La Jornada de Papanicolaus

Our week of Papanicolaus was a success!  Forty women from the Palajunoj Valley came to receive checkups from Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Danielle Dittrich including our very own Primeros Pasos workers mother and daughter Florinda and Marta.  Solo practitioner Danielle had asked for my assistance in the one-on-one education of each women receiving a Pap smear.  This allowed for greater efficiency during the week and more importantly provided a private environment to address patient's questions.  During my time with them, I provided extensive education regarding the importance of Pap smear exams, what they tell us, how often they are required, and what occurs during the exam.  

Primeros Pasos Housekeeper Florinda y Dental Assistant Martita

Demonstrating how the Pap smear will be done

Many women with whom I spoke knew little, if any, information about Paps.  Those who had received a Pap smear in the past recounted their prior experiences.  Some stated that they had simply been told that getting the exam was an obligation; so they complied.  Some stated that previous practitioners did not explain what was being done to them during the exam; that they were simply told to undress, lie down, and spread their legs.  Those for whom this was their first experience, expressed being embarrassed or ashamed to get a pap smear because having a male practitioners was more common at the public hospital and other clinics where pap smears are more affordable.

Shy of pictures

Danielle Dittrich, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Extraordinaire

My basic education materials

When asked what a pap smear was, the majority of women explained that it was an opportunity for providers to clean their uterus.  These were their words not mine.  Though I was dumbfounded at this response, I understood.  With some rudimentary educational materials, we worked to untangle the misinformation and replaced it with a comprehensive explanation of Papanicolaus, for which the women were very appreciative.  All in all the "jornada" was successful -- a testament to the trust and confidence the communities have in us.  Danielle plans to come back in a year and the hope is that a greater number of women turn out than this year.  In the meantime, I can only hope that the clinic's next medical director is female.

I've since moved to another clinical location -- ACAM -- Asociacion de Comadronas del Area Mam and have been living with the midwives of Concepcion Chiquirichapa for a few days now.  Which as some of you know is an incredible opportunity for me.  Matt has come and gone after a month stay here with me in Xela, but not before a few mini-adventures.  I do miss him dearly.

The Waiting Room

Primeros Pasos Staff members with volunteer Cather: Mynor, Miriam, Marloes, Marta