As we think about the future, we are constantly talking about what kind of clinic do we want. We're no longer in the emergency aid business. The patients we see generally have the normal complaints--stomach or head ache, vaginitis, stiff muscles, diarrhea, diaper rash, and the like. We also find people with systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Occasionally a pregnant woman visits. The questions are who do we serve? What can we do best for the community in the long run? How do we shift to a more mature model?
Joanne Kimball is committed to a Health & Wellbeing Clinic. Her model stresses health education as much as health care. Children would be vaccinated and given regular check-ups. In addition, women would be taught good hygiene, the importance of boiling water before drinking it, the value of breast feeding and other basic child care skills. Just as critical, women would be counseled in family planning techniques and given an adequate supply of condoms.
Joanne & a ziplock of condoms for today's patients
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