Medical Missionaries Travel to Ecuador

Twenty people, including Summit Health healthcare providers, as well as pharmacists, dietitians and doctors from the area, traveled to Ecuador in November as medical missionaries.

“We were working in rural areas lacking in proper facilities and modern comforts,” said Chaplain Paul Yeun, Director of Pastoral Services at Chambersburg Hospital and a member of the mission team. “We had great support and response from the local community. At the end of the day, our team was usually very tired, but we felt truly blessed to be able to touch so many lives.”

More than 1,700 patients were treated and more than 2,200 prescriptions were filled with medicine that was brought by the medical missionary team or purchased by the team locally.

“Besides family medicine, internal medicine and psychiatry, we provided dentistry and optometry with local health care providers,” Yeun said. “Integrated health education on subjects that included breast cancer, nutrition, general hygiene and smoking cessation was also offered by our team members.”

Chaplain Yeun also provided pastoral care and counseling for patients and their families. He offered four seminars on pastoral care and counseling to the local pastors and lay persons. “The attendance for the seminars was overwhelming each night,” Yeun said.

According to Chaplain Yeun, the missionaries received many donations from Franklin County churches and individuals to help the group take 17 bags of medicine, vitamins, and medical supplies with them to Ecuador.

Summit Health, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to building a healthier community through leading-edge medical technology, skilled physicians, caring staff, and convenient locations. Summit Health’s comprehensive selection of services and providers includes family physicians, surgeons, specialists, diagnostic services, a women’s health center, a fitness center, and two award-winning hospitals. For more information about Summit Health, call (717) 267-3000 or visit www.SummitHealth.org

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