YWAM Medical / Dental Mercy Ship

Interview with Dr Daryl Holmes - MD from 1300SMILES LTD on his recent volunteer experience onboard the PNG YWAM Medical / Dental Mercy Ship.

1. What first interested you about the YWAM Medical Ship?  I'd heard of medical/dental mercy ships in the past. In 2003 the Pacific Link came to Townsville and we had a local Aust. Dental Assoc. sub-branch visit to the ship when it was in port.  I was instantly inspired and it struck a cord way back then that this was going to be a wonderful thing. In those days, the ship was operating in the Southern South Pacific Islands and based out of NZ, but It was a 7 years before we saw a Townville based ship servicing PNG.

2. How do you see your role in assisting with YWAM's aim to address poverty and health care in PNG?   We (I personally & 1300SMILES Ltd) have committed to try and support as much as humanly possibly, the provision of the dental service in PNG, as well as behind the scenes helping with strategic planning, providing or facilitating dental stock & consumables, materials, equipment, and so on, that are needed for the Dental operation onboard the ship.  When I was in PNG, I was able to see firsthand everything in working order being used in high-demand situations and working well. We're seeing some of the worst of the worst cases, people coming in with severe pain and discomfort. They are living in poverty.

3. What was the most enjoyable aspect of your recent trip to PNG's Gulf Province?  Initially the unknown... and then actually flying into the remote village of Kikiori, getting into a Zodiac boat and visiting villages.   And finally getting onto the ship and getting through 10's and 100's of patients in dire need of help. Seeing it all first hand - the beauty and poverty...

4. What were you and Dannielle (1300 SMILES coworker) able to achieve while there?   A couple of hundred extractions and pain relief in the 2 1/2 days doing dentistry. I enjoyed working as a team in a unique and remote and slightly challenging environment - definitely less controlled than our normal practices. We also had the ability to cross-train and mentor a local health care worker, Kimpson, who has been minimally trained, give or take 8-10 years of experience doing all kinds of health things. Kimpson is the only one in a vast distance and for a vast number of people to give extractions and relieve pain. We were able to mentor and become friends with him and it was incredibly powerful for him and for us - it was amazing to see him grow and develop as an individual.

5. They say that PNG is the Land of the Unexpected - did anything unexpected happen to you?  Riding in a dugout canoe was pretty unique!  Clinically, there were some very unexpected dental disease and problems that we had to address and cope with and manage.  I found the amazing camaraderie among the other 49 people on board the ship really unexpected - how big-minded and selfless they were.  Oh and the kids! Little kids with huge machetes and axes at 3 or 5 years of age, chopping and working on dugout canoes and preparing sago.

6. How did you find the life on board the ship?  Great! Initially a bit claustrophobic and strange - but the company was extraordinary. There are an amazing group of backgrounds - at least a dozen nationalities. And ranging in age from 19 to people in their 50's. There was a wonderful spirit of selflessness, generosity and friendship.

7. What would you say to someone else considering getting involved?  Just do it. The challenges, the rewards and the feeling of giving of yourself for others' benefits is very gratifying and extremely worthwhile.   www.ywamships.org

interview courtesy of mediprotct