Reflection: Desiree Barboza

Thailand was nothing like I expected it to be. In fact it was so much better than what I could have imagined! The decision to apply to Thailand was not decided easily. I constantly went back and forth with myself unsure if it would be the best fit. Worried because this would be my first trip out of the country. Despite all of this, I could not be anymore happy with my decision to go to Thailand! I fell in love with it so quickly and so easily, which made it so hard to leave.

This rotation has had such a positive impact on me. I was blown away with how happy and willing all the different hospitals and pharmacists were to teach us. It never felt like we burdened them. Not only this, but when I imagine being in their shoes... I imagine how difficult it must have been at times to communicate (knowing there could be a language barrier) but they persisted on! Which reminded me not to lose sight of these things. That showing care can go such a long way, as well as taking the time for others. But also how powerful persistence is. Especially when giving up can feel so safe and easy.

What I enjoyed the most was interacting with pharmacy students around our year, whether that was at the hospital or the school. It was interesting to hear from them about their culture and discuss similarities and differences.

What was very cool to see was how much herbs play a role in there medicine, but also how they they use it a lot of them time in combination with prescriptions. It was also cool to see that there use of herbs was not only based on experience, but at one hospital from research and clinical studies. All of there products are regulated. Being in Thailand has showed me how herbs can play a role in medicine. I know in the USA it is hard to regulate and know what is actually being put in herbal products, but Thailand was a great example on how these kinds of products can work. Especially for those who tend to lean to herbs before medicine.

Moments that impacted me most was visiting the Dengue hospital and the HIV community. The Dengue hospital consisted of children who were very sick. Yet you could see their strength and willingness to fight. Which was so beautiful to see! Visiting the HIV community reminded me that caring for everyone you come across makes an impact! Just by looking at someone you can't tell what their struggle or concerns are, and so you never know what kind of a difference showing compassion and care can make on a person. A lot of them deal with stigma or have been banned from their families, but what has kept them going is this community they have formed. Having people who support you is so essential and we can be an example of this to our patients everyday!

Just interacting with the people in Thailand has showed me more about what extending a hand to others looks like. They are so patient and willing to go out of their way to help. Some examples of this include; when a friend of mine got her ring stuck on her bag. Some ladies from a hair salon ran outside and dragged her in to help her get her ring out in one piece. Another example was at a sky top bar where they offered a friend a blanket to cover up her shorts instead of kicking her out, since shorts were not apart of the dress code.

I feel honored to have had this opportunity. I feel like it has changed me for the better! It was refreshing to absorb how people interact with each other. I have learned so much academically but I have also seen a lot of personal growth! Which I am blessed and thankful for!

Thank you for reading!
Desiree