DocTours Newsletter June 2013

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your suggestions and feedback. We are rolling out some great new projects in the coming months. Are you ready to volunteer?

Thinking about volunteering ……

As people of all ages and different areas of the medical fraternity return from a Volunteer program, we welcome the many comments we receive about their experience.

Some are life changing.

One comment we received from a Registered Nurse was “Even though I have returned home, the memories of working there will stay with me forever. I can still see the gratitude and relief on the face of a young man who blessed another RN and myself with a blessing meant for Royalty. These images and more have deeply touched me and I have vowed to return for another term.“

Another volunteer wrote: “Go with an open mind and heart. Be prepared for culture shock, not too high expectations, do what you can and have a wonderful experience.”

Another: “It is always a fine line to tread when visiting health facilities in another country not to be critical of their system but I must confess I was shocked that no one seemed to bother with hand washing between patients. Having said that I found it an interesting experience that could be so much better if it was better organised in terms of what we would be doing there – our activities seemed to be a little ad hoc.”

The Oxford dictionary defines the following:

VOLUNTEER – A person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task.

CULTURE – The ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society.

EXPECTATION – A belief that someone will or should achieve something.

OPEN HEART, OPEN MIND (by Tsoknyi Rinpoche) We can set out on a path that allows us to reconnect with a tremendous inner potential for openness, warmth, and wisdom. Doing so, however, involves taking a fresh view of whatever circumstances we face, whether that involves chronic illness, childhood pain, relationship difficulties, or the loss of a job or a home. Although the message I was taught was inspired by a man who lived twenty-five hundred years ago, it remains as fresh today as it was back then.

The key phrase here is “Doing so, however, involves taking a fresh view of whatever circumstances we face”

So where is all this leading to? One cannot change the world overnight. It is impossible to predict what environment and challenges you may face. Therefore the most important thing to remember is FLEXIBILITY, FLEXIBILITY and more FLEXIBILITY and to serve with your best in mind.

What’s Hot? Bhutan with our small group tours

BHUTAN: The Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Stunningly beautiful and surrounded by snowy Alps, peaceful and traditional villages each dominated by its own Dzong (or Fort), chanting monks and a serenity quite unlike anything you have felt before. Our 7 night tour boasts the following highlights:

* The Himalayan Peaks

* 3 nights in stunning Punakha the original capital visiting ancient villages that have not changed in centuries, Visits to Monasteries (dzongs) and the rhododendron forest. See the black neck cranes from the Tibetan plateau and the Phobjikha Glacial Valley.

* 2 nights in Thimphu to see the Institute of Traditional Medicine and a Buddhist Nunnery. Thimphu is the modern Capital of Bhutan and an exciting blend of modern and tradition. Most of Bhutan’s people wear the traditional costume. Thimphu is just beautiful.

* 2 nights in Paro with a visit to the national museum and the unbelievable Taktsang Monastery known as the Tigers Nest.

Photos by: Jon Tanner

Our small group tours have a maximum of 20 people. Dates and prices will be out soon for both Bhutan and our tour to Myanmar – so email us on enquiries@doctours.com.au to register your interest.

Volunteer Experiences

As promised last month, we have included the full article written by Dr. Bruce Gerard on his recent visit to Cambodia. The article was published in the Medical Observer Journal on 14 June:  http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/helping-has-tangibleresults

What’s new … Too busy? Feeling stressed?

We love playing soothing music from the Hush Music Foundation. Hush works with Australian musicians on a voluntary basis to create calming music that comforts children, parents, and staff in operating theatres and waiting areas. Playing music in a high-pressure workplace and an overwhelming environment can help patients and carers deal with the pain and anxiety. The Foundation supports Australia’s children’s hospitals by providing a series of CDs with revenue from the sale of CDs funds research into pain management. The CDs are available at ABC outlets, hospital shops and online at www.hush.org.au.

As promised last month, we have included the full article written by Dr Bruce Gerard on his recent visit to Cambodia. The article was published in the Medical Observer Journal on 14 June:  http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/helping-has-tangibleresults