Greetings from beautiful St. Thomas! Where do I even begin? We have so much to share from the past 7 days, so we decided to do a photo blog so you could experience it with us!
As Holly mentioned in her previous post, the eight of us were split up for the first week (1/2 with Dr. Barzey, 1/2 at the FQHC). The lovely staff at the FQHC welcomed us with a sweet sign 🙂 Annie, Rachel, Eyelle, and Kelly have been working hard to distribute ambulatory care surveys, creating educational materials for patients, shadowing the providers, and making the health center more patient friendly.
Rachel, Eyelle, Annie & Kelly at the FQHC
The other group worked with Dr. Barzey (the only endocrinologist on the island) to create a comprehensive booklet on diabetes education that she can give to her patients. We also had the chance to go out into the community and survey the locals about their nutrition and exercise choices.
Mackenzie, Christina, Mary Macon, & Holly getting some cultural education from Dr. Barzey
Speaking of food choices, the most popular fruit on the island are mangos! They are sold on almost every street corner, and are some of the most delicious mangos we have ever tasted!
A local fruit stand in downtown St. Thomas
If you don’t believe me, ask Eyelle!
Eyelle enjoying a mango!
Both groups worked dilligently all week to meet their goals and deadlines. We have learned so much about the culture here on the island. It is amazing how differently islanders live, and how much they appreciate the small things that we often take for granted.
The most frequent mode of transportation on the island: The “Safari” serves as a taxi to the locals. Usually less than $5 per ride, and can fit up to 18 people!
At the end of a long week, Dr. Wright invited us to have dinner at her and her husband’s beautiful ocean side home in St. Thomas.
The girls with Dr. Wright and her husband Chip.
Did we mention the view from Dr. Wright’s front deck? (#nofilter) p.s. that is St. John in the distance
Before we knew it, the weekend was here! We took a ferry (only $6, 10 mins) to the gorgeous island of St. John to enjoy our weekend off! Here are some pics of our trip:
Welcome to St. John!
The girls enjoying the view of Trunk Bay- one of the beautiful beaches in St. John
A traditional dish of the island: curry chicken, yellow rice, boiled sweet potatoes, and veggies
The girls showing off their “Caribbean Hook Bracelets”
“Caribbean Hook Bracelets have been worn for centuries by islanders in the Caribbean, serves as “island time” to be a popular symbol of unity and love. The open end of the hook pointed up toward the heart means your love is take, the open end of the hook worn down away from the heart, means your love is free (unattached or single)”
We had an amazing time in St. John and were sad to leave 🙁 But also excited to start another week, and this time, all eight of us were reunited at the FQHC!
Annie pausing for a smile while preparing her ambulatory care surveys!
Mackenzie and Christina going over some important details for their clinical day
Rachel and Dr. Wright at the FQHC
We’ve had an incredible week so far here in the Virgin Islands, and look forward to this week’s adventures!
Nursing love,
Christina
