Creating a family tradition
Sylvan Lake family physician Dr. Ray Comeau has embarked on several medical missions through A Better World Canada.
Last June, Dr. Comeau accompanied a group of University of Alberta medical students – including his own son – to Kenya.
This type of work really changes your perspective on what’s important and what’s possible.
PHOTOSSee photos from Dr. Comeau's medical missions, including the recent trip to Kenya with medical students from the University of Alberta. |
Dr. Ray Comeau is no stranger to working on international medical missions. The family physician from Sylvan Lake and his wife Deryl, a registered nurse, have made several trips abroad through their work with A Better World Canada , making nine trips to six different countries since 2002.
“This type of work really changes your perspective on what’s important and what’s possible,” explains Dr. Comeau.
Last June, Dr. Comeau was able to share his passion for improving health care in developing nations with the next generation of physicians, when he accompanied a group of University of Alberta medical students to Kenya. Not surprisingly, the group included his own son.
“One of the mandates of A Better World Canada is to get young professionals exposed to overseas work,” says Dr. Comeau. During the trip, the three students worked alongside Dr. Comeau, his wife and other volunteers to deliver much needed medical care to patients in a village outside of Nairobi and later at a hospital in Mombasa. It was an inspiring experience for all involved.
“The students were able to do investigations and develop treatment plans,” notes Dr. Comeau. While there, they encountered everything from anthrax and leukemia to injuries and arthritis.
“We were able to do a lot of good things, including de-worming an entire community.” The students were also humbled by the gratitude of their patients. “To see the difference we can make in the lives of others is so fulfilling. Hopefully this work will continue to be part of their professional careers.”
