The University of Lethbridge Doctors of Tomorrow (DOT)/Flying Doctors of Canada Team is awaiting takeoff for its 2012 trip to Central America.
The six-person group joins Flying Doctors founder and U of L alumnus Dr. Ben Cavilla (BSc '00) in Izalco, El Salvador in July, and will fan out to several small villages to help people with medical challenges that might be simple in Canada but can be complex in remote locations without proper care. This marks the fourth year a U of L team has participated.
"The Flying Doctors program has helped a number of U of L students have real experiences in the medical field and in meaningful humanitarian service," says Scott Anderson, a neuroscience student and team spokesperson.
"As well, by sending groups for four years in a row, we can see results of how the people in past groups have cared for improve and change with our help. Many organizations do not do this, long-term care and basic medical record keeping is often non-existent, and can often be just as helpful to people as the immediate on-site medical attention."
To support the group and its tour, they are hosting several events in April to raise funds, which will be applied to medical supplies and other items.
Their biggest event – the Sky Party – takes place Saturday, Apr. 14 and is an evening of live music, followed by a DJ and dance at The Mix by Ric's (103 Mayor Magrath Drive South, the second floor of the water tower). Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Search "The Sky Party" on Facebook.
As well, the team will host a bake sale, Apr. 16-17 in the SU Building lobby.
For more information about the DOT Team, contact Scott Anderson at scott.anderson@uleth.ca or Ashlee Matkin at ashlee.matkin@uleth.ca. The group's Facebook page is www.facebook.com/DOT2012. Additional donations to the team are welcome. Visit the Flying Doctors of Canada website at www.flyingdoctors.ca