My heart is full as I write about my experience hosting two Russian
doctors – a neurologist and an oncologist - in my home for the past four
days. Although we were not able to speak the same language, we were
able to communicate through gestures and a handy app that instantly
translated the written word. How did this experience come to pass?
In
an effort to build bridges and friendships across the world,
Rotary District 6910 hosted a team of nine Russian physicians and a translator
who wished to learn about medicine in America – how medical students are
taught and how patient care is delivered. After visiting Gainesville
and Athens, team members, who represented multiple specialties including
radiology, pediatrics, dermatology, neurology, oncology and others,
were transported to the home of Rotarian Thomas Shepherd, president of
Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville. Tom and his wife, Linda,
prepared a southern feast fit for royalty. Gwinnett Rotarians
who had volunteered to host the families in their homes, Al and Beverly
Hombroek, Mike and Margie Alexander, Wayne and Beth Sikes, Beatty and
Paula McCaleb and Barbara Myers, were also invited.
Thanks to the
Hayes Automotive Group, a 15-passenger van was available to transport
the Russian citizens around Gwinnett and even into Atlanta for
sightseeing. Sunday featured tours of the CNN Center, the World of
Coca-Cola and dinner at The Varsity. On Monday, the contingency visited
Georgia Campus – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM)
where they learned about how medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant
studies, biomedical sciences and physical therapy are taught to the
1,100 student population.
The translator wasn’t necessary when
the physicians toured the college’s Anatomy Lab which features several
Mondopads, touchscreens for learning. In addition, the Simulation Center
with high fidelity mannequins, a surgical suite, trauma bay and
birthing area captured the interest of the physicians. The Russian
doctors were familiar with the benefits of osteopathic manipulative
medicine and paid rapt attention to a demonstration by Dr. Regina
Fleming.
A stop at the Concussion Institute housed at Gwinnett
Medical Center in Duluth was a highlight of the visit, along with
information about rehabilitative services and bariatric surgery. The
physicians indicated they would like to implement some of what they
learned about the American delivery of health care in Russia.
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| Rotarians with Russian doctors at Gwinnett Medical Center |
Dinner
at
Dominick’s in downtown Lawrenceville was a hit Monday evening and
Tuesday morning featured more conversation via the handy cell phone app
and breakfast with the universal connector of coffee. Group members
admitted that their “impressions of the United States before arriving
were misguided and that going forward, regardless of what they hear on
the news, they’ll know firsthand that Americans, especially Rotarians
and Georgians, are a warm and friendly people.”
The Gwinnett experience took the combined efforts of the
Lawrenceville,
South Gwinnett and
Gwinnett Rotary clubs. A certificate
from the group stated, “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to
you for your hospitality and great contribution to Russian-American
relations…This is true dedication to world peace and mutual
understanding. Thank you for your friendship which helps to bring our
two great countries closer together.”
You never know what to
expect when you say “yes” to new experiences, but most often the rewards
are so much better than expected. Who knew? An invitation to St.
Petersburg was issued and several Gwinnettians may go as the guests of
our new Russian friends.
-Submitted by Barbara Myers, President-Elect, Rotary Club of South Gwinnett
