For a week in July, I was given the opportunity to experience the well established Cleft Camp in Gujarat with OPSA.
Before arriving at the camp, I was fully aware of the procedures and treatments offered by the team; yet I was still full of nerves, and excited as I wasn’t sure what to expect from the week. However, it was safe to say that my week with the team left me feeling ecstatic, grateful and full of passion for this amazing charity.
It was a huge privilege to be allowed to scrub in with the team in theatre, and observe and aid in multiple surgeries and operations, such as Cleft Rhinoplasty, and Cleft lip and palate. Additionally, I was able to talk to patients and family as well, and it was a gratifying experience; knowing how these surgeries can change the lives of so many people, giving them a better shot at a good quality of life. It was extraordinary, to see the amazing before, and after of many patients, and to also see a major increase in confidence just by the looks on their faces. Most importantly, the thing I admired immensely about the entire team was the amount of time they contributed, and their dedication to the job. Once I began scrubbing in with the team, I realised the amount of time they keep working, without any breaks most of the time. The passion and dedication I witnessed is something that really highlighted to me what being a doctor is all about, and truly inspired me.
Armaan visiting her father, Mr Muhammad Riaz, in hospital.
It was brilliant to also see the Ayesha Bashir Cleft Hospital, and to see all the facilities it holds, and how closely dental surgeons and plastic surgeons worked in different cases. It highlighted the importance and necessity of multidisciplinary teams, especially in a lot of the cases I saw throughout the week. I was also able to visit the Club Foot project, which also presented some amazing, gradual improvements, which are life changing.
Overall, I had an amazing experience working with OPSA, and I feel extremely privileged to be able to travel to Pakistan and work with the team; and hope to do so more in the future!