Notes From The Field
Dermatology Comes to Samlout, Cambodia!
By Stephen Flute, MJP-NHS Senior Nurse Practitioner
03 December 2009
On the 25th of November 2009, MJP invited a team of New York dermatologists (Dr David Colbert, Dr Bahar Malekzadeh, and Dr Christian Minyetty) to visit their operations in Battambang town and Samlout District, Cambodia to assess the prevalence of skin problems in the area and provide treatment where possible. The itinerary also included teaching MJP’s health teams about diagnosis and management of common skin problems, biopsy of more difficult cases and the use of telemedicine for dermatological problems.
Because dermatological assessments or treatments had never been offered in any rural clinics in Cambodia, it was never clear to MJP how many people would take up the offer of the dermatology service during their visit to Cambodia. It was therefore a fantastic sight to arrive at MJP’s supported health centre and see a waiting room full of patients waiting to see them. People living up to 40 km away from the health centre were patiently waiting for their opportunity to have a consultation with the experts
Over the next three days, around 100 patients were seen by the skin specialists, with a range of problems from dandruff to psoriasis. The team was also able to complete 12 biopsies and provide valuable experiential teaching to the Cambodian health team. MJP will conduct follow-up clinics and expand their health services to include basic dermatology.