Dear Friends,

 

As many of you know, my colleagues Jenn Haythe, Rachel Bijou and I will be traveling to Medyka, Poland for a week starting May 13 as volunteer physicians. We will be offering medical care for displaced Ukrainians in a field clinic operated by SSF. SSF is a relief organization that has operated an accessible and free medical tent in Medyka since the start of the war. This opportunity allows us to contribute our skills in a compressed time frame compatible with our work schedules.

Many of you have kindly asked about our plans and have offered help. I am grateful for your support and generosity. Below are the details on the upcoming trip and its background. Thank you for reading, and for your interest and support!

I apologize in advance for not being able to reply to everyone in a timely manner. If you would like to learn more about our progress, Jenn will be sharing updates via her twitter handle: @DrJennHaythe or on Instagram @drjennhaythe.

 

 

Background

 

As a physician born and raised in Ukraine, I have been following the war in Ukraine closely, and looking for ways to help. For several weeks, my colleagues and I have been in touch with Sauvateurs Sans Frontieres (SSF)'s Medyka team. SSF is one of the first relief organizations to mobilize after the invasion on Feb 24, 2022. SSF has operated continuously in Medyka and beyond, with the support of volunteer medical workers and donors from around the world. We have chosen to work with this team because of their commitment to serve all comers, regardless of their religion or background and for the impressive community of physicians they have assembled.

 

This is a grassroots effort. We will be serving displaced Ukrainians who will be crossing the border in order to escape the war. The typical care provided at this facility may range from treating minor injuries, and illnesses to providing short-term supplies of medication. Emergency and acute cases are referred to nearby hospitals and medical facilities. The tent is operated by volunteer doctors and nurses around the clock, in three 8-hour shifts.

 

We have been in close contact with volunteers who are currently on-site. We are preparing for our trip based on the most recent information provided by the volunteers currently on-site. For example, as we prepare for the trip, we have purchased medications in response to a list of requests by current volunteers.

 

Details and Budget

 

We have self-organized and self-funded our trip to Medyka, in coordination with SSF. So far, we are scheduled to provide coverage from May 15-21 on a rotating basis. Together, we will provide a minimum of 16 hours of medical care every day during our visit.

 

So far, we have self-funded the following basic expenses for 3 physicians, as follows:

 

# Cost Total Cost

Travel

Flight 3 $700 $2,100

Car 1 $1,000 $1,000

Accommodation for 3ppl/ 7 days 1 $600

Subtotal $3700

 

Supplies

OTC (Flonase, etc) 1 $500

Other supplies (chapstick, toys, etc) 1 $200 

RX (blood pressure meds, antibiotics 1 $400 

Subtotal $1,100

 

Total (as of 5/1) $4800

 

While all costs have already been covered, we would appreciate contributions to defray the cost of purchases of supplies and medication.