

When we got out of the Ho Chi Minh airport, the hot & humid air slapped us in the face. Good thing I acclimated in the sauna for about a month prior to the trip, so the temperature difference wasn’t too shocking.

The first thing we did after leaving the airport was get cơm tấm (broken rice) for lunch and it satisfied our hunger, except that Cathy found a fly in her soup…. no worries though she’s still alive and healthy!

We finally reached Hoang Hai Long Hotel 2 and everyone rushed to the showers. Everyone was more than enthused to settle in, clean up themselves, and get some rest after the constant traveling. Tonight, we will begin the adventures of exploring Vietnam! Can’t wait to come across all the treasures that our motherland holds and start practicing our (non)haggling skills!

Peace and love!  

- Cathy & Kathleen

MEMO 9G in Hong Kong waiting for our next flight to Vietnam

Spencer Kieu poses with some suitcases upon our arrival in Saigon.

First stop:  Cơm tấm Cali

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PRE-TRIP: DENTAL TRAINING

During the first training day (the day we learn and practice clinical procedures that will be utilized on the trip), Dr. Timothy Bui revealed the list of people who are able to work with him and the dentists. The list was around 20 MEMObers, and he introduced a novel idea that prevents “burning out” during clinic visits: split the 20 into two groups of 10, and switch off on clinic days. This way, people can take a break from the exhausting yet exciting dental clinics, and have experience in other roles such as EKG or blood pressure. He sent us off that day emphasizing the importance of reading over dental packet, learning simple Vietnamese phrases, and watching recorded procedures.

“The more you learn before the trip, the more fulfilling the trip will be. I guarantee it.” - Dr. Bui

He also mentioned quizzing us (in a fun way of course!) on the tools and procedures.. If you don’t pass the quiz, you’d have to attend the second day of dental training. This was enough motivation for the dental team to study our butts off and impress the dentists!

The team arrived at his beautiful Newport office on July 12th in new navy blue MEMO scrubs. Dr. Bui started by introducing all the dentists and assistants. But! We can’t have a congregation without taking a picture, right? Here’s the dental team in full glory:

After the photo op, Dr. Bui goes over the first couple pages of the dental packet: screenings by the medical team, medical history, medical emergencies, which were followed by dental screening, dental education, suctioning technique, and infection control. There was a lot of information, but it was absorbable.

Then, we were split up into four groups, where each group is led by a dentist. Armed with our packets and pens, we stationed and cycled throughout his office. We learned the immediate need for the extraction procedure in Vietnam, since many of the patients encountered by the dental team will end up with a pulled tooth or two due to headaches and soreness. For these procedures, including amalgam (silver filling) and composite (white filling), we were guided through the vast number of different tools that caters to specific teeth. It really did make my appreciate the craftsmanship of the dentist in carving/reconstructing a tooth, and all of the tools? They look almost indistinguishable to the untrained eye in regards to the extraction tools, but in a high-stress situation, a dentist still has to choose the right tool for the patient.

After making rounds through his office, Dr. Bui gave the team a short study break prior to the quiz. Reminiscent of finals week, the members were frantically shuffling through the packets, quizzing each other, talking to themselves, the whole shebang. The quiz was surprisingly super fun, engaging, and everyone learned a lot. Also the members all passed!!!!!

Studious and diligent MEMObers review dental notes before the quiz. When the training simmered down, Dr. Bui invited the dental team members to a sushi dinner in Irvine. It was a great opportunity to mingle and strengthen existing relationships. The food was great too!

-cat. pc: kevin trieu nguyen

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PRE-TRIP: MEDICAL TRAINING

Training Day! It’s one of the most important event leading up to the trip. This is when the 9G MEMObers are exposed to the equipment and roles during the trip that is necessary for heath care. Doctors were also present on this day each doctor manned a station. We were able to train for taking medical history, triage, blood pressure, blood glucose, physical therapy, EKG, and ultrasound!

For many people, this was their first time being immersed with clinical equipment, but the patient and energetic doctors and past-mission goers kept the newbies at ease while helping them learn.

Wrap around the brachial artery, listen to the music of the body (aka Korotkoff sounds), take note of the systolic and diastolic pressures!

Looking for the correct intercostal space (area between the rib bones) to attach electrodes during an EKG demonstration.

The role of the student here is important for increasing the efficiency of the doctors and health professionals in Vietnam. Many of us hope to get into medical or a different health graduate school, so the skills learned will be extremely useful for the future. It is empowering knowing that one person’s role is critical in providing quality healthcare for those in need.

After learning about the technical aspects of the trip, we were given handouts on what to bring on the trip, dress code, and code of conduct. 

We’ll be having four clinics, and the skills learned on Training day will be utilized for service. However, the biggest learning point will happen during the trip, when we become the gears of this well-oiled health machine.

- cat. pc: kevin trieu nguyen

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PRE-TRIP: 9G SOCIAL

With one intense day of packing down, the 9G members decided to reward ourselves with a day of fun. We all headed down to Mile Square Park for some delicious BBQ (courtesy of our favorite cook: David Nguyen) and good old fashioned bonding activities before the trip. The team leaders and members were revealed that day too with the four ‘90s Cartoons themed groups being: Team Hey Arnold, Team Rocket Power, Team Rugrats, and Team Powerpuff Girls. 

With so many new faces to meet, we got a chance to learn everyone’s name while playing the blanket game. 

The four teams engaged in a friendly (though slightly unfair) game of tug-of-war won by Team Hey Arnold! 

We all had a nice lunch of hot dogs, burgers, and other goodies brought by the members for the potluck. After eating, we all got up close and personal with a few ice breakers and games.

Of course no picnic would be complete without a watermelon eating contest. I wonder what competitive eating tactic Spencer was using here. 

By the end of the day, 9G mission goers had fun bonding under the sun and enjoying their summer together before the trip. 

- mimi. pc: kevin trieu nguyen